Scots steeled for Dutch duel

Scotland manager Berti Vogts admitted his side had been handed one of the toughest ties after today's UEFA EURO 2004™ play-offs draw.

Past history
It is arguably the most evocative encounter of the five two-legged fixtures taking place next month, the winners of which will join the eleven teams already through to next summer's finals in Portugal. The sides have met on many previous occasions including the finals of the 1992 and 1996 UEFA European Championships. The Dutch won 1-0 in the first of those meetings, before a goalless draw four years later.

Gemmill magic
Yet the most famous meeting of the two nations came in the 1978 FIFA World Cup finals in Argentina, when Archie Gemmill scored a magnificent solo goal as the Scots won 3-2. Gemmill's son Scot plays for Scotland and will hope to be involved in next month's meeting.

Extra incentive
There is added spice because the Netherlands are now coached by Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers FC manager, who had stated before the draw that he wanted to tackle the Scots for "personal reasons". The Dutch also boast Rangers pair Fernando Ricksen and Ronald de Boer.

Every chance
Vogts, who was in the West Germany side who beat the Dutch in the 1974 World Cup final, said: "This is probably one of the toughest draws in the group but it is still just two games. Anything can happen and we have a chance. It will be a good experience for us but we are looking forward to it.

Past form
The meeting of neighbours Slovenia and Croatia promises to be another intriguing encounter. The sides have met on six previous occasions, with Croatia winning four and never finishing on the losing side. Otto Baric, the Croatia coach, said: "I admit I am satisfied, but I don't think it will be easy. We are not stupid enough to underestimate them. We must play two perfect games, we don't have room for error."

Still confident
However, Rudi Zavrl, the Football Association of Slovenia president, pointed to his team's proven pedigree in recent years. "We are not in a position to be the favourite because we are a small football country, but in the last four years we have played in the EURO finals and the World Cup finals. From a sporting point of view, football is an unpredictable game and we will try do our best."

Hughes happy
Wales are another of UEFA's smaller members but they will feel they have every chance against Russia, in the first meeting of the sides since the collapse of the Soviet Union, especially with the second leg at home. Welsh coach Mark Hughes said: "It is a tough draw, but we knew whoever we were selected with would be difficult. I have to say we have avoided some of the more potent footballing nations, so we are reasonably happy." He added: "There is a very realistic chance we can get through."

Koloskov 'satisfied'
Vyacheslav Koloskov, president of the Football Union of Russia, said: "We are very satisfied with the result. We think Wales are the best opponent for us to face. We would like to play teams like Spain, Holland or Turkey but it's better to play them in Portugal."

Semb wary
Norway are under no illusions about the task facing them after being paired with Spain. Coach Nils Johan Semb said: "This will be extremely challenging. We will have to work extremely hard. But nothing is impossible." The Norwegians can at least take heart from a 1-0 victory against Spain at EURO 2000™. "That was some years ago," Semb said. "Their team is full of class players."

Weather worry
Spain coach Iñaki Sáez was happy with the draw but warned freezing conditions could impair his team's chances in the return. "It's a bad time to be going up to Norway," he said, "the main problem for us will be the cold weather and perhaps the pitch will be in a poor state." However, Sáez pointed out that Norway's lack of firepower could benefit his side.

'It will be hard'
Latvia, who are in the play-offs for the first time after winning in Sweden on Saturday, have been paired with Turkey. Coach Aleksandrs Starkovs said: "We'll try our best, but it will be hard. They are definitely stronger than Sweden at the moment."