Soccer:Considering the financial windfall that is likely to come the FAI's way, it came as little surprise that chief executive John Delaney would declare himself "very pleased" but last night's World Cup qualifying draw has left the Republic of Ireland little room for manoeuvre if they are to reach the 2014 finals.
Pitted against Germany, Sweden and Austria in Group C and with potential banana skins in the Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan, the challenge facing Giovanni Trapattoni’s team in reaching Brazil is considerable.
Whatever about the lucrative television rights the Germans will bring to the table, Oliver Bierhoff’s side will start as runaway favourites to secure the automatic qualifying place for Brazil.
“Beatable,” was Bierhoff’s appraisal of his future opponents, an assumption that is right on the money.
"It's very interesting for our players to play against Ireland,” the former striker said. “They must be motivated and focused, Ireland is a team that are in such good shape, they have some interesting players that can make things difficult, but I prefer to play in this atmosphere.
"Sweden and Ireland are the toughest opponents, but beatable."
Realistically, Ireland are looking at a battle with Sweden for a play-off spot. But the Swedes have an excellent World Cup pedigree and will be confident of progressing at Ireland’s expense.
But Delaney was upbeat following the draw, saying that Trapattoni had expressed his satisfaction with the way things panned out.
“I think we’re very pleased,” Delaney said. “Germany have got to be favourites (to win the group) but you wouldn’t concede it. The last time we played them over two legs it was close.
“I’ve spoken to Giovanni, he’s pleased. He’s managed in Germany and Austria so has a connection to both those countries. For us the main aim is to get out of the group, come here to Brazil and have the Irish supporters here with us.
“We’ve beaten the Faroes before, Kazakhstan is a long trip but that’s the draw. Austria is very central and San Marino too. The sooner we can get the dates agreed the better.”
World and European champions Spain will have to battle it out with France, to the chagrin of Les Bleus coach Laurent Blanc. Blanc said: “I don’t understand why France is in the second group? Why are Greece, Norway and Croatia ranked higher?
“Spain is the world champion. Barcelona won the Champions League. I know everything about them but the qualifiers start after 2012. I’ve got time to improve my team.”
England avoided Europe’s big-hitters in the qualifying draw for the tournament in Brazil which saw them in Group H against Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino.
Scotland and Wales will have to play each other in Group A with some strong-looking opponents — three from the Balkans — in Croatia, Serbia, Belgium and Macedonia.
Northern Ireland have some long-distance trips in Group F with Portugal, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
The winners of the nine groups qualify automatically and the eight best runners-up play off for the four places remaining.
Group A:Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland, Macedonia, Wales
Group B:Italy, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Malta
Group C:Germany, Sweden, Republic of Ireland,Austria, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan
Group D:Netherlands, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Andorra
Group E:Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Albania, Cyprus, Iceland
Group F:Portugal, Russia, Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg
Group G:Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Latvia, Liechtenstein
Group H:England, Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, San Marino
Group I:Spain, France, Belarus, Georgia, Finland
