Soccer:The Republic of Ireland may have avoided the likes of Bosnia and Turkey when they were pitted against Estonia at this afternoon's Euro 2012 play-off draw but Tarmo Ruutli's side will have been equally pleased with the way things panned out.
Estonia could have drawn Croatia or Portugal in the play-offs and while Ireland will start as favourites over the two legs on November 11th and 15th, the Baltic nation will fancy their chances of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time.
Estonia, traditionally one of Europe's weaker nations, exceeded expectations by finishing second in Group C behind Italy after beating Northern Ireland home and away, denying Serbia a place in the play-offs in the process.
And although Aivar Pohlak, president of the Estonian FA, wasn’t getting carried away after today’s draw in Krakow he did concede it was an outcome Estonia were hoping for.
"This is what we wanted,” Pohlak said, “but there shouldn't be any illusions that Ireland will be an easy opponent. They come from a very strong qualifying group which, in addition to Russia, included Slovakia and Armenia."
And midfielder Tarmo Kink has warned of Ireland they will not have things all their own way as they attempt to book their place at the European Championship finals for the first time since 1988.
“It’s a huge tie for us,” the 26-year-old Middlesbrough player said. “We have already made history by making the play-offs for the first time, and now everyone in Estonia is hoping we can make our debut in the European Championships.
“It will be a tough tie against Ireland, but it would have been tough whoever we drew for these games. I know some of the Irish players and they will be just as determined to qualify as we are.”
Estonia will host Giovanni Trapattoni’s side in Tallinn on Friday, November 11th, and will travel to the Aviva Stadium four days later.
Elsewhere, Turkey will meet Croatia in a repeat of their epic Euro 2008 quarter-final clash in Vienna, when Croatia went 1-0 up in the last minute of extra time, only for the Turks to equalise with the last kick of the game.
The Croatians then missed three penalties in the shootout while Turkey scored theirs and advanced to the semi-finals.
Turkey assistant coach Oguz Cetin said: "Croatia is an opponent we know well. They are a very strong team, and have shown a great performance during the group stage. We have similar styles of football to Croatia."
Bosnia against Portugal will be a repeat of the 2010 World Cup play-offs, when the Portuguese won 2-0 on aggregate to go through to the finals in South Africa.
Portugal coach Paulo Bento expects another very tough fight, saying: "Bosnia were just minutes away from taking the first place in the group against France. They have some individual players who deserve respect.
"We are strong and I am still confident we will play in Poland and Ukraine next year. We know the kind of atmosphere that awaits us and might have some advantage from playing the second leg at home".
The fourth match sees the seeded Czech Republic, who finished a distant second behind Spain in Group I, play Montenegro who, like Estonia, have qualified for a play-off for the first time after finishing behind England in Group G.
"Montenegro? Turkey or Bosnia would have been more difficult competition. Even if it is not going to be easy, I think it is doable," said Czech defender Michal Kadlec, their leading scorer during the qualifiers, said.
Next year's finals take place in June and July with co-hosts Poland and Ukraine already joined by group winners Germany, Russia, Italy, France, Netherlands, Greece, England, Denmark and Spain and best runners-up Sweden.
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