Setback for Irish hopes in Cup play-offs

THE Republic of Ireland’s World Cup prospects received a major setback last night after FIFA confirmed that a seeding arrangement will apply for the Europe Zone play-offs in November.

As revealed first by the Irish Examiner last Friday, FIFA’s Executive Committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro ruled that the next World Ranking of national teams, to be published on October 16, will decide which four teams are to be top-seeded and kept apart in the draw in Zurich three days later.

As a result of the decision, the odds have shortened dramatically on Ireland being paired with former World and double European champions France or Euro-2008 semi-finalists Russia. Multiple trophy winners Germany are another possible opponent, should they lose top spot to Russia in Group 4.

On present standings in the qualifying groups, Russia, Croatia, France and Greece would be Ireland’s potential opponents, provided Giovanni Trapattoni’s team finish behind Italy as one of the eight best runners-up. Ireland would be joined in Pot 2 by Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Sweden — any one of which they would have hoped to meet in an open draw.

Last night’s announcement confirmed that the world governing body was backing away from an open draw. The fear of Argentina failing to qualify is one of several factors behind FIFA’s decision to keep Europe’s bigger names apart for the play-offs.