IT’S LAST CHANCE saloon for Ireland and Martin O’Neill next month and we now know which teams potentially stand between the Boys in Green and a place at Euro 2016.
The group stages of qualifying concluded on Tuesday with Ukraine, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary now confirmed as the seeded nations for Sunday’s play-off draw.
Once Ireland’s play-off fate is confirmed, there will be a scramble for flights and tickets so we’ve put together a travel guide to help you get one step ahead of the pack.
Play-off fixture details
Uefa have confirmed the first team out of the draw will play the first leg at home and there will be no preferential treatment for the seeded teams. The times and dates for each of the play-off fixtures will then be announced approximately an hour after Sunday’s draw.
The first legs will take place between 12-14 November and the second legs will be played between 15-17 November.
Ukraine
City: Kiev
Stadium: Olympic Stadium
Capacity: 70,050
All things considered, drawing Ukraine could be the worst possible draw. With a raging war currently developing, it’s not an attractive destination for players or supporters alike and there are no direct flights from Dublin.
The option is go through another European city but that adds to the cost and travel time while accommodation can be expensive.
On the plus side, the capacity of the NSK Olimpiyskyi stadium means the away allocation would be 3,500 tickets.
Sweden
City: Stockholm
Stadium: Friends Arena
Capacity: 50,000
Unlike Kiev, there is now a direct service from Dublin to Stockholm through SAS airlines. Plus, given the demand, Marathon Sports Travel say they would put on a charter flight for fans looking to make the trip for the game.
Alternatively, a Ryanair flight to Stansted and a connecting one to Stockholm would get you there.
While it is an expensive city, Stockholm is certainly an idyllic place to visit and the large ex-pat community would ensure there is a healthy contingent of Ireland fans regardless of travel costs.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
City: Zenica
Stadium: Bilino Polje Stadium
Capacity: 15,600
By far the smallest capacity ground which would lead to problems for Ireland fans trying to get hold of tickets while no direct flights would make the journey difficult. Again, there are options available through charter flights via other European countries but that only raises the cost.
When they do arrive in Sarajevo, fans would then face a 70km journey north to Zenica, where the national stadium is situated. Moreover, the away team are entitled to just 750 tickets.
Hungary
City: Budapest
Stadium: Groupama Aréna
Capacity: 22,000
According to travel agents, Hungary would be the most favorable draw for supporters – and the same could be said in a footballing context too.
It would undoubtedly be the easiest place for the green army to get to and from with a multitude of options available.
Aer Lingus offer a direct flight from Dublin to Budapest while fans living in London and mainland Europe wouldn’t face any problem in getting a flight or train in and out of the Hungarian capital.
It will all become clearer on Sunday morning but whichever team Ireland are drawn against, demand will be high as the green army look to get behind Martin O’Neill and his men.
