Ireland dealt blow ahead of World Cup playoffs draw as scenarios become clear

 Ireland's journey to their first World Cup in 24 years just got a bit more challenging, as Tuesday night's results placed Heimir Hallgrímsson's squad in Pot 3.

This means Troy Parrott and his teammates be up against one of the four Pot 2 teams on foreign soil — Poland, Wales, Czechia, Slovakia.

Should Ireland advance past this round in World Cup qualifying, they'll face off in a final against the victors of a Pot 1 versus Pot 4 semifinal.

Pot 1 is filled with favorites like Italy, Denmark, Turkey, and Ukraine, who will all enjoy home-field advantage, while Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland makeup te other side of that draw.

The host team for each final will be determined by a draw, not seeding or ranking.

The Boys in Green had hoped to slip into Pot 2 for an easier path to next summer's finals, but this required both Austria and North Macedonia to avoid defeat.

While Austria managed a 1-1 draw at home against Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia was no help, suffering a crushing 7-1 defeat away to Wales.

Northern Ireland, situated in Pot 4, will have a tough journey ahead, facing one of the Pot 1 teams as they strive to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

The playoff semifinals draw is set for Thursday in Zurich, with the semifinals scheduled for March 26 and the finals for March 31.

World Cup playoff semifinal pots

Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine

Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czechia, Slovakia

Pot 3: Ireland, Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo

Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland