Ireland draw Denmark in World Cup play-off, Northern Ireland land Swiss
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ByEurosport
Updated 17/10/2017 at 13:09 GMT
Ireland have been drawn against Denmark in the World Cup qualifying play-offs, with Northern Ireland taking on Switzerland.
Republic of Ireland’s Robbie Brady and team mates celebrate after James McClean scored their first goal
Image credit: Reuters
Republic of Ireland secured their place in the play-off when beating Wales in Cardiff in their final group game.
"The draw was always going to be difficult, we're delighted to be here first of all," said Ireland manager Martin O'Neill.
Now let's take our chance. Delighted to be drawn away from home first, so we'll try to get some sort of advantage, or negate their advantage, before we get to Dublin. That could have a big impact, but we have to be going to Dublin with something still to play for."
Northern Ireland came second to Germany in their group and have a tough draw in Switzerland, who won nine of their 10 group games, only to come second to Portugal.
Michael O'Neill's side, who last qualified in 1986, will play the first match in Belfast.
"We're pleased with the draw, pleased to miss Italy and Croatia in particular. They will be a formidable opponent to overcome, it's important to get something positive from the home leg, and then go away and look for an away goal," said O'Neill.
It's a game I believe we can win over 180 minutes. Switzerland had a great campaign, they won nine out of 10, but I think there group was one of the easier groups, no disrespect to the nations that finished below them.
"We've played some very good games recently, particularly against Germany, and that will prepare us well for what lies ahead. We take a lot from that."
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Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill celebrates with Steve Davis after the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Czech Republic at Windsor Park on September 4, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Image credit: Getty Images
Four-times world champions Italy were drawn against Sweden on Tuesday in their two-legged playoff for a place at next year's World Cup.
Italy, who last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1958, will play the second leg at home in the most eye-catching of the four ties.
Croatia, runners-up behind Iceland in their group, will face Greece with the first leg at home.
World Cup play-offs
- Northern Ireland v Switzerland
- Croatia v Greece
- Denmark v Ireland
- Sweden v Italy
Two-legged ties to be played Nov. 9-11 and Nov. 12-14
Ireland and Northern Ireland odds to qualify
- Northern Ireland: 9/4 Yes, 1/3 No
- Republic Of Ireland: 11/10 Yes, 4/6 No
World Cup winners 2018
- 5/1 Germany
- 11/2 France
- 6/1 Brazil
- 15/2 Spain
- 8/1 Argentina
- 14/1 Belgium
- 16/1Italy
- 20/1 England
- 20/1 Portugal
- 25/1 Columbia
- 25/1 Russia
- 33/1 Uruguay
- 40/1 Croatia
- 66/1 Mexico
- 66/1 Poland
- 80/1 Nigeria
- 80/1 Serbia
- 80/1 Sweden
- 80/1 Switzerland
- 100/1 Japan
- 150/1 Denmark
- 150/1 Greece
- 150/1 Iceland
- 150/1 Ivory Coast
- 200/1 Egypt
- 200/1 Republic of Ireland
- 750/1 Northern Ireland
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