source: uefa.com

The qualifying groups for Euro 2008 were drawn in Montreux, Switzerland today. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the finals, alongside joint hosts Austria and Switzerland. There are no playoffs, you finish in the top two or you spend summer 2008 at home.

I'm most interested in the 'nearly nations', the teams who always narrowly miss out. Did the draw do them any favours?

Rep of IrelandFailed to qualify for Euro 2004 and threw away a great chance to qualify from their tough World Cup 2006 group. Brian Kerr was shown the door and the odd-but-likeable 'dream team' of Steve Staunton (no managerial experience) and Sir Bobby Robson (too much managerial experience) has been installed. They face tough tests from the Czech Republic, one of the best sides in the world who are always solid in qualifying, and Germany who may not be the force of old but will still expect qualification. Worse, Ireland will face a 'Celtic derby' with Wales.

WalesCame so close to qualifying for Euro 2004 under Mark Hughes, but the fire seems to have gone out since John Toshack took over. Wales have always lacked depth in talent and the abrasive Toshack hasn't done them any favours by falling out with tough-tackling midfielder Robbie Savage. Ryan Giggs isn't getting any younger and the big hitters Czech Republic and Germany should prove too strong. An overly optimistic Toshack said "If we are able to have our better players there and our commitment is right then we are excited to think we can have a good run at this one. With all due respect to the other teams in our group, we have to say we cannot complain about the draw. We are reasonably pleased.'' He's wrong.

ScotlandThe Scottish FA got rid of Berti Vogts about two years too late but found the right replacement in Walter Smith. Unfortunately they'll face France and Italy and Ukraine in Group B. Showed real fight against Italy in World Cup qualifying but it might be asking too much of them to repeat that against France and Italy. It's Mission: Improbable rather than Impossible though.

TurkeyLost their controversial World Cup 2006 playoff with Switzerland and this proud footballing nation will want to fight back (though not literally). They might have struck lucky in Group C by avoiding any of the major powers. Top seeds Greece may be European Champions but they're still not an 'elite' nation, while Turkey will fancy their chances against Norway, Bosnia and Hungary. I predict a return trip to Switzerland for the Turkish team, which will be interesting given what happened last time.

IsraelWhat? Is Israel in Europe? I know, I know but they've been a full member of UEFA since 1994, though they've yet to qualify for a European Championship. They came close to making Euro 2000, losing a playoff to Denmark, and were unbeaten in their World Cup 2006 qualifying group but still finished third behind France and Switzerland. With players like Yossi Benayoun making an impact in the English Premiership Israeli confidence should be high. England will be expected to top Group E, but Israel should give the likes of Croatia and Russia a good fight for second place.

IcelandHave never, ever made it to a major tournament but put up a great fight for such a small nation in Euro 2004, topping the group for a while before eventually finishing third behind Germany and Scotland. Even with the skills of Eidur Gudjohnsen, Iceland will find it tough going against Spain, Denmark and Sweden, though they should beat Northern Ireland, Liechtenstein and Latvia. Iceland will hope the Scandinavian rivalry will distract Sweden and Denmark enough for them to take advantage and slip through in second place.

The groups in full:

Group A
Portugal
Poland
Serbia & Mont
Belgium
Finland
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Kazakhstan

Group B
France
Italy
Ukraine
Scotland
Lithuania
Georgia
Faroe Islands

Group C
Greece
Turkey
Norway
Bosnia
Hungary
Moldova
Malta

Group D
Czech Republic
Germany
Slovakia
Rep Of Ireland
Wales
Cyprus
San Marino

Group E
England
Croatia
Russia
Israel
Estonia
Macedonia
Andorra

Group F
Sweden
Spain
Denmark
Latvia
Iceland
Northern Ireland
Liechtenstein

Group G
Holland
Romania
Bulgaria
Slovenia
Albania
Belarus
Luxembourg