The luck of the draw
The big win at the World Cup playoff draw wasn't getting Denmark, it was the order of the games
There were worse options.
Croatia desperately underperformed in the group phase but still boast some ludicrous talent that would give Ireland all kinds of conniptions over 180 minutes.
Italy is, well, Italy. Even when they aren't at their best, they aren't the team you want to face in do or die football.
Switzerland would probably have been nicer.
Their talent level isn't fantastic and their run of wins in qualifying, save for the ...