The team that Hans built

ALBANIAN team manager Hans Peter Briegel yesterday predicted Ireland would oust Russia and finish alongside Switzerland in one of the top two positions in Group 10 of the Euro 2004 qualifying tournament.

The German-born manager declined to suggest which of the two would win the group, and thereby qualify without having to go through the turmoil of a play-off.

And he also chose not to be drawn into a discussion on the prospects of Albania upsetting all the predictions and edging out the favourites.