The Republic of Ireland face a tough task to progress to the knockout stages of Euro 2012 after being drawn against world and European Champions Spain, Italy and Croatia in Kiev on Friday evening.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side, who will play all of their Group C games in Poland, kick off their finals campaign against Croatia in Gdansk on 10 June.
Ireland will remain in the port city for the clash against tournament favourites Spain on 14 June, before travelling to Poznan for the side's final group game against Italy on 18 June.
The tournament's 'Group of Death' pits 2010 World Cup finalists the Netherlands against Germany, Portugal and Denmark in Group B.
Conversely, Group A has shaped up as a 'Group of Life', featuring co-hosts Poland, Czech Republic, Russia and Greece.
England were another side to benefit from a favourable draw, with Fabio Capello's men drawn against Ukraine, France and Sweden.
Group A
1 Poland
2 Greece
3 Russia
4 Czech Republic
Group B
1 Netherlands
2 Denmark
3 Germany
4 Portugal
Group C
1 Spain
2 Italy
3 Republic of Ireland
4 Croatia
Group D
1 Ukraine
2 Sweden
3 France
4 England
Group C Fixtures
10 June 2012
Spain v Italy
Gdansk, Poland
10 June 2012
Rep of Ireland v Croatia
Poznan, Poland
14 June 2012
Italy v Croatia
Poznan, Poland
14 June 2012
Spain v Rep of Ireland
Gdansk, Poland
18 June 2012
Croatia v Spain
Gdansk, Poland
18 June 2012
Italy v Rep of Ireland
Poznan, Poland