Post by Taxigirl on Dec 5, 2003 18:42:35 GMT
France, Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands - a good draw for Brian Kerr and better still, FAI supremo Fran Rooney has negotiated a euro 7m million TV bonanza.
The draw for World Cup 2006 threw up the usual range of surprises, including the grouping of England Wales, Northern Ireland in the same qualifying group.
But for Kerr and the Republic of Ireland it looks like we're playing for a play-off place already.
France's standing in world football remains unruffled by their dreadful performance in Japan/Korea and many expect Thierry Henry and Co to dominate Euro 2004 in Portugal next summer.
But for Rooney, the draw produced much of what he wanted and a goldmine in television rights.
"It's an exciting group," Rooney told soccercentral immediately after the draw. "It's a nice draw for everyone."
"The bonus from our point of view is the fact that we had already negotiated tv rights before the draw started and we have nailed down euro7m."
"France will be a hugely attractive opponent, a team that's right up there with the best in the world."
"We've got business to do with Switzerland and I'm sure Brian will be looking forward to the chance of some revenge."
Group 1
Czech Republic
Netherlands
Romania
Finland
FYR Macedonia
Armenia
Andorra
Group 2
Turkey
Denmark
Greece
Ukraine
Georgia
Albania
Kazakhstan
Group 3
Portugal
Russia
Slovakia
Latvia
Estonia
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Group 4
France
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Switzerland
Israel
Cyprus
Faroe Islands
Group 5
Italy
Slovenia
SCOTLAND
Norway
Belarus
Moldova
Group 6
ENGLAND
Poland
Austria
WALES
NORTHERN IRELAND
Azerbaijan
Group 7
Spain
Belgium
Serbia and Mont
Bosnia
Lithuania
San Marino
Group 8
Sweden
Croatia
Bulgaria
Iceland
Hungary
Malta
