Germany's Loew confident of Euro 2012 berth

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WARSAW, Feb 7, 2010 (AFP) - Germany coach Joachim Loew said Sunday his side will face a tough test against Euro 2008 semi-finalists Turkey when the sides meet in their Euro 2012 qualification group.

Germany have drawn 1980 European Championships finalists Belgium, neighbours Austria, plus Turkey, as well as minnows Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, who are coached by ex-Germany boss Berti Vogts, in Group A.

"We are favourites in this group along with Turkey and I think we will qualify for Euro 2012," said Loew after Sunday's draw here at the Palace of Science and Culture with the tournament to be hosted by Poland and the Ukraine.

Loew led Germany to the final of Euro 2008, where they were beaten by Spain, but they had to dig deep to beat Turkey 3-2 in the semi-finals after a spirited tournament from the Turks.

With former Dortmund coach Bernd Storck coaching Kazakhstan, there are three German-born coaches leading sides in Group A and Loew said he expects some tough games.

"Things will not be simple against Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in terms of logistics or on the pitch," said Loew whose contract extension negotiations with the German Football Federation (DFB) broke down last week.

"Otherwise it is a German-speaking group with many German coaches, but we are favourites along with Turkey."

Vogts said he is relishing the prospect of his Azerbaijan side facing the Germans in what will be a money-spinning tie for the eastern European minnows.

"We are delighted with the draw," said Vogts who lead Germany to the Euro '96 title and runner-up berth in 1992.

"For the games against Germany we get a lot of money with which we can build more stadiums and invest more money in developing our youth teams.

"I have already seen it happen before and my players will learn a lot from being allowed to play against the Germans.

"We know we have to improve, but we are on the right path."

And Belgium coach Dick Advocaat said his side was looking forward to playing their neighbours.

"This is a very difficult group in which Germany is the top favorites," said the ex-Holland coach.

"We want to try everything to qualify and matches against Germany are always interesting."