World Cup play-offs: Northern Ireland drawn against Switzerland
Last updated on .From the section World Cup
Northern Ireland will play Switzerland in the World Cup play-offs as they aim to qualify for the tournament in Russia and a first finals since 1986.
Michael O'Neill's side will be home for the first leg on 9 November with the away leg in Basel three days later.
The Republic of Ireland have been drawn against Denmark, Italy will play Sweden while Croatia will face Greece.
Denmark will have home advantage against the Republic on 11 November before the return game on 14 November.
Northern Ireland boss O'Neill said: "The most important thing is we don't concede an away goal. We'll be prepared for Belfast. We've only lost one game there in four years.
"We knew it was going to be difficult. They've had a good campaign, but we have a big opportunity to get to Russia. We know we'll have to be at our best but we believe we're good enough to do that."
The teams in the play-offs are the eight best second-placed finishers from the nine European qualifying groups, with Denmark, Switzerland, four-time winners Italy and Croatia the seeds.
Northern Ireland finished second behind world champions Germany in Group C, while Switzerland lost to Portugal in their final group game to drop into the play-offs.
The Republic of Ireland, who last reached the finals in 2002, are away in their first leg against Denmark, before the return match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
They beat Wales in the final group game to reach the play-offs ahead of Chris Coleman's side, while the Danes finished behind Poland in their group.
Manager Martin O'Neill said: "Naturally, we're just pleased to be in the draw. Being unseeded means it was always going to be a difficult tie.
"If you ask most coaches, you want the second game at home. But with the rules like extra time, it gives the away team that chance to score in 120 minutes.
"We have momentum and that's important. We won our last two games to get here. I'm now concerned with the next couple of weeks and making sure my players don't get injuries at club level."
Italy finished second behind 2010 champions Spain, while Croatia were runners-up to Iceland and Sweden lost out to Belgium.
The World Cup will take place from 14 June to 15 July.
Comments
Join the conversation
The IFA was formed in 1880 in Belfast and is the 4th oldest football association in the world after England, Scotland and Wales. It's a permanent member of the International Football association board (responsible for the rules of the game)
You a football fan are you? lol
"If teams like Chile are unable to even make the playoffs and Argentina only just manage to qualify there’s surely too many European teams allowed to enter"
There are only 10 teams in S.America, top 4 go to the World cup & 5th place plays off against the mighty New Zealand for a place. so possibly 50% qualify
In Europe there are only 13 qualifiers + the hosts out of 55 teams
Hopefully we can join England and both countries do the UK proud
Got everything crossed for them!
Italy, Croatia, Switzerland to win
Ireland/Denmark 50/50
England would like some company so come on NI!
Why would the ROI want to support England? They certainly wouldn't want your support when you obviously have such narrow minded views!