Ireland get their campaign underway against Ukraine.
The Republic of Ireland’s fixtures for the Uefa Nations League have been confirmed. Ireland have been drawn in Group B1 alongside Ukraine, Scotland and Armenia.
Stephen Kenny’s team will play six matches in the campaign – four of them will be staged across 10 days in June 2022 and the final two in September.
Ireland open their campaign at home to top seeds Ukraine before travelling to face Armenia. They then return to Dublin to play Scotland, before visiting Ukraine. The final two games of the group – Scotland away and Armenia at home – will be played next September.
Stephen Kenny: Ireland’s ambition is to win Nations League group.
Ireland manager Kenny said the draw was a “competitive one” and despite his team’s status as third seeds, they hope to top the group.
The winners of Group B1 will earn promotion to League A for the next edition of the Nations League. The team that finishes bottom will go into a relegation playoff. There may also be a playoff place for Euro 2024 on offer, with the format to be decided in June.
“My first impression is that it is a really competitive group,” Kenny told Uefa after the draw was made on Thursday evening.
“Ukraine got to the quarter-finals of the Euros. Scotland have won their last six matches, and Armenia have really improved, finishing ahead of Iceland recently in their World Cup qualifying group.
“All of the teams are capable of taking points off each other. So, it is very exciting from our point of view.
“Obviously, we’re third seeds in the group, so not many people would expect us to win the group but that will certainly be our ambition.”
"We're third seeds in the group so not many people would expect us to win the group but that will certainly be our ambition…"
Stephen Kenny reacts to the UEFA Nations League draw and believes it is a really exciting draw 👍#COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/nest1k4wQ8
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) December 16, 2021
League B – Group 1: Ireland’s fixtures.
Here are Ireland’s fixtures for the Uefa Nations League.
Saturday, June 4 – Rep of Ireland v Ukraine 7.45 pm.
Tuesday, June 7 – Armenia v Rep of Ireland 5 pm.
Saturday, June 11 – Rep of Ireland v Scotland 5 pm.
Tuesday, June 14 – Ukraine v Rep of Ireland 5 pm.
Friday, Sept 23 – Scotland v Rep of Ireland 7.45 pm.
Monday, Sept 26 – Rep of Ireland v Armenia 7.45 pm.
