Europeans learn fate in World Cup playoffs
The Republic of Ireland was drawn against Denmark in the playoffs for the 2018 World Cup while Northern Ireland will face Switzerland for a spot in the ¿nals. Both nations avoided four-time winner Italy and will be hopeful of booking their place in Russia next summer, the Guardian reported.
Martin O’neill’s Republic beat Wales last week to seal its spot as runner-up in Group D while Northern Ireland ¿nished second to Germany in Group C.
The two-legged ties will take place between November 9 and 14, with Michael O’neill’s Northern Ireland at home in the opening leg, while the Republic of Ireland travels to Denmark.
Switzerland was unlucky not to reach the ¿nals as winner of Group B, ending the campaign with nine wins from its 10 quali¿ers.
Vladimir Petković’s side lost to Portugal in the ¿nal game of the group to ¿nish behind the European champion and is the highestranked nation in the playoffs, sitting 11th in the rankings.
Northern Ireland lost to Germany and Norway in its ¿nal two quali¿ers but still ¿nished four points clear of Czech Republic to seal its place in the playoffs. Michael O’neill took his team to the second round at Euro 2016 and it is 23rd in the latest FIFA rankings.
The Republic of Ireland ended its Group D quali¿cation campaign on 19 points, the same as its northern neighbor, as Serbia topped the group. A James Mcclean goal was enough for Martin O’neill’s side to win in Wales last week and secure the playoff berth at the expense of its host. Denmark missed out on the 2014 World Cup but ¿nished second in Group E behind winner Poland as the Danishes look to book their ¿fth appearance at the ¿nals. Croatia plays Greece with Italy and Sweden drawn together in the most eye-catching of the playoff ¿xtures.
Sweden ¿nished second in Group A of the European quali¿ers with 19 points, equaled with the Netherlands, only a goal-difference advantage gave the Scandinavians a playoffs spot next to France.
Italy sealed the playoffs place after the Azzurri ¿nished runner-up in Group G while Spain won the group.