Why the Nations League is significant for Ireland
Should Ireland, as expected of top seeds, secure first place in the pool, they will be promoted to League A.
That League starting next in April 2024 acts as the qualifying series for the 2025 Euros in Switzerland – a tournament Ireland have never qualified for.
Eight teams, those who finish first and second in the four League A groups, progress directly to the finals.
Given Ireland would likely be facing at least one of Europe’s top countries, possibly two, that will be their ultimate test.
They will still be guaranteed a play-off route by finishing third or last, meeting nations from League C, either the group victors or the best runners-up. That is a semi-final for a final against a team that could emerge from League B.
Those one-off ties will determine the seven final teams to join the already-qualified top eight from League A and Switzerland at the 16-team showpiece in July 2025.
Were Ireland to somehow miss out on top spot, they are funnelled into a two-legged play-off next February against one of the four nations that finish third in League A. That’s not a palatable prospect, for they could face an established force, in the form of Belgium, Austria, Iceland, or Italy.
Read on irishexaminer.com
