The lineups were completed yesterday for the European Nations Cup play-offs in Padova. The semi-finalists will be the same as they were in Dublin four years ago, though the pairings are different, with title holders Germany taking on England, and the Netherlands, the world and Olympic champions, meeting Belgium.

As was the case at Belfield, Belgium again eclipsed Spain, even though the Spaniards finished runners-up in both the Olympic Games and the World Cup.

The main difference from Dublin last time is that both Ireland and Poland have lost their places in the top six, missing automatic qualification for the 2003 European championship in Scotland or Spain. In playing off for 9th to 12th places, Ireland initially tackle Switzerland on Saturday while Poland play Italy. The Italians, like the Irish, have failed to win a match so far.

Yesterday, in the final Pool A match, Russia beat France 3-1 to end up with a surprising tally of nine points. In Pool B there was a cascade of goals; but although Switzerland registered three against Belgium's five, it was Wales who held on to fourth spot as they scored once against Germany (1-6).

The Swiss drew 2-2 with Ireland in a tune-up match in Padova at Easter. They must be much respected as they gained a surprise 3-2 victory over Ireland at Belfield in 1995.

European Nations Cup

(Padova, Italy)

Pool A: Russia 3 France 1. Final placings: 1 Netherlands 13pts (22-5); 2 England 13pts (20-5); 3 Russia 9pts (1419); 4 France 6pts (10-17); 5 Poland 3pts (10-17); 6 Ireland 0 (5-18). Pool B: Belgium 5 Switzerland 3; Spain 7 Italy 1; Germany 6 Wales 1. Final placings: 1 Germany 13pts (23-5); 2 Belgium 12pts (16-14), 3 Spain 10pts (16-7); 4 Wales 4pts (10-15); 5 Switzerland 4pts (9-14); 6 Italy 0pts (5-24).

Play-offs: Tomorrow - semi-finals: Netherlands v Belgium; Germany v England. Places 5 to 8 (1st series): Russia v Wales; Spain v France. Saturday: Places 9 to 12 (1st series): Poland v Italy; Ireland v Switzerland.