Republic joy at group-of-death escape
Mick Mccarthy described his relief yesterday after the Republic of Ireland were bounced out of a groupof-death showdown with Germany and Holland because of a Uefa qualification quirk.
Their spot in Group C for Euro 2020 qualifiers was taken by Northern Ireland, despite the Republic’s name being drawn out.
A cheer erupted at the draw in Dublin as organisers explained Mccarthy’s side would be moved to Group D because three host countries were not allowed to be drawn together. His side were instead placed alongside Switzerland, Denmark, Georgia and Gibraltar. “I laughed as I was fully expecting to be in that group,” he said.
“I think some people were thinking there was some skulduggery and somebody with their magic fingers on the laptop shifted us to Group D. It was a collective sigh of relief, but it’s a bit premature when you have Switzerland and Denmark in the group.”
Northern Ireland do not even have a play-off place guaranteed after a poor performance in the Nations League.
“It’s probably the most difficult group,” manager Michael O’neill said. “Germany and a rejuvenated Holland, since Ronald Koeman came in, are obviously going to be huge tests. But home form is going to be crucial.”
Wales will face World Cup finalists Croatia in Group E, which also contains Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.
Scotland are up against Belgium, Russia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group I. Ties to be played in the March, June, September, October and November 2019 international breaks.