The draw for the qualifying round of Euro 17 took place today in Nyon and the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team have been drawn in Group 2 along with Spain, Finland, Portugal and Montenegro.
The group winners and the six best runners-up will join the hosts, the Netherlands, in the final tournament.
The other two runners-up will play off in October 2016 for the remaining berth in the expanded 16-team finals to be held the following summer.
Yesssssssss get in delighted with that group!! Bring on the Euros 2017! #COYGIG
— Megan Campbell (@megcam10) April 20, 2015I'll take that! A group full of quality teams but absolutely a group we can qualify out of!! Bring it on! #Euro2017 #COYGIG
— Louise Quinn (@louie_quinn) April 20, 2015Happy with that draw we can certainly do well
— Denise O'Sullivan (@OSullivanDenise) April 20, 2015The five teams will meet this afternoon to arrange the group fixtures which will take place between September 14, 2015 and September 20, 2016.
Spain are the highest ranked team in the group in the Fifa world rankings in 14th spot, while Finland are ranked 24th, seven places higher than Ireland in 31st.
Portugal are the 38th ranked side in the world, while Montenegro are ranked 93rd.
Road to the Netherlands
Qualifying group stage: September 14, 2015 - September 20, 2016.
Play-off draw: September 23, 2016, in Nyon.
Play-offs: October 17-25, 2016.
Finals draw: late 2016, Netherlands.
Finals: July/August 2017, Netherlands.
