The draw for the two-leg play-offs for the final four qualifying spots in the EURO 2012 Championship finals in Poland/Ukraine next Summer will be made on Thursday at 1 pm in Krakow.
The Republic of Ireland will go into the draw alongside Turkey, Estonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Portugal and the Czech Republic.
Ireland's return means they will be one of four seeded teams. They will go into a pot alongside Portugal, Croatia and the Czech Republic. These teams will be drawn against Turkey, Estonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina or Montenegro.
The winners on aggregate scores over the two legs of the four matches will advance to the final competition next Summer in Poland and Ukraine.
The hosts, Poland and Ukraine, were accorded places in the final competition as hosts.
Through to the finals also after the final series of matches in the nine qualifying sections were Spain (European and World champions), Italy, Germany, Netherlands, France, Russia, Denmark, Greece, England and Sweden.
Sweden advanced after finishing second in Group E. They beat Netherlands in the final match thanks to two goals in a minute after trailing 1-2.
Netherlands were sure of qualification before the match with nine wins on the trot and their 2-3 loss was their only set-back. Sweden's win meant they had the best record of the nine second placed teams.
Spain, winners of Group I, and Germany, winners of Group A, were the only teams to finish with maximum points. Sweden's win spoiled Netherlands 100% record.
France looked bound for the play-offs when they trailed Bosnia & Herzegovina by the only goal of the game in Stade de France, Paris. But a penalty 12 minutes from the end gave Sami Nasri the opportunity to shot the goal that brought France level and sent them forward from Group D with one point more than Bosnia.
It was a night of high drama right across Europe and in Group H Denmark opposed Portugal in Copenhagen with the automatic qualifying spot at stake. Denmark triumphed 2-1 to pole vault to the top of the group three points ahead of Portugal. Norway beat Cyprus 3-1 to finish with the same number of points as Portugal but were placed third on goals difference and eliminated.
Already qualified for the final tournament then are: Poland, Ukraine, Spain (European and World champions), Italy, Germany, Netherlands, France, Russia, Denmark, Greece, England and Sweden.
Joining Ireland in the draw on Thursday for the play-offs for the remaining four places are: Turkey, Estonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Portugal, Czech Republic.
The first legs of the play-off matches will be played on November 11/12 and the second legs on November 15 next.
