The Republic of Ireland and Denmark will lock horns in the second leg of their World Cup qualification play-off on Tuesday night.
In many ways, Ireland enacted their strategy perfectly in Saturday’s first match at the Parken Stadium. Martin O’Neill’s men sat deep, formed a compact and narrow shape without the ball and absorbed opposition pressure, frustrating the Danes and leaving Copenhagen with a vital clean sheet. It was a typical Irish performance under O’Neill, although the visitors certainly could have offered more in an attacking sense; their set-pieces were largely ineffective and Ireland were guilty of some poor decision-making in possession. Defensively, though, there was little to criticise.
Denmark dominated possession and spent much of the game in their opponent’s half of the field, but they were unable to create as many clear-cut chances as they would have liked in front of their own fans. Christian Eriksen showed a few flashes of inspiration but was kept quiet for the most part, while Pione Sisto was similarly unable to exert his usual level of influence. Denmark did fashion a handful of opportunities and forced Darren Randolph into making a couple of terrific saves, but they will have been disappointed not to have scored in their home leg.
Ireland will need to show a little more adventure on their own patch, although O’Neill will also be mindful that the concession of an away goal could prove fatal to his side’s chances of progression. Striking the right balance may prove difficult, but one move the Ireland boss could make is moving Robbie Brady to the flank and adding further steel in midfield in the form of Glenn Whelan.
Denmark boss Age Hareide may also be tempted to make one or two changes, with Nicklas Bendtner and Yussuf Poulsen – both of whom came off the substitutes’ bench at the weekend – pushing to be included from the first whistle. Eriksen may benefit from being afforded a little more time and space in the final third, while Simon Kjaer’s long diagonals from centre-back offer a more direct route to goal.
It would not be a huge surprise if this tie went all the way to extra time and penalties, with neither side likely to give too much away in Dublin.
