THE REPUBLIC OF Ireland will face Denmark in a two-legged play-off next month, with a spot at the 2018 World Cup finals up for grabs.
Having come through Group D as runners-up thanks to last week’s 1-0 win over Wales, the Boys in Green went into the draw this afternoon as one of four unseeded sides — along with Northern Ireland, Greece and Sweden.
And Martin O’Neill’s men have been handed a favourable pairing after avoiding tricky ties against Croatia and Italy.
Ranked 19th in the world (the lowest of the seeded teams), Denmark finished second in Group E behind Poland thanks to six wins, two draws and two defeats.
The first leg will be played in Copenhagen on Saturday, 11 November, before a return at the Aviva Stadium three days later — Tuesday, 14 November.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland take on Switzerland, Croatia meet Greece, and Italy face Sweden.