Future looks bright for Oranje

Netherlands coach Ed Engelkes believes his side have an excellent chance of reaching next summer's UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship after being drawn against Italy, Slovakia and Hungary.

Improving standards
The Dutch last reached the final tournament in Leipzig in 2003 and would have reached the semi-finals had they not lost 2-1 to eventual winners France in their last pool fixture, yet women's football - under the astute leadership of Vera Pauw - is on the up in the country of Cruyff and Van Basten, as typified by a superb 1-0 away victory against France in FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying recently.

Opportunities created
Engelkes, along with Pauw, was in Oslo this week for the 5th UEFA Women's Football Conference, from where he shared his views on the draw with uefa.com. "This draw has created opportunities for us and I wouldn't say I'm dissatisfied," Engelkes said. "If you take a look at what we could have had - Groups 1, 2 and 6 are very tough - then we have to think that we have a chance to see the Netherlands again in the final tournament.

'Progressing nicely'
"We had arranged a friendly against Italy on 5 April so I suppose we'll have to change that now! The team is progressing nicely and we could do well. We have some players in the Under-19 set-up who also play for the full national team, although they only do so when not on duty for the Under-19s."

Norway v France
In contrast, Norway coach Jarl Torske knows his side are up against it having been paired with last season's runners-up France in a repeat of the 2003 final won by Les Bleuettes in Leipzig. "Obviously it was a tough draw," said Torske, whose side were in the third tier of teams having been pipped by the Republic of Ireland to first place in their first qualifying round pool.

Positive outlook
"We were prepared for that though because of the result against Ireland. Serbia and Montenegro and Poland have also been progressing so you cannot expect an easy game at this stage. We'll have some players back from injury by April so will hope to have a good and strong Norwegian team who can win the group and qualify."