Contenders set for finals

The eight-team lineup for the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship final round is complete after Italy's play-off victory against the Czech Republic on Saturday.

Élite octet
Hosts England and qualifying group winners Sweden, Denmark, France and Germany - the holders - were the first five to claim their places, and in the last six weeks have been joined by the three play-off victors. Finland made the finals for the first time by defeating Russia 4-1 over two legs, and two-time European champions Norway joined them with their overall 9-3 triumph against Iceland a fortnight prior to Italy's triumph.

January draw
Only Finland were not present in Germany four years ago when the hosts defeated Sweden 1-0 in Ulm to complete a hat-trick of consecutive triumphs. The teams will be drawn into two groups of four at the venue for the opening game, the City of Manchester stadium, on 19 January 2005, after which tickets go on sale. The finals run from 5-19 June with matches also held in Warrington, Preston and Blackpool and the final takes place at Blackburn Rovers FC's Ewood Park.

President's praise