SOCCER/Euro 2004 Play-off draw: Scotland have been handed arguably the toughest possible draw in the Euro 2004 play-offs, The Netherlands over two legs and a tie which the Dutch manager Dick Advocaat described as the one he wanted for "very personal reasons".

Berti Vogts, his Scotland counterpart, was forced to admit his side "need a lot of luck" over two legs, first at home on November 15th then in Amsterdam four days later.

Wales face Russia in Moscow, with the return at the Millennium Stadium. Manager Mark Hughes is confident his side can secure a place in what would be their first major tournament finals since 1958.

Vogts, on the other hand, insisted his side would not roll over.

"Dick Advocaat will know all the Scottish players so we have to fight," he said. "This is probably one of the toughest draws but it is just two games. We are the underdogs, Holland are the big favourite, but we did very well against Germany (in Group Nine), who were also the big favourite. We start at Hampden and then we look forward.

"We need a lot of luck over the two legs. But there are 180 minutes to play and maybe Holland are looking directly for Portugal; they (will) have to fight, especially at Hampden."

Scotland can also draw heart from their previous two meetings with the Dutch. In Euro '96 and then a friendly in Arnhem during April 2000, they held them to 0-0 draws.

"I really had hoped for Scotland but that's more because of sentiments than anything else," Advocaat added. "I have worked in Glasgow for four years and I know a lot of people there. Normally speaking they are a team with less qualities than Holland, but that doesn't mean we will win. Remember Ireland (a 1-0 defeat) two years ago?"

Wales's trip to Moscow will be their first since a World Cup qualifier in 1965, a match they lost 2-1 to the USSR. However Hughes feels upbeat about their chances, even though they will have to endure plunging temperatures in the Russian capital.

"That could have an impact but I'm more pleased that we're playing the second leg at home," he said.

"We've had a look at every game at the weekend, looking at all the teams that could have been our opponent, so obviously now we'll concentrate on the reports on Russia.

"I think there's a very realistic chance (we could progress). I feel if we are strong and we have the best players available for the two games, we'll do okay."

Merely qualifying would be achievement enough for Wales.

"I think it's a very good draw, especially being away in the first leg," said midfielder Mark Pembridge. "We're very confident. When we last had a fit squad was against Italy at home and we got a good result (a 2-1 win)."

Russia will host their match on November 15th with a 4 p.m. kick-off with the return, in Cardiff, on November 19th.

Pairings

Latvia v Turkey

Scotland v The Netherlands

Croatia v Slovenia

Russia v Wales

Spain v Norway

• First leg ties to be played November 15th/16th. Second legs to be played November 18th/19th.