ZURICH — Four-times world champions Italy were drawn against Sweden on Tuesday in their two-legged playoff for a place at next year's World Cup. Italy, who last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1958, will play the second leg at home in the most eye-catching of the four ties.

Switzerland, who finished second in their qualifying group despite winning nine of their 10 games, were drawn against Northern Ireland, who last qualified in 1986, with the first match in Belfast.

Croatia, runners-up behind Iceland in their group, will face Greece with the first leg at home. The fourth tie pits Ireland against Denmark, who host the first match.

"We had the toughest qualification group against Netherlands and against France and we played some really good games. If we can play at the level, then we can beat any team in the world, including Italy," Sweden coach Janne Andersson told Reuters.

"We have a lot of good young players and some experienced players — we have a good mix in the team. We have a good mentality in the team, we have confidence."

His opposite number Gian Piero Ventura did not attend the draw at FIFA headquarters.

Northern Ireland coach Michael O'Neill, whose team includes a number of English second tier players, said his side would make life as difficult as possible for Switzerland, who are bidding to qualify for their fourth successive World Cup.

"We're here on merit. We were second in our group behind the Germans, of course we can believe we can win it," he said. "We can make the tie very difficult for Switzerland. They will be favorites to go through, we believe we are capable of overcoming them."

Ireland coach Martin O'Neill said: "I know Denmark and I know the manager Age Hareide, he and I used to play together so it will be an interesting confrontation."

The Ties: Northern Ireland v Switzerland; Croatia v Greece; Denmark v Ireland; Sweden v Italy. Two-legged ties to be played Nov. 9-11 and Nov. 12-14

Honduras coach calls FIFA

playoff dates 'inhumane'

Meanwhile, FIFA's decision to schedule the World Cup qualifier between Australia and Honduras with just five days in between the two matches was "inhumane", the Central Americans' coach Jorge Luis Pinto has said.

The first match in the intercontinental playoff for a spot at the finals in Russia next year is scheduled to take place in Central America on Nov. 10, with the second leg in Sydney five days later.

There are no direct flights from Australia to Honduras and the Honduran team's logistics manager told local newspaper La Prensa they have to fly to Los Angeles before connecting on a flight heading Down Under.

"It's inhumane of FIFA to put the dates so close with such a long trip in between them," Pinto said in quotes that were widely reported in Honduras on Monday.

However, Pinto said his team would have a slight advantage in playing the first match at home. "We don't have to do two trips that could be harmful to us," he said in quotes published in the Diez sports newspaper. "On the other hand, Australia have to come here and play the game and then go home and that's more tiring." — Reuters