Football: Russia face German resistance on road to World Cup
Published: 25 November, 2007, 18:23
The draw for the qualifying rounds of the 2010 World Cup has been held in the host country, South Africa. It will be no easy task for Russia to reach the finals of the tournament – with Germany drawn alongside them in group 4.
It’ll be tough because the team that finishes second will have to scrap it out in a play-off against another runner-up. Only the top team definitely qualifies for the finals in South Africa.
The other teams in Russia's group are Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein. So Russian supporters have some interesting away trips in store. Qualification begins next autumn.
Elsewhere, Group 1 might be the most competitive with Portugal, Sweden and Denmark expected to fight for the one automatic world cup place on offer.
The Czech Republic are hot favourites in the third group, likewise Spain in Group 5.
The the most eye-catching contest will perhaps be in Group 6. England and Croatia face each other yet again with Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan in the group as well.
Meanwhile, Scotland will need to give it everything to overcome Holland in Group 8.
The full draw:
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