Republic of Ireland to face European champions Portugal in qualifiers for World Cup 2022

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is tackled by James McClean in a 2014 friendly against the Republic of Ireland at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Picture: David Maher / Sportsfile

The Republic of Ireland has been landed in the same group as European champions Portugal at Monday evening's 2022 World Cup qualifying draw but, as these lotteries go, it could have been far worse for Stephen Kenny and his struggling side.

The Portuguese followed that inaugural international success four years ago by claiming the first-ever Nations League title but their form since has been mixed and they could only finish second behind Ukraine in the qualifying campaign for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.