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France face easy qualifying route to Euro 2004 finals
© Reuters 2002
PORTO, Portugal, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Defending champions France were handed an easy draw for the 2004 European championship on Friday while Italy, beaten finalists in Euro 2000, face a trickier route to the finals in Portugal. Former champions Germany play Scotland in qualifying group five, meaning Berti Vogts - tipped to be the new Scottish manager - could face the German team he took to the 1996 title.
France, also the world champions, face Slovenia, Israel, Cyprus and Malta in group one. Italy face Yugoslavia, twice runners-up in the tournament, Finland, Wales and Azerbaijan in group nine.
The Netherlands, winners in 1988, face a tough task to win a group three including the Czech Republic and Austria while group two features three nations of equivalent pedigree - Romania, Norway and Denmark, surprise European champions in 1992.
The 10 group winners automatically qualify for the 16-team finals in Portugal in June-July 2004. The group runners-up take part in five play-offs. Portugal qualify automatically as hosts. England avoided Germany and were drawn with Turkey in group seven.
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