Harnik: Austria should follow Swiss model
The spirit of optimism was palpable as Austria, along with neighbours Switzerland, welcomed Europe's international elite for UEFA EURO 2008. It was hoped the continental showdown would leave a lasting legacy in the Alpine nation and, according to current national-team striker Martin Harnik, the positive effects of the tournament are beginning to bear fruit.
Austria may have bowed out at the first hurdle, but the co-hosts used the competition as a springboard in their development and now boast a fresh crop of young talents plying their trade week in, week out in Europe's top leagues. "We shouldn't belittle ourselves. Austrian football is heading in the right direction," explained Harnik in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com.
Capello: England need to be careful
Fabio Capello, England manager
England need to be careful, this will not be easy. We’ve seen already the strength of Ukraine, who we played in qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa, and Montenegro in qualifying for the EURO. Poland are improving too and they are in a good moment with hosting the EURO. I don’t know much about Moldova, and San Marino will be easy, but Ukraine and Montenegro are going to be tough. You have to be really, really focused and play every game like a final - but that will be my successor’s job.
Cech: The draw was very kind to Slovakia
There may still be nearly three years to go until the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, but excitement levels are already building thanks to the events of 30 July’s Preliminary Draw in Rio de Janeiro. That is certainly the case in Slovakia, where fans are still revelling in the achievements of a senior side that shocked the likes of Czech Republic and Poland to top their group in qualifying for South Africa 2010, thus securing their first-ever major finals appearance since independence in 1993.
Stange: Don't take Belarus lightly
Belarus, a nation of just under 10 million inhabitants and a surface area of more than 200,000 square metres, is Europe's biggest landlocked country. Established in 1991 following the break-up of the former Soviet Union, the country shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. In terms of football, where the undisputed fulcrum is buzzing capital city Minsk, the fame of the Belarus national team has long spread beyond its extensive borders.
Van Marwijk: Turkey the biggest danger
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk
It’s strange to be here commenting on this draw while we’re right in the middle of our EURO 2012 qualifying campaign. We’ll focus more on our World Cup group at the appropriate moment. All I can say at this stage is that we’re going to be facing three sides – Turkey, Hungary and Romania – with different styles. They’ll be our main rivals, with Turkey looking like the biggest danger in terms of beating us to top spot.
Leekens: Every team is capable
Georges Leekens, Belgium coach
It’s a group where every team is capable of beating everyone else, but also of losing points to everyone else. Croatia and Serbia are two very difficult opponents. We mustn’t underestimate Macedonia to ensure we don’t drop points. Scotland and Wales can play good football. We need to be prepared to try and beat everyone, because it’s something you have to be able to do if you want to qualify. So I’m fairly happy. Everyone will have to be at their best.
Rocky road for the Netherlands
Bert van Marwijk was quick to pass his verdict on what he judged a “difficult” road to Brazil 2014 for his Netherlands side. “Our top opponents are Turkey,” he told FIFA.com. “But our principal opponent will be ourselves.”
Hoping to trouble the leading duo will be Hungary and Romania, though both will have to perform superbly if they are to reach the global showcase. As for Estonia and Andorra, the emphasis will be on making further progress and taking advantage of some high-profile home games.
Olsen: It could have been worse
Norway coach Egil Olsen
Things could have turned worse for us, even though getting Cyprus and Iceland out of pots five and six will make it a tricky group. Iceland is like the annoying little brother who loves getting one over on his older sibling. We’ve found them difficult to play against in our last few competitive meetings. That aside, it goes without saying that Norway must finish in first or second place in this group.
Bento: We're not the favourites
Paulo Bento, Portugal coach
It’s still too early to make in-depth analyses. All I can say is that it’s a complicated group featuring a lot of good sides. But my team are doing well, they’re confident, and of course we believe we’re capable of qualifying for EURO 2012 first and then the World Cup. We’re not the favourites: Russia have a lot of talented individuals and Israel have proven they are very dangerous opponents for any team.
Prandelli: We're aiming for first
Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach
First and foremost, we need to focus on continuing to grow as a team. We’ve still got time. But we’re Italy and naturally, with the greatest respect to the other sides in the group, we’re aiming to finish in first place.