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Scotland will find out on Sunday who they will have to overcome to reach the Euro 2012 championships in Poland and Ukraine. Proceedings get underway at 11am and you can follow all that’s happening in Warsaw with our live text from the draw here on stv.tv/sport.
Craig Levein was talking up a possible showdown with England before he flew off to Poland on Friday and they are one of the two home nations teams available to play against Scotland, with Wales also a possibility from pot four.
Pot one contains all of the big nations in European football, with no chance of the situation from the qualifiers four years ago that saw Scotland placed in a group with France and Italy, who had only just contested the 2006 World Cup final.
There are a number of possible ties from the second pot that Levein will be eager to avoid. An away trip to Turkey won’t be high on his wishlist, while the ever-improving Switzerland and Serbia are ones to avoid.
Spain are the holders of the tournament, having defeated Germany in the 2008 final in Vienna. One of those countries could also be paired with Levein’s side.
How will the draw work?
51 countries are in the draw this time round, with both host nations earning an automatic qualifying spot. That means this year’s qualification format will follow pretty much the same as that for the World Cup in recent times, with nine groups and play-offs for eight of the teams that come in second.
Because of the odd number that doesn’t divide into the six pots available, six groups will contain six teams and three will contain five. Groups will be drawn with six teams until pot six is empty, with the three groups with five drawn last.
With 14 places available in the tournament, only the nine group winners and the second placed team with the best results against the teams that finish in first, third, fourth and fifth place will go through.
Scotland’s European Championship qualifying history
The Tartan Army haven’t graced a European Championships since Euro 1996 in England. Scotland qualified for that tournament after finishing second behind Russia, before going on to draw with Holland, lose to England and defeat Switzerland before exiting on goal difference.
In the qualifiers for the 2000 and 2004 tournaments, Craig Brown and then Berti Vogts took the country to play-offs against England and Holland courtesy of second place finishes, without success.
In the Euro 2008 qualifiers, they were given no chance having been picked out with France and Italy but the nation was gripped after two wins against the French. An all-or-nothing home game at a drenched Hampden against Italy followed and Scotland were level until the very last minute of the game, ending their hopes.
Going even further back, Scotland won their group for the 1992 tournament ahead of Switzerland; finished fourth behind Ireland, Bulgaria and Belgium in the 1988 qualifiers; came bottom in a four team group in the 1984 preliminaries and also flopped in trying to reach the 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980 tournaments. The Belgians were a inevitable foe throughout many of those failed qualifiers and those who believe in omens will be worried to see them in pot four this time round.
Scotland have been drawn against Lithuania in the last three qualifiers for the European Championships and against Faroe Islands for the last four. With the eastern Europeans in pot four and the Faroes in the bottom pot, it’s possible that they could be picked out again in our group.
Good draw, bad draw
In the first pot, any team Scotland are drawn with will be automatic favourites to take the group. Previous form will see many fans wanting another few games with France and they are arguably an even poorer side than the one that Gary Caldwell and then James McFadden sunk in two memorable victories.
Pot two contains a mixed bag of teams and the obvious trips to Serbia, Romania and Turkey are ones to avoid. Czech Republic are in decline and the friendly against them at Hampden in March will provide a useful barometer of the standard of teams contained in that pot.
In pot four, Wales ended George Burley’s reign and trips to Lithuania and Macedonia in recent times haven’t been successful ones. Belgium were the perpetrators of Scotland’s consistent failure to reach the Euros during the 80s and there is a score to settle, although they are an improving team after years of decline.
Montenegro are the stand out team from pot five and there Estonia and Georgia have caused Scotland problems in the past. Iceland on the other hand would be a good draw, as would Liechtenstein, while the nightmare trips would be to Kazakhstan, Albania or Moldova.
Pot six might not be applicable to the Scots but the Faroe Islands could provide opposition for the fifth European Championships in a row.
Full seeding for European Championship 2012 qualifying:
Pot One: Spain, Germany, Holland, Italy, England, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.
Pot Two: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.
Pot Three: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Pot Four: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, Wales, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.
Pot Five: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
Pot Six: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.
Craig Levein was talking up a possible showdown with England before he flew off to Poland on Friday and they are one of the two home nations teams available to play against Scotland, with Wales also a possibility from pot four.
Pot one contains all of the big nations in European football, with no chance of the situation from the qualifiers four years ago that saw Scotland placed in a group with France and Italy, who had only just contested the 2006 World Cup final.
There are a number of possible ties from the second pot that Levein will be eager to avoid. An away trip to Turkey won’t be high on his wishlist, while the ever-improving Switzerland and Serbia are ones to avoid.
Spain are the holders of the tournament, having defeated Germany in the 2008 final in Vienna. One of those countries could also be paired with Levein’s side.
How will the draw work?
51 countries are in the draw this time round, with both host nations earning an automatic qualifying spot. That means this year’s qualification format will follow pretty much the same as that for the World Cup in recent times, with nine groups and play-offs for eight of the teams that come in second.
Because of the odd number that doesn’t divide into the six pots available, six groups will contain six teams and three will contain five. Groups will be drawn with six teams until pot six is empty, with the three groups with five drawn last.
With 14 places available in the tournament, only the nine group winners and the second placed team with the best results against the teams that finish in first, third, fourth and fifth place will go through.
Scotland’s European Championship qualifying history
The Tartan Army haven’t graced a European Championships since Euro 1996 in England. Scotland qualified for that tournament after finishing second behind Russia, before going on to draw with Holland, lose to England and defeat Switzerland before exiting on goal difference.
In the qualifiers for the 2000 and 2004 tournaments, Craig Brown and then Berti Vogts took the country to play-offs against England and Holland courtesy of second place finishes, without success.
In the Euro 2008 qualifiers, they were given no chance having been picked out with France and Italy but the nation was gripped after two wins against the French. An all-or-nothing home game at a drenched Hampden against Italy followed and Scotland were level until the very last minute of the game, ending their hopes.
Going even further back, Scotland won their group for the 1992 tournament ahead of Switzerland; finished fourth behind Ireland, Bulgaria and Belgium in the 1988 qualifiers; came bottom in a four team group in the 1984 preliminaries and also flopped in trying to reach the 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980 tournaments. The Belgians were a inevitable foe throughout many of those failed qualifiers and those who believe in omens will be worried to see them in pot four this time round.
Scotland have been drawn against Lithuania in the last three qualifiers for the European Championships and against Faroe Islands for the last four. With the eastern Europeans in pot four and the Faroes in the bottom pot, it’s possible that they could be picked out again in our group.
Good draw, bad draw
In the first pot, any team Scotland are drawn with will be automatic favourites to take the group. Previous form will see many fans wanting another few games with France and they are arguably an even poorer side than the one that Gary Caldwell and then James McFadden sunk in two memorable victories.
Pot two contains a mixed bag of teams and the obvious trips to Serbia, Romania and Turkey are ones to avoid. Czech Republic are in decline and the friendly against them at Hampden in March will provide a useful barometer of the standard of teams contained in that pot.
In pot four, Wales ended George Burley’s reign and trips to Lithuania and Macedonia in recent times haven’t been successful ones. Belgium were the perpetrators of Scotland’s consistent failure to reach the Euros during the 80s and there is a score to settle, although they are an improving team after years of decline.
Montenegro are the stand out team from pot five and there Estonia and Georgia have caused Scotland problems in the past. Iceland on the other hand would be a good draw, as would Liechtenstein, while the nightmare trips would be to Kazakhstan, Albania or Moldova.
Pot six might not be applicable to the Scots but the Faroe Islands could provide opposition for the fifth European Championships in a row.
Full seeding for European Championship 2012 qualifying:
Pot One: Spain, Germany, Holland, Italy, England, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.
Pot Two: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.
Pot Three: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Pot Four: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, Wales, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.
Pot Five: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
Pot Six: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.
1215: Hey people, I'm gonna grab a sarnie now so I'm ready to rock for the Premier League later. That's the Euro 2012 qualifying draw dealt with, see you at 1300 GMT for some build-up to Birmingham v Wolves. In a bit.
1212: That was brilliant from Fabio Capello. He saw the question coming and nipped it in the bud immediately, walking off before the second one could even follow. Vintage.
England manager Fabio Capello: "No questions about Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or the captaincy. I have spoken with John and will speak with Rio. No problem with the captaincy. Thanks and bye."
Ex-Switzerland manager Roy Hodgson: "I know they qualified for the World Cup, but they didn't have a very hard group. I think England's main concerns will be about the derbies with Wales."
From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "What a tough group. But we need to believe. England is going to be a great game. We'll look forward to it."
1204: Haha, I love that I'm being accused of bias already today. You know it wasn't me who chose the groups, yeah? Probably good practice for being pro/anti Chelsea/Arsenal later, in fairness to you.
From henrywinter on Twitter: "Swiss v England. Let's hope Frei doesn't gob at Gerrard again. Great to go back to Millennium, Cardiff - far better atmosphere than Wembley."
From Carl, Rushden, via text to 81111: "England and Wales must be favourites! Wales first major tournament in how many years on the cards?"
Ex-Scotland midfielder Craig Burley on BBC Radio 5 live: "Um, yeah. Goodbye. European champions Spain, that's very difficult. The Czechs struggled in World Cup qualifying, but it's a tough one. They'll all be difficult for Scotland because we haven't been to a tournament for such a long time."
1153: England last played Wales in September 2005, winning a World Cup qualifier 1-0 in Cardiff thanks to Joe Cole's deflected strike.
From gunner-zp on 606: "Wales have some great young talent, Swiss and Bulgaria are good teams and Montenegro are no slouches either."
1147: Let's summarise, briefly: great draw for England, pretty tough for the other home nations. Northern Ireland and Scotland have been handed horror draws. I love Euro 2012 already. Bring it on.
Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: ENGLAND, Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Italy, Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: Russia, Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1142: Here we go - the big boys, the Pot One-ers...
Group I: Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1138: We move on, to Pot Two. Ooh, the tension...
Group I: SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1135: Pot Three's turn, and Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are in this one.
Group I: Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Cyprus, Iceland
Group G:WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1131: Now time for Pot Four - Wales are in this one.
Group I: Liechtenstein
Group H: Iceland
Group G: Montenegro
Group F: Georgia, Malta
Group E: Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group A: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
Group B: Armenia, Andorra
1128: That's the Pot Six teams done, then. From now on, there will be nine countries in each pot.
Group F: Malta
Group E: San Marino
Group D: Luxembourg
Group C: Faroe Islands
Group B: Andorra
Group A: Azerbaijan
1125: BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Dennis is doing a magnificent job of talking through the details of the draw to fill time. We're going to start with the weakest teams first, I think. That's Pot Six to you and me.
1123: Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino comes out on to the stage. That's progress, because he's the master of ceremonies today, this man with arguably the most Italian name of all.
From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "Euro 2012 draw is soon... didn't even know it was today. It's gonna be a tough group, but I want Spain."
From Ryan, Coatbridge, via text to 81111: "As a Scotland fan my ideal group would be, England, Romania, Cyprus, Armenia, Andorra. Need to avoid San Marino, not got a good record against them. Bring on England."
1117: In Saturday's rehearsal draw, Republic of Ireland were paired with France. This what Uefa's French president Michel Platini made of it: "It is my wish they play against each other. It would be great," said the Euro 1984-winning skipper. "I am not conducting the draw but I hope it happens." Shamelessly, I do too.
1115: Some details: The former Soviet Union states of Russia and Georgia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, will be kept apart.
1113: I don't know how to describe what we just saw. There were about eight of them on stage, dudes, youngish, massacring tunes. It momentarily made me feel ill for the world. That's better - they've rolled out the greatest Polish player of all time, Zbigniew Boniek, and Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko. Phew.
1111: The clamour for Stevo's Predos is somewhat alarming. To placate the baying mob, here goes: France will meet Republic of Ireland and England will be in a group with Scotland and Wales. More happy days. By the way - what a time for this entry.
1108: Reckon we'll be getting under way shortly and when we do, this is how it'll work: we will end up with nine groups - six with six countries and three with five - and the group winners will qualify for Euro 2012, along with the best runner-up. The other eight runners-up will meet in play-offs to decide the final four berths alongside hosts Poland and Ukraine. Capiche?
From AaronLieber on Twitter: "In Israel where we don't have a coach, but we would like to play: Russia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Lichtenstein and Faroe Islands."
1102: "Stevo, for the love of everything that is holy please tell us what pots these European countries are in for this blessed draw, will ya?" I hear you cry, impatiently. Very well...
POT ONE: Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, ENGLAND, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.
POT TWO: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.
POT THREE: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, Austria, Bosnia-Hercegovina.
POT FOUR: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, WALES, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.
POT FIVE: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
POT SIX: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.
From RKW - Heart and Pole on 606: "Looking ahead to the draw today. So glad my country has the chance to host a major tournament. I don't think it'll disappoint in two years time. England, Scotland and Wales all to be drawn together in a qualifying group."
1056: But first, to Warsaw. I know you love draws. Want to know how I know? Well you wouldn't be here otherwise, see? Smash me a glorious morning text to 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666; get in the 606 mixer; and @Stevo_football me up on Twitter to boot. Bang, bang, bang.
1052: Don't worry, there will be actual football later today too. The derby theme continues on Sunday as Birmingham and Wolves go tete-a-tete at St Andrews at 1330 GMT, before Chelsea and Arsenal meet in a top-of-the-table carve up at Stamford Bridge at 1600 GMT. Happy days.
1049: Yep, we're getting ready for yet another draw. This one's for Euro 2012 qualifying and it takes place in the Polish capital Warsaw. Poland are the co-hosts, along with Ukraine. You knew that already, right?
1045: It only seems like a few weeks ago that the magnificent spectacle of Euro Two Thousand And Great climaxed with that sizzling Spanish side ending 44 years of hurt by lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy. But can they become the first country in history to defend their European Championship crown? The process of finding out begins here, 876 days before the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.
1212: That was brilliant from Fabio Capello. He saw the question coming and nipped it in the bud immediately, walking off before the second one could even follow. Vintage.
England manager Fabio Capello: "No questions about Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or the captaincy. I have spoken with John and will speak with Rio. No problem with the captaincy. Thanks and bye."
Ex-Switzerland manager Roy Hodgson: "I know they qualified for the World Cup, but they didn't have a very hard group. I think England's main concerns will be about the derbies with Wales."
From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "What a tough group. But we need to believe. England is going to be a great game. We'll look forward to it."
1204: Haha, I love that I'm being accused of bias already today. You know it wasn't me who chose the groups, yeah? Probably good practice for being pro/anti Chelsea/Arsenal later, in fairness to you.
From henrywinter on Twitter: "Swiss v England. Let's hope Frei doesn't gob at Gerrard again. Great to go back to Millennium, Cardiff - far better atmosphere than Wembley."
From Carl, Rushden, via text to 81111: "England and Wales must be favourites! Wales first major tournament in how many years on the cards?"
Ex-Scotland midfielder Craig Burley on BBC Radio 5 live: "Um, yeah. Goodbye. European champions Spain, that's very difficult. The Czechs struggled in World Cup qualifying, but it's a tough one. They'll all be difficult for Scotland because we haven't been to a tournament for such a long time."
1153: England last played Wales in September 2005, winning a World Cup qualifier 1-0 in Cardiff thanks to Joe Cole's deflected strike.
From gunner-zp on 606: "Wales have some great young talent, Swiss and Bulgaria are good teams and Montenegro are no slouches either."
1147: Let's summarise, briefly: great draw for England, pretty tough for the other home nations. Northern Ireland and Scotland have been handed horror draws. I love Euro 2012 already. Bring it on.
Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: ENGLAND, Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Italy, Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: Russia, Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1142: Here we go - the big boys, the Pot One-ers...
Group I: Czech Republic, SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: Switzerland, Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Serbia, NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: Slovakia, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1138: We move on, to Pot Two. Ooh, the tension...
Group I: SCOTLAND Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group G: Bulgaria, WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Bosnia-Hercegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: NORTHERN IRELAND Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1135: Pot Three's turn, and Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are in this one.
Group I: Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Group H: Cyprus, Iceland
Group G:WALES, Montenegro
Group F: Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group E: Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group B: FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group A: Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
1131: Now time for Pot Four - Wales are in this one.
Group I: Liechtenstein
Group H: Iceland
Group G: Montenegro
Group F: Georgia, Malta
Group E: Moldova, San Marino
Group D: Albania, Luxembourg
Group C: Estonia, Faroe Islands
Group A: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
Group B: Armenia, Andorra
1128: That's the Pot Six teams done, then. From now on, there will be nine countries in each pot.
Group F: Malta
Group E: San Marino
Group D: Luxembourg
Group C: Faroe Islands
Group B: Andorra
Group A: Azerbaijan
1125: BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Dennis is doing a magnificent job of talking through the details of the draw to fill time. We're going to start with the weakest teams first, I think. That's Pot Six to you and me.
1123: Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino comes out on to the stage. That's progress, because he's the master of ceremonies today, this man with arguably the most Italian name of all.
From robertearnshaw on Twitter: "Euro 2012 draw is soon... didn't even know it was today. It's gonna be a tough group, but I want Spain."
From Ryan, Coatbridge, via text to 81111: "As a Scotland fan my ideal group would be, England, Romania, Cyprus, Armenia, Andorra. Need to avoid San Marino, not got a good record against them. Bring on England."
1117: In Saturday's rehearsal draw, Republic of Ireland were paired with France. This what Uefa's French president Michel Platini made of it: "It is my wish they play against each other. It would be great," said the Euro 1984-winning skipper. "I am not conducting the draw but I hope it happens." Shamelessly, I do too.
1115: Some details: The former Soviet Union states of Russia and Georgia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, will be kept apart.
1113: I don't know how to describe what we just saw. There were about eight of them on stage, dudes, youngish, massacring tunes. It momentarily made me feel ill for the world. That's better - they've rolled out the greatest Polish player of all time, Zbigniew Boniek, and Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko. Phew.
1111: The clamour for Stevo's Predos is somewhat alarming. To placate the baying mob, here goes: France will meet Republic of Ireland and England will be in a group with Scotland and Wales. More happy days. By the way - what a time for this entry.
1108: Reckon we'll be getting under way shortly and when we do, this is how it'll work: we will end up with nine groups - six with six countries and three with five - and the group winners will qualify for Euro 2012, along with the best runner-up. The other eight runners-up will meet in play-offs to decide the final four berths alongside hosts Poland and Ukraine. Capiche?
From AaronLieber on Twitter: "In Israel where we don't have a coach, but we would like to play: Russia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Lichtenstein and Faroe Islands."
1102: "Stevo, for the love of everything that is holy please tell us what pots these European countries are in for this blessed draw, will ya?" I hear you cry, impatiently. Very well...
POT ONE: Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, ENGLAND, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia.
POT TWO: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania.
POT THREE: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, Austria, Bosnia-Hercegovina.
POT FOUR: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, WALES, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus.
POT FIVE: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
POT SIX: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino.
From RKW - Heart and Pole on 606: "Looking ahead to the draw today. So glad my country has the chance to host a major tournament. I don't think it'll disappoint in two years time. England, Scotland and Wales all to be drawn together in a qualifying group."
1056: But first, to Warsaw. I know you love draws. Want to know how I know? Well you wouldn't be here otherwise, see? Smash me a glorious morning text to 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666; get in the 606 mixer; and @Stevo_football me up on Twitter to boot. Bang, bang, bang.
1052: Don't worry, there will be actual football later today too. The derby theme continues on Sunday as Birmingham and Wolves go tete-a-tete at St Andrews at 1330 GMT, before Chelsea and Arsenal meet in a top-of-the-table carve up at Stamford Bridge at 1600 GMT. Happy days.
1049: Yep, we're getting ready for yet another draw. This one's for Euro 2012 qualifying and it takes place in the Polish capital Warsaw. Poland are the co-hosts, along with Ukraine. You knew that already, right?
1045: It only seems like a few weeks ago that the magnificent spectacle of Euro Two Thousand And Great climaxed with that sizzling Spanish side ending 44 years of hurt by lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy. But can they become the first country in history to defend their European Championship crown? The process of finding out begins here, 876 days before the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.
(c) BBC News
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