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  • Germany take on Turkey in Euro 2012 qualifiers

    Deutsche Welle, Germany
    Feb 7 2010


    Germany take on Turkey in Euro 2012 qualifiers


    Sunday's draw in Warsaw placed Belgium, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan
    alongside Germany, Austria and Turkey in Group A.

    The toughest of the group by far is expected to be Turkey. The Turkish
    team has a reputation for tenacity and overcoming obstacles, as they
    did during the 2008 Euro semi-final against Germany, where they almost
    managed a victory despite a roster shot through with injuries and
    suspensions. The Germans beat them 3-2 with a winning goal in the 79th
    minute.

    Germany coach Joachim Loew said he expected his team and Turkey to be
    the group favorites.

    "We should qualify for the finals, I think we can expect that," Loew
    said after the draw.

    Battle of the Germans

    There are three German coaches among the six teams. Besides Loew,
    former national coach Berti Vogts coaches Azerbaijan, and Bernd Storck
    leads Kazakhstan.

    Vogt said on Sunday he looked forward to a windfall after his team was
    drawn against Germany.

    Bildunterschrift: GroÃ?Â?ansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:
    Germany coach Loew may not be be in charge at the Euro 2012"We will
    receive lots of money thanks to the game against Germany, and that
    means we can build more stadiums and invest in youth development,"
    Vogts said. "We're happy to be playing against Germany, from whom we
    can learn a lot and who will let us play. We know we must improve
    although we're on the right path."

    Storck said he too was happy with the outcome.

    "For us and especially for me, (it is) a real highlight to play
    against Germany with Kazakhstan," he said. "It's equally good to play
    against Azerbaijan and to meet former Germany coach Berti Vogts in the
    duel of the outsiders."

    But Germany coach Joachim Loew, who may not be in charge for the
    tournament after negotiations over the extension of his contract
    stalled last week, was cautious of facing teams coached by his
    compatriots.

    "Logically, it's not completely simple against Kazakhstan and
    Azerbaijan," he said. "It's a German-speaking group with a lot of
    German coaches. Naturally, Germany and Turkey are the favorites."

    Armenia had originally been a member of group A, but had to be redrawn
    because of political tensions with Azerbaijan.

    Under a pre-arranged agreement, Armenia were moved into Group B where
    they will face Russia, Slovakia, Ireland, Macedonia and Andorra.

    European champions Spain were the last drawn team, and they will face
    the Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania, and Liechtenstein.

    World champions Italy will face a tougher slate of opponents in World
    Cup 2010 finalists Serbia and Slovenia. Also in Group C are Northern
    Ireland, Estonia and the Faroe Islands.

    The first qualifiers begin in September, and the final play-offs are
    set for November 2011.

    Draw for Euro 2012 qualifiers:

    Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan.

    Group B: Russia, Slovakia, Republic of Ireland, Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra.

    Group C: Italy, Serbia, Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands.

    Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg.

    Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino.

    Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta.

    Group G: England, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales, Montenegro.

    Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland.

    Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania, Liechtenstein.

    svs/dpa/Reuters/AP
    Editor: Sonia Phalnikar

    http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,52 24507,00.html

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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