Delaney 'pleased' with World Cup draw

FAI chief executive John Delaney is upbeat following last night's draw for the qualifiers of the 2014 World Cup, which pitted the Republic of Ireland with Germany, Sweden, Austria, Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan.

Delaney said: “I think we’re very pleased.

“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.

“Germany are a great team to play in the Aviva Stadium financially, with the television and advertising rights – but our main aim is to qualify for the World Cup.

“I’ve spoken to Giovanni, he’s pleased. He’s managed in Germany and Austria so has a connection to both those countries.”

Delaney was keen to look forward and not dwell on the disappointment of Thierry Henry’s handball goal, which took France to last year’s event at the expense of the Republic in a play-off.

He continued on Sky Sports News: “The last World Cup is in the dustbin, it’s about the next one.

“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.”

Germany manager Oliver Bierhoff acknowledged the threat of the Republic of Ireland, drawn alongside his team in Group C with Sweden, Austria, the Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan.

Bierhoff said: “It’ll be an interesting experience for our players.

“They are a team that play very intensively and can make like very hard for you – but I prefer to play in this kind of atmosphere rather than against smaller teams.

“Trapattoni (Republic manager, Giovanni) of course will know the German players – but Sweden and Ireland are both beatable.”