Lucky Germans

Despite being one of the four top seeds in the draw, the Dutch, who ended up in a group with world champion Italy and runner-up France, will now have to finish ahead of one of the two teams that contested the 2006 World Cup final as well as overcoming Romania if they are to progress from Group C.

"At the World Cup, we were already put into the so-called group of death (against Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro)," said Dutch coach Marco Van Basten. "I wonder what they are going to call this one."

Meanwhile, Romanian coach Victor Piturca refused to rule out the possibility of his team qualifying for the knockout phase, especially as they had finished ahead of the Dutch in their qualifying group.

"Why should we not be one of the two teams to advance from this group?" he asked.

German coach: I am delighted

In contrast, Germany coach Joachim Löw was thrilled after being drawn in Group B against Croatia, Poland and co-hosts Austria, probably the weakest team in the tournament.

"I am delighted that we didn't end up in Group C," Löw said. "We have a good opportunity to reach the next round."

Austria coach Josef Hickersberger was also overjoyed at having avoided the likes of Italy and France, calling his group "a great draw for us."

The other co-hosts Switzerland were drawn in Group A and will play the Czech Republic in the opening game of the tournament in Basle on June 7. Portugal and Turkey complete the group.

Defending champions Greece will be confident of making it to the knockout phase after being drawn against Sweden, Spain and Russia in Group D.

Euro 2008 takes place between June 7 and 29 in Basle, Berne, Zurich and Geneva in Switzerland as well as the Austrian cities of Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Salzburg and Vienna, where the final takes place.