WALES have been handed an incredibly tough group as they bid to qualify for the 2008 European Championships to be held in Switzerland and Austria.

John Toshack's men will face World Cup hosts and perennial tournament specialists Germany, the Czech Republic and also face another 'local derby' against the Republic of Ireland.

Wales' Group D also contains Slovakia, Cyprus and minnows San Marino.

It couldn't have been much worse, although Wales at least avoided Group B which features Italy, France and Ukraine, all World Cup qualifiers.

Wales' luck was out from the start at this morning's draw in Montreux, Switzerland, as Cyprus were the strongest team they could have faced from the sixth seeds.

Steve Staunton's Republic of Ireland are also a team Wales would rather have avoided. Ireland always challenge at the top of qualification groups and have arguably more strength in depth than Wales.

While Slovakia were a preferred option among the third seeds in pot three (which also featured Ukraine, Norway, Denmark and Russia), the draw from pot two was disastrous, for Wales will not relish a meeting with World Cup hosts Germany.

The FAW will also be disappointed with the draw of top seeds the Czech Republic, a quality outfit who should challenge for top spot in the group but who are not a big attraction to encourage a bumper crowd. England have been handed a favourable draw in their qualifying campaign.

The quarter-finalists at the last tournament will face Croatia, Russia, Israel, Estonia, Macedonia and Andorra. l The top two teams qualify from each group with no play-offs.

Group A: Portugal, Poland, Serbia and Montenegro, Belgium, Finland, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan.

Group B: France, Italy, Ukraine, Scotland, Lithuania, Georgia, Faroe Islands.

Group C: Greece, Turkey, Norway, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary, Moldova, Malta.

Group D: Czech Republic, Germany Slovakia, Republic of Ireland, Wales, Cyprus ,San Marino.

Group E: England, Croatia, Russia, Israel, Estonia, FYR Macedonia, Andorra.

Group F: Sweden, Spain, Denmark, Latvia, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Liechtenstein.

Group G: Holland. Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Albania, Belarus, Luxembourg.