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Republic of Ireland draw Denmark in FIFA World Cup 2018 play-offs

Marching on: Ireland booked their spot in the play-offs with a 1-0 win in Wales: AFP/Getty Images
Marching on: Ireland booked their spot in the play-offs with a 1-0 win in Wales: AFP/Getty Images

The Republic of Ireland will face Denmark across two legs next month for a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The first leg will be held between November 9-11 in Denmark before the return fixture at the Aviva Stadium which will be staged between November 12-14.

Martin O'Neill's side are fighting to book a place at the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002, and their recent record in play-off matches stands them in good stead.

The Republic won play-offs against Estonia in 2011 and Bosnia-Herzogovina four years later to reach the last two European Championships.

However, the pain of defeat to France ahead of the World Cup in 2010 will likely spur O'Neill's side on. The Irish were beaten by a William Gallas goal in extra-time of the second leg in Paris, when replays showed Thierry Henry had handled the ball in the build-up.

Victory over Iran eight years earlier, though, saw the Republic advance to the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, and the current crop will be hoping to repeat that feat.