However, the ranking positions of the unseeded teams do not necessarily reflect their current form, as all four nations have claimed the runners-up spots in their groups with impressive and courageous qualifying campaigns, eliminating big-name former FIFA World Cup contenders such as Croatia, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Romania along the way.

The Republic of Ireland was first up in the draw and will be joined by France on the pitch. After a rocky performance in the group stages, Portugal will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina. Greece was revealed to be Ukraine’s opponent, which left only Russia and Slovenia in the pots.

Two-legged play-offs will be contested on November 14 and 18, with Russia, Greece, Portugal and the Republic of Ireland playing their first games at home.

Before the playoff draw, RT’s website asked its visitors which World Cup playoff opponents would be the most suited for Russia. Curiously enough, it was for Slovenia which the majority of respondents voted – 41%, with Ireland second (23%), Ukraine third (11%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina fourth (10%). Fifteen percent of voters said they did not care about Russia’s prospects.