The results of the draw for the UEFA group phase of qualifiers for Germany 2011 should please the favoured teams. Ukraine are no doubt anticipating a first qualification as they go up against Poland and Hungary in Group 4, while Russia, who missed China 2007, are due to face Ireland Rep and Switzerland in Group 6. Finland, who host Women’s Euro 2009 this summer, meet Italy and Portugal in Group 7. Winning the group is not sufficient this time, as the winners will then have to win in the playoffs next year in order to qualify. Qualifying matches begin in SEP 2009. more...

The long process to decide the sixteen participants at Germany 2011 will begin on TUE 17 MAR 2009, when the 41 teams who entered the UEFA qualifiers are drawn into eight groups. Germany, who qualify automatically as hosts, will be joined by 4½ other European sides that have been divided into five pots according to performances in the qualifiers for the 2007 Women’s World Cup and Women’s Euro 2009. The group phase will be played from SEP 2009 to AUG 2010. The group winners advance to the playoffs, where four will qualify directly and a fifth will face the third placed team in CONCACAF. The draw occurs at 12:30 UTC at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. more...