Media details have been released for the draw for the UEFA EURO 2008™ final tournament at the Culture and Convention Centre in Lucerne, Switzerland on Sunday 2 December (12.00CET). Media accreditation requests can be made from today.
Draw procedure
Under the draw procedure, host associations Switzerland and Austria are automatically qualified and will be allocated into positions A1 and B1 respectively. The other 14 teams will be split into four pots. Pot 1 will comprise the reigning European champions Greece, if they qualify, as well as the nation with the highest coefficient. The other teams will then be placed in the three remaining pots, based on the coefficient obtained in the qualifying competitions for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2008™.
Filling first positions
The draw will start with Pot 1 in order to fill the first position in each group. A first ball will be drawn from Pot 1 and the drawn team placed into the first position in Group C. Thereafter, the second ball from Pot 1 will be drawn and the respective team will be placed into the first position of Group D.
Draw continues
The draw will then continue with Pot 4 and end with Pot 2. A ball will be drawn from Pot 4 and placed into Group A. In order to determine the position of the team within the group and the fixtures order, a ball will be drawn from Pot a (either A2, A3 or A4). Moving to Group B, another team will be drawn from Pot 4. Once again, to determine the position of the team within the group, a ball will be drawn from Pot b (either B2, B3 or B4). The same procedure will be repeated for Group C and D (in consecutive order) until all balls from Pot 4 have been drawn and positioned in each group. The same procedures will be followed for Pot 3 and Pot 2.
Press conference
The draw will be followed by a photo shoot on stage with the coaches of the qualified teams and UEFA President Michel Platini, and by a press conference for each of the four groups.
Media accreditation
Media representatives wishing to apply for accreditation for the UEFA EURO 2008™ final round draw must apply directly to UEFA and can do so as of today via the online accreditation service on www.uefa.com. All media representatives and/or their companies need to be registered in FAME before they can apply for accreditation. Individual media representatives can register at https://tinyurl.com/2ltrb2.
CFOU policy
Non-rights-holding medium and large-scale media, broadcasters and radio stations are invited to contact Euro 2008 SA’s media accreditation department for details about the CFOU policy (person responsible for entering and managing all accreditation requests for a company with more than five media event staff).
Accreditation deadline
The deadline for accreditations is Friday 23 November, thereby allowing media representatives from countries whose national team only qualifies in November to apply. Confirmation/rejection emails will be sent out on 26 November.
In case of cancellation
Applications received after the deadline may not be considered. In case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, please immediately advise UEFA Media Accreditation Services by writing to fame_accreditations@uefa.ch. No-shows will be taken into consideration for future UEFA events.
EXCO meeting
The next meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee will also take place in Lucerne on Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December. More details on the agenda and the accreditation procedure for this meeting will be announced in due course.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Luck's out for Luxembourg
Yet to pick up a point in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying, coach Guy Hellers is hoping for a change of fortune as Luxembourg face Belarus on 13 October.
EURO washout
Luxembourg have had some encouraging results in friendlies in the last 12 months, not least a 2-1 win against Gambia, but when it comes to competitive games the EURO campaign has been a washout. Hellers' side have lost all nine of their games, scoring just once and conceding 20 times, with three of those goals coming in the recent 3-0 defeat against Bulgaria.
No match
An inexperienced side, with an average aged of 26 and a half, found themselves no match for Bulgaria. Hellers said: "Bulgaria were superior in running as well as in their fighting spirit. We had big problems with the exceptional player Dimitar Berbatov who scored twice. I am disappointed with the performance of some of my players, whose way of playing I did not like at all."
Friendly game
On Wednesday, Luxembourg will host Belgian top-tier team KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen in a friendly in Koerich hoping to restore some composure ahead of the upcoming qualifier in Gomel. However, the feeling is that - for all of Hellers' efforts - not much can be done to raise the standard of the national team's performances until more local players move abroad.
Simple fact
Paul Philipp, president of the Luxembourg Football Federation and a former professional player and national team coach said: "The spine of the national team can only be strengthened if we have four or five players who play for foreign clubs." At the moment Hellers has only two professionals at his disposal: Jeff Strasser from FC Metz and Mario Mutsch from FC Aarau.
'More training'
While Luxembourg have no illusions as to their place in European football, the nation - which includes 30,000 licensed players - perhaps should be getting better results. Philipp is certainly eager to grab something from their remaining three qualifiers, but added: "The current situation can only be changed with more training."
Limited incentive
The question is where that training will come from. In an ideal world, players would be training with professional clubs every day, but the majority of local players are semi-professional. Turning professional means moving abroad, but with players able to earn good wages from their clubs to add to their everyday earnings, there is arguably not enough incentive for them to head away.
EURO washout
Luxembourg have had some encouraging results in friendlies in the last 12 months, not least a 2-1 win against Gambia, but when it comes to competitive games the EURO campaign has been a washout. Hellers' side have lost all nine of their games, scoring just once and conceding 20 times, with three of those goals coming in the recent 3-0 defeat against Bulgaria.
No match
An inexperienced side, with an average aged of 26 and a half, found themselves no match for Bulgaria. Hellers said: "Bulgaria were superior in running as well as in their fighting spirit. We had big problems with the exceptional player Dimitar Berbatov who scored twice. I am disappointed with the performance of some of my players, whose way of playing I did not like at all."
Friendly game
On Wednesday, Luxembourg will host Belgian top-tier team KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen in a friendly in Koerich hoping to restore some composure ahead of the upcoming qualifier in Gomel. However, the feeling is that - for all of Hellers' efforts - not much can be done to raise the standard of the national team's performances until more local players move abroad.
Simple fact
Paul Philipp, president of the Luxembourg Football Federation and a former professional player and national team coach said: "The spine of the national team can only be strengthened if we have four or five players who play for foreign clubs." At the moment Hellers has only two professionals at his disposal: Jeff Strasser from FC Metz and Mario Mutsch from FC Aarau.
'More training'
While Luxembourg have no illusions as to their place in European football, the nation - which includes 30,000 licensed players - perhaps should be getting better results. Philipp is certainly eager to grab something from their remaining three qualifiers, but added: "The current situation can only be changed with more training."
Limited incentive
The question is where that training will come from. In an ideal world, players would be training with professional clubs every day, but the majority of local players are semi-professional. Turning professional means moving abroad, but with players able to earn good wages from their clubs to add to their everyday earnings, there is arguably not enough incentive for them to head away.
Wales gamble on Bellamy fitness
Wales have problems in attack after naming their squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers against Cyprus and San Marino.
Bellamy included
Captain Craig Bellamy, who inspired a 5-2 win in Slovakia last month, is included by manager John Toshack even though he has missed West Ham United FC's last three games with a groin strain. The manager's other options – Freddie Eastwood, Robert Earnshaw and Jermaine Easter – are all out of favour at their clubs. Wigan Athletic FC midfielder Jason Koumas is included after missing the Slovakia trip through injury. Wales play Cyprus in Nicosia, on 13 October and face San Marino in Serravalle four days later.
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Danny Coyne (Tranmere Rovers FC), Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Lewis Price (Derby County FC).
Defenders: Danny Gabbidon, James Collins (West Ham United FC), Steve Evans (Wrexham FC), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County FC), Craig Morgan (Peterborough FC), Sam Ricketts (Hull City AFC), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Neal Eardley (Oldham Athletic FC).
Midfielders: Simon Davies (Fulham FC), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City FC), Jason Koumas (Wigan Athletic FC), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham FC), Mark Jones (Wrexham FC), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace FC), Carl Robinson (Toronto FC), David Vaughan (Real Sociedad de Fútbol).
Forwards: Craig Bellamy (West Ham United FC), Robert Earnshaw (Derby County FC), Freddy Eastwood (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Jermaine Easter (Wycombe Wanderers FC).
Bellamy included
Captain Craig Bellamy, who inspired a 5-2 win in Slovakia last month, is included by manager John Toshack even though he has missed West Ham United FC's last three games with a groin strain. The manager's other options – Freddie Eastwood, Robert Earnshaw and Jermaine Easter – are all out of favour at their clubs. Wigan Athletic FC midfielder Jason Koumas is included after missing the Slovakia trip through injury. Wales play Cyprus in Nicosia, on 13 October and face San Marino in Serravalle four days later.
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Danny Coyne (Tranmere Rovers FC), Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Lewis Price (Derby County FC).
Defenders: Danny Gabbidon, James Collins (West Ham United FC), Steve Evans (Wrexham FC), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County FC), Craig Morgan (Peterborough FC), Sam Ricketts (Hull City AFC), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Neal Eardley (Oldham Athletic FC).
Midfielders: Simon Davies (Fulham FC), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City FC), Jason Koumas (Wigan Athletic FC), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham FC), Mark Jones (Wrexham FC), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace FC), Carl Robinson (Toronto FC), David Vaughan (Real Sociedad de Fútbol).
Forwards: Craig Bellamy (West Ham United FC), Robert Earnshaw (Derby County FC), Freddy Eastwood (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Jermaine Easter (Wycombe Wanderers FC).
Monday, October 1, 2007
Bilić keeps faith with Croatia regulars
Croatia coach Slaven Bilić has made no surprise inclusions in his squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Israel in Zagreb on 13 October.
Kovač travels
Captain Niko Kovač is included in the 23-man selection despite expecting to be out of action for four to six weeks with a muscle injury in his left leg. "Kovač will remain on the list as he will come and give support to his team-mates," said Bilić. "It's well known what he means to us, but our goal remains the same - it's victory. Israel don't lose too many games. They lost against England because they played pretty badly. This would be their crucial match and they have to win if they want to stay in the running." Croatia lead Group E with 23 points from nine games with Israel six points adrift in fourth spot.
Croatia squad
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (FC Spartak Moskva), Vedran Runje (RC Lens), Mario Galinović (Panathinaikos FC).
Defenders: Dario Šimić (AC Milan), Robert Kovač (BV Borussia Dortmund), Josip Šimunić (Hertha BSC Berlin), Vedran Ćorluka (Manchester City FC), Dino Drpić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Dario Kenežević (AS Livorno Calcio).
Midfielders: Jerko Leko (AS Monaco FC), Marko Babić (Real Betis Balompié), Darijo Srna (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Luka Modrić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Jurica Vranješ (Werder Bremen), Danijel Pranjić (SC Heerenveen), Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Ognjen Vukojević (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Niko Kovač (FC Salzburg).
Forwards: Mladen Petrić (BV Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), Boško Balaban (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal FC), Ivan Rakitić (FC Schalke 04).
Kovač travels
Captain Niko Kovač is included in the 23-man selection despite expecting to be out of action for four to six weeks with a muscle injury in his left leg. "Kovač will remain on the list as he will come and give support to his team-mates," said Bilić. "It's well known what he means to us, but our goal remains the same - it's victory. Israel don't lose too many games. They lost against England because they played pretty badly. This would be their crucial match and they have to win if they want to stay in the running." Croatia lead Group E with 23 points from nine games with Israel six points adrift in fourth spot.
Croatia squad
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (FC Spartak Moskva), Vedran Runje (RC Lens), Mario Galinović (Panathinaikos FC).
Defenders: Dario Šimić (AC Milan), Robert Kovač (BV Borussia Dortmund), Josip Šimunić (Hertha BSC Berlin), Vedran Ćorluka (Manchester City FC), Dino Drpić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Dario Kenežević (AS Livorno Calcio).
Midfielders: Jerko Leko (AS Monaco FC), Marko Babić (Real Betis Balompié), Darijo Srna (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Luka Modrić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Jurica Vranješ (Werder Bremen), Danijel Pranjić (SC Heerenveen), Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Ognjen Vukojević (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Niko Kovač (FC Salzburg).
Forwards: Mladen Petrić (BV Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), Boško Balaban (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal FC), Ivan Rakitić (FC Schalke 04).
Bilić keeps faith with Croatia regulars
Croatia coach Slaven Bilić has made no surprise inclusions in his squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Israel in Zagreb on 13 October.
Kovač travels
Captain Niko Kovač is included in the 23-man selection despite expecting to be out of action for four to six weeks with a muscle injury in his left leg. "Kovač will remain on the list as he will come and give support to his team-mates," said Bilić. "It's well known what he means to us, but our goal remains the same - it's victory. Israel don't lose too many games. They lost against England because they played pretty badly. This would be their crucial match and they have to win if they want to stay in the running." Croatia lead Group E with 23 points from nine games with Israel six points adrift in fourth spot.
Croatia squad
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (FC Spartak Moskva), Vedran Runje (RC Lens), Mario Galinović (Panathinaikos FC).
Defenders: Dario Šimić (AC Milan), Robert Kovač (BV Borussia Dortmund), Josip Šimunić (Hertha BSC Berlin), Vedran Ćorluka (Manchester City FC), Dino Drpić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Dario Kenežević (AS Livorno Calcio).
Midfielders: Jerko Leko (AS Monaco FC), Marko Babić (Real Betis Balompié), Darijo Srna (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Luka Modrić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Jurica Vranješ (Werder Bremen), Danijel Pranjić (SC Heerenveen), Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Ognjen Vukojević (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Niko Kovač (FC Salzburg).
Forwards: Mladen Petrić (BV Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), Boško Balaban (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal FC), Ivan Rakitić (FC Schalke 04).
Kovač travels
Captain Niko Kovač is included in the 23-man selection despite expecting to be out of action for four to six weeks with a muscle injury in his left leg. "Kovač will remain on the list as he will come and give support to his team-mates," said Bilić. "It's well known what he means to us, but our goal remains the same - it's victory. Israel don't lose too many games. They lost against England because they played pretty badly. This would be their crucial match and they have to win if they want to stay in the running." Croatia lead Group E with 23 points from nine games with Israel six points adrift in fourth spot.
Croatia squad
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (FC Spartak Moskva), Vedran Runje (RC Lens), Mario Galinović (Panathinaikos FC).
Defenders: Dario Šimić (AC Milan), Robert Kovač (BV Borussia Dortmund), Josip Šimunić (Hertha BSC Berlin), Vedran Ćorluka (Manchester City FC), Dino Drpić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Dario Kenežević (AS Livorno Calcio).
Midfielders: Jerko Leko (AS Monaco FC), Marko Babić (Real Betis Balompié), Darijo Srna (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Luka Modrić (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Jurica Vranješ (Werder Bremen), Danijel Pranjić (SC Heerenveen), Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Ognjen Vukojević (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Niko Kovač (FC Salzburg).
Forwards: Mladen Petrić (BV Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), Boško Balaban (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal FC), Ivan Rakitić (FC Schalke 04).
Forssell to sit out key Finland qualifier
Mikael Forssell will miss Finland's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Belgium in Brussels on 13 October because he needs a hernia operation.
Short absence
The 26-year-old striker had only just returned to fitness at English Premier League club Birmingham City FC after a long lay-off with a serious knee injury when he was struck by this latest blow. "The only good thing is that the recovery time will not be long," Forssell said. "I will be out for two or three weeks." He will sit out the vital Group A game against Belgium as Roy Hodgson's side attempt to hold on to second place ahead of Portugal and Serbia, both of whom have a match in hand. Finland have 19 points from their eleven qualifiers, two fewer than leaders Poland.
Short absence
The 26-year-old striker had only just returned to fitness at English Premier League club Birmingham City FC after a long lay-off with a serious knee injury when he was struck by this latest blow. "The only good thing is that the recovery time will not be long," Forssell said. "I will be out for two or three weeks." He will sit out the vital Group A game against Belgium as Roy Hodgson's side attempt to hold on to second place ahead of Portugal and Serbia, both of whom have a match in hand. Finland have 19 points from their eleven qualifiers, two fewer than leaders Poland.
EUROSCHOOLS to further football education
The EUROSCHOOLS 2008 project has been launched, with schools across Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein poised to learn about all 53 UEFA member nations.
Footballing education
The project, which is receiving €500,000 in funding from UEFA, will prompt schools across the three countries to adopt one UEFA nation each, to learn about it during the academic year and also to represent it in a series of special football tournaments, played with an accent on Fair Play. EUROSCHOOLS 2008 will reach its climax with an international final in Innsbruck in June 2008. Launch events have taken place in Zuchwil, Trogen and Zurich with further ones due in Geneva on 2 October, Innsbruck on 10 October, Salzburg on 15 October, Vienna on 18 October and Klagenfurt on 22 October. For more information, visit www.euroschools2008.org.
Footballing education
The project, which is receiving €500,000 in funding from UEFA, will prompt schools across the three countries to adopt one UEFA nation each, to learn about it during the academic year and also to represent it in a series of special football tournaments, played with an accent on Fair Play. EUROSCHOOLS 2008 will reach its climax with an international final in Innsbruck in June 2008. Launch events have taken place in Zuchwil, Trogen and Zurich with further ones due in Geneva on 2 October, Innsbruck on 10 October, Salzburg on 15 October, Vienna on 18 October and Klagenfurt on 22 October. For more information, visit www.euroschools2008.org.
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