Elite round ordeal awaits Germany's rivals
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Article summary
Italy, Belarus and Czech Republic have the daunting task of playing holders Germany following the draw for the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship elite round.
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Holders Germany will take on Italy, Belarus and Czech Republic in the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship elite round following the draw in Nyon, with Denmark, Sweden and Norway all pooled together in a Scandinavian-accented Group 5 staged in Austria.
Elite round draw
Group 1 (11-16 April): Finland, Switzerland, Turkey*, Serbia
Group 2 (9-14 April): England, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland*, Hungary
Group 3 (9-14 April): Germany (holders), Italy*, Belarus, Czech Republic
Group 4 (22-27 March): Spain, Belgium, Russia*, Romania
Group 5 (11-16 April): Denmark, Austria*, Sweden, Norway
Group 6 (23-28 March): France, Scotland, Poland*, Slovakia
*Hosts
The six group winners and the runner-up with the best record against the sides first and third in their pool qualify to join hosts Iceland in the finals from 22 June to 4 July 2015.
Draw facts
• Germany, France and Spain received a bye to this round.
• Germany won the first eight-team finals last season in England, their fourth title.
• Spain have won two championships, with Poland the other former winners.
• Finland, Turkey, Belarus (who will stage the 2016 tournament), Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia and Romania are all hoping to qualify for the first time.
