Reuters
Paris, Dec 13: Hosts France, who are in Group A will open the 2016 European Championship against Romania after the draw was made Saturday while Spain will begin their bid for an unprecedented third successive title against Czech Republic. The biggest ever-expanded 24-team finals will run from June 10 to July 10.
Delegates were met by tight security at the Palais des Congress where UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino conducted the draw. But one man notable by his absence was UEFA president Michel Platini.
The draw also finalised the fate of other teams. England, who in Group B take on neighbours Wales along with Russia and Slovakia. World Cup winners Germany placed in Group C start against Ukraine in Lille June 12.
Spain, who were also drawn in the same section as Croatia and Turkey, open up against Group D opponents Czech Republic in Toulouse, June 13. Belgium, the best team in the world according to in FIFA rankings, are in a tough Group E along with Italy, Sweden and Ireland. Iceland, playing in their first major tournament finals, face Portugal, Austria and Hungary in Group F.
The tournament, being staged in 10 cities, sees 16 teams advance from the group stage -the top two in each section and the best four third-placed sides -with the final in Paris, July 10.
