Brian Kerr will have afforded himself a wry smile as the Republic of Ireland were drawn in Pool 4 for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers in Frankfurt this evening.
Having avoided a potential 'Group of Death', which these draws invariably throw up, Ireland still have to negotiate a group containing 1998 world champions France if they are to book a place in Germany for the finals in three years time.
The draw will revive memories of Ireland's famous 3-2 victory over the French at Lansdowne Road during the qualifiers for the 1982 World Cup but with the likes of Zidane, Henry and Vieira in the current French side, taking anything from the two legs will be a tall order.
Kerr is also relishing the opportunity to gain a measure of revenge over Switzerland - who wrecked Irish hopes of qualification for Euro 2004 - when the qualifiers get underway next autumn.
Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands also stand between Ireland and a place in the 2006 finals to be hosted in Germany. The fixtures will be thrashed out over the coming days as delegates from the various associations draw up the schedule between themselves.
Speaking after the the draw Kerr said: "I hoped we'd avoid France because they are the top team in the world. But, other than that, we have to be happy.
"We can use Switzerland as motivation after they beat us in the Euro 2004 qualifiers while Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands will present some problems but we should not fear them.
"I am delighted that we're in a six team group because my biggest fear was we would be in a seven team one.
"It means we can now start the qualifiers in September and we don't have to use all six double dates.
"France and Switzerland being in Portugal is an advantage and I will go to Euro 2004 to watch both teams.
While on paper the Republic's chances of automatic qualification may appear slim, with only the top side progressing from each of eight groups, the possibility of making it to Germany through the back door is a viable option for Kerr's side.
With the two best runners-up also making it through - and the six other second-placed teams going into play-offs for a further three places - Kerr can be reasonably hopeful of a successful campaign.
Elsewhere, England were pitted against both Wales and Northern Ireland in their qualifying matches for with the three home nations drawn together in Group 6.
England will also have to get past old adversaries Poland to reach the finals with Austria and Azerbaijan making up the six-team group.
And manager Sven-Goran Eriksson insists their draw is not an easy one. Eriksson tipped Wales and Poland to provide the toughest tests, although he was pleased to miss out on meeting Holland.
"It's absolutely not easy," said the Swede. "I saw some of the games Wales played, against Italy for example and they did very, very well. I have to study them all of course.
"I am very glad that we could avoid Holland. I think England have played against Poland many times in these circumstances and have done well. I think it is a rather good draw, interesting.
"Poland always have good football players and it's a good team. "Northern Ireland and Wales are interesting, very interesting.
Scotland face perhaps the toughest route of the home nations having been handed ties with Italy, Slovenia, Norway, Belarus and Moldova in Group 5.