Ireland to go for 'Lucky 13' in WCQ2006

The Republic's chances of qualifying will be greatly enhanced depending on the qualifying group draw. Qualification for the final in three years' time will see 51 teams drawn into three groups of seven teams and five groups of six teams. The eight group winners and two best runners-up will qualify automatically.

In a further twist, the six other group runners-up will contest play-offs to decide the other three teams to qualify. The new format needs to be ratified and approved by FIFA firstly, but UEFA officials are confident of a success.

UEFA have also sought to alter the 2008 European Championships. With Austria and Switzerland qualifying as hosts, the 50 participating teams will be seeking 14 qualifying slots. The teams will be divided into one group of eight teams and six groups of seven teams with qualification for the seven group winners and seven runners-up.

UEFA Chief Executive Officer Gerhard Aigner said that the new formats would involve no extra matches but ensure a full use of competitive dates. "The majority of European national associations wanted more games of competitive character," he said. "We have managed to do this while still allowing sufficient dates for friendly matches."