On Monday, Ireland discovered their opponents for the upcoming Qatar 2022 qualifiers, as Kenny aims to lead Ireland to their first World Cup for 20 years. The Boys in Green will have to navigate through 2 games each against Portugal, Serbia, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg next year if they are to qualify automatically (first place), or through a play-off (second place). Having originally been allocated to a 5 team group, Ireland learned yesterday that Qatar will also be joining Group A. 2 friendlies are scheduled against the Middle-Eastern nation, both most likely to take place in Dublin to reduce travel arrangements.
Reflecting on the draw, Stephen Kenny told the media that “it's an interesting draw, Portugal, as the Nations League holders have great pedigree, while Serbia on paper are very strong.” Speaking about the unfamiliar opponents in Luxembourg and Azerbaijan, Kenny said “Luxembourg are a vastly improved team, while Azerbaijan are a bit of an unknown quantity, we will have to prepare accordingly. We want to get to the World Cup, we’re not just there to make up the numbers”.
In other news, Kenny reflected on the “non-story” which was the England motivational video. Although he was very surprised about the Daily Mail article & accompanying FAI statement, he insisted that “without question” he has the full support of the team & his employers. “We will take it in our stride and move on, we’re not going to dwell on the situation, It was something that happened and we will certainly move on” Kenny told the media. Furthermore, it was also confirmed that Darren Randolph will be available for selection next year following recent media reports about retirement. Kenny said that “I spoke to Darren and he has no intention of retiring, the story was completely untrue”.
Portugal
Ireland travel to Lisbon to face Portugal on Wednesday September 1st, before Cristiano Ronaldo graces the Aviva stadium on Thursday November 11th.
Ireland have faced the Portuguese four times since 2000. The sides played out two 1-1 draws in the 2002 World Cup qualification campaign. More recently, Brian Kerr’s side overcame Luis Filipe Scolari’s Portugal in a 1-0 win in February 2005, before Portugal thrashed Ireland 5-1 in a 2014 friendly.
Serbia
Ireland will kick off their campaign with a trip to Serbia on Wednesday March 24th, followed by the return leg in the Aviva on Tuesday September 7th.
Serbia are familiar opponents to the Irish in recent years, with 3 draws and 5 losses since 2008. Daryl Murphy rescued a point away from home in September 2016, but a 1-0 loss at home the following year was a hammer blow in Martin O’Neill’s 2018 World Cup qualification hopes.
Azerbaijan
Ireland host Azerbaijan on Saturday September 4th, before they make the long distance journey to Baku on Saturday October 9th. Ireland are yet to play Azerbaijan in a competitive fixture.
Luxembourg
The Boys in Green play Luxembourg at home on Saturday March 2th, before the campaign concludes away to them on Sunday November 14th.
Ireland’s record versus Luxembourg will make for pleasant reading when Stephen Kenny sits down to examine the two fixtures next year. The Irish have played 5 and won 5 against the side. Two wins courtesy of Paul McGrath & Frank Stapleton in 1987 sent us on our way to our first ever European Championships the following year!
Qatar.
Ireland will most likely host both games versus Qatar, which are scheduled for Tuesday March 30th & Tuesday October 12th. The games will be warm ups for the Qataris, who qualify for the World Cup as hosts. Ireland are yet to play Qatar in a competitive fixture, but the friendlies will no doubt be an opportunity for Kenny to test out players & tactics as needed.