Turkish adventure ends, road to Wales begins
Saturday, July 14, 2012
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Just 98 days after Sweden were crowned in Turkey, 40 teams will line up for the first qualifying round on the road to Wales and the 2013 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship.
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Just 98 days after Sweden were crowned in Turkey, 40 teams will line up for the first stage on the road to Wales and the 2012/13 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship.
The first qualifying round takes place between 20 and 25 October, with Sweden beginning their defence against Slovenia in Russia. The top two in each of ten four-team groups progressing to April's second qualifying round along with the third-placed team with the best record against the top two in their section.
Three countries await them there: with the highest coefficients, Germany, France and England were all given a bye through the initial stage. Seven teams advance from the second qualifying round to join hosts and finals debutants Wales at the final tournament in and around Swansea between 19 and 31 August 2013.
2012/13 first qualifying round draw (hosts in bold)
Group 1: Republic of Ireland, Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia
Group 2: Austria, Italy, Greece, Kazakhstan
Group 3: Ukraine, Belgium, Faroe Islands, Croatia
Group 4: Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Northern Ireland
Group 5: Norway, Scotland, Turkey, Belarus
Group 6: Denmark, Iceland, Moldova, Slovakia
Group 7: Spain, Finland, Estonia, Bulgaria
Group 8: Czech Republic, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Group 9: Sweden, Russia, Slovenia, Azerbaijan
Group 10: Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania, Israel
Byes to second qualifying round: Germany, France, England
Bye to final tournament: Wales (hosts)
