Denmark V Republic of Ireland - Sat, 11 November 2017 World Cup 2018 Play Off 1st Leg

[paul_oshea]

Just on the possible blocking by the DBU of home section tickets suspected to be in the hands of Irish fans, a poster on YBIG said (https://forum.ybig.ie/forum_posts.asp?TID=55750&PID=2039163&title=denmark-away-ticket-thread-no-touting#2039163) that someone he knows who is based in Denmark and who received the DBU's warning email just wrote back to them in Danish and provided a Danish name and number. The block was lifted as a result with no further action or investigation. No mention of requiring ID or anything like that either.

As I said, so just get the letter written and don't worry. No harm in the covering the top up on the day too.

Those Danish lads mustn't have too much interest in the game at all. I know one group who got 8 tickets! Ye'd do well to get 1 home one here.

[DannyInvincible]

I was going to comment on McGoldrick's omission but I think that covers it, for the most part.

I should also have mentioned Maguire's absence, which has only further limited our options up front. I find it difficult to get my head around why O'Neill would then wish to further limit our already-limited options voluntarily.

[DannyInvincible]

As I said, so just get the letter written and don't worry. No harm in the covering the top up on the day too.

Those Danish lads mustn't have too much interest in the game at all. I know one group who got 8 tickets! Ye'd do well to get 1 home one here.

We've got two home section ones already so we're OK. We'd get rid of them if away section spares popped up but I'd imagine spare tickets for the away end will be much scarcer.

There were actually some D1 tickets up on Viagogo last time I looked (last night) but they would have cost about £370 each, which is mad money. I'd feel very uneasy spending that amount of money on a ticket for a football match!

[DeLorean]

I should also have mentioned Maguire's absence, which has only further limited our options up front. I find it difficult to get my head around why O'Neill would then wish to further limit our already-limited options voluntarily.

Maybe McGoldrick is seen by MON as more of a number ten than a number nine, reasonably enough perhaps.

With Hoolahan likely to be held in reserve in at least one of the two games, Brady seemingly an interchangeable option in that role, McGeady and even O'Dowda capable of providing a bit of impetus there, O'Neill was probably more concerned with including more natural back-ups to the main striker, be that Murphy or Long.

Hogan (for sure) and probably even O'Brien fit that description better than McGoldrick, even if they do have less goals this season.

[seanfhear]

How enthuisiatic are some players if they don’t think they will get game time . The squad dynamic is important especially from players that are unlikely to get game time .

[DannyInvincible]

Hendrick and Ward sat out training today, but I don't think they're major concerns: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017/1107/918136-keane-has-no-time-for-pointless-talk-about-absentees/

They should hopefully be OK come the weekend.

[KrisLetang]

Injuries for Denmark:
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/denmark-facing-injury-crisis-ahead-of-world-cup-playoff-with-martin-oneills-ireland-36292858.html

[DeLorean]

Yellow card watch - http://www.the42.ie/10-ireland-players-in-danger-of-missing-the-second-denmark-game-3683448-Nov2017/


Republic of Ireland (10)



Harry Arter
Cyrus Christie
Ciaran Clark
Shane Duffy
James McClean
Aiden McGeady
Daryl Murphy
Darren Randolph
Stephen Ward
Glenn Whelan





Denmark (10)



Peter Ankersen
Andreas Cornelius
Henrik Dalsgaard
Thomas Delaney
Christian Eriksen
Viktor Fischer
Nicolai Jorgensen
Simon Kjaer
Yussuf Poulsen
Kasper Schmeichel

[DannyInvincible]

Claus Røndbjerg-Christensen, chief editor of Danish Football News (https://twitter.com/DanishFooty), with the view from Denmark for Póg Mo Goal: http://pogmogoal.com/the-blog-reel/danish-view-danes-look-to-eriksen-for-play-off-glory/25118/


“Are you happy with the draw?”

To come back to the question, considering the history, no, this was not a good draw for Denmark. Last time out, we lost 4-0. These two games might be the ones to watch of all the European play-offs but the fans don’t necessarily share this emotion. There have been several tweets and comments on Danish football forums about the intensity and raw physical presence of the way Ireland plays. Perhaps not for both sets of supporters with so much at stake, but this could be a great game for the neutral.

Hmm, I'm not sure about that. Very few of our games have been spectacles for the neutral, but at least the Danes are unhappy with the draw and seem concerned by our physicality.

[DannyInvincible]

A detailed look back at our last game against Denmark, which was a 4-0 victory for us in Aarhus in 2007: http://pogmogoal.com/republic-of-ireland/last-meeting-irelands-great-dane-display/25126/

[KrisLetang]

Aarhus, in the middle of our street....

[irishfan86]

Very few of our games have been spectacles for the neutral, but at least the Danes are unhappy with the draw and seem concerned by our physicality.

Given we're used to the way we play under O'Neill, as supporters I think we've come to accept it as predictable and pedestrian -- a "normal" for us if you will.

But I watched the Ireland-Serbia and Wales-Ireland matches with non-Ireland supporting friends who watch a lot of soccer but were shocked by the intensity and physicality of our team -- they enjoyed the game despite its lack of "quality."

One Serbian player described their 1-0 win over us as war -- Ivanovic describes the match as a "nightmare": https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/branislav-ivanovic-says-ireland-were-the-toughest-opposition-he-has-ever-played-against-36105355.html

Lots of perspectives and I know we like to criticize the team (I certainly do at different junctures), but our boys are feared and rightfully so.

[DannyInvincible]

Copenhagen info for travelling Irish fans handily compiled by Ger Keville: https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/slashed-beer-prices-live-music-and-transport-details-copenhagen-ready-to-welcome-ireland-fans-36297800.html

[geysir]

Dogs are a thing in Copenhagen. You can bring your dog on public transport and the dog's passage is covered by the purchase of a child ticket,
unless of course the dog is being carried in a bag, in that case the dog goes free.

What about you have a pram and the dog is in the pram?

[jbyrne]

what's the honest feeling on getting into the Danish end as an Irish fan?
will a simple red beany hat do or is it too big a risk (have not booked flights yet but have an option).

[DannyInvincible]

what's the honest feeling on getting into the Danish end as an Irish fan?
will a simple red beany hat do or is it too big a risk (have not booked flights yet but have an option).

We're going to head down relatively early to suss it out. I'll keep colours and scarf concealed under a hoody and/or coat until I'm in, if necessary. I might even bring my red and white Derry City scarf just in case a disguise is needed. If you go in quietly and aren't rowdy or showing signs of drunkenness, I'm confident it should be OK.

There were Swedish fans (celebrating) and Polish fans (cursing their luck) with colours on display in D3 and other parts of the home section during big games in Parken over the past two years. The Sweden game was the play-off for the Euros. Those fans weren't kicked out despite it being clear on television that they were supporting the away team. If they could be clearly spotted on television, you can be sure that security in the ground were also aware of them, but they didn't bother them.

[DeLorean]

Injuries for Denmark:
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/denmark-facing-injury-crisis-ahead-of-world-cup-playoff-with-martin-oneills-ireland-36292858.html

Jorgensen fella says he's fit to play according to Sky Sports News.

[KrisLetang]

So what is everybody predicting?

I'll say 2-1 Denmark. Ireland down 2-0, score a late goal.
"It's not the best news, it's not the worst news" and "MOL! FFS CAN WE STOP THE HOOFBALL!!" Two examples of typical post match comments on Foot.ie.

[DannyInvincible]

Jorgensen fella says he's fit to play according to Sky Sports News.

Simon Kjaer, Andreas Bjelland and Andreas Corneliu are all expected to be OK too, unfortunately: http://www.punditarena.com/football/kboyle/denmark-receive-massive-boost-as-key-players-will-return-for-ireland-match/

Good news for us though is that Hendrick is on course to be fit after his glute/lower back scan came back positive: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017/1108/918374-hendrick-on-course-to-be-fit-to-face-denmark/

Stephen Ward resumed light training today.

[KrisLetang]

Denmark hopes rest on Eriksen, insist many.

http://www.postbulletin.com/sports/national/denmark-s-hopes-rest-on-eriksen-in-world-cup-playoff/article_2111be49-33c4-5320-b4b6-b1ab8c30b936.html

[KrisLetang]

Fans preview playoffs, YBIG's Ryan O'Hanlon handles chore on behalf of Irish faithful.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/nov/08/world-cup-2018-fans-european-play-offs-previews

[geysir]

I would have a different opinion about these play offs if I hadn't witnessed that superb performance v Wales. Apart from the obvious in that game, it was also team who just won't surrender their world cup place. I just imagine that at this moment that you just can't measure the desire of O'Neill and Keane to get to Russia, that the squad will be suitably influenced that this is our calling, this is our world cup place. We will reduce the winning of the tie down to the factors that are in our favour.
if Denmark are to win they will have to play at a level of intensity they haven't yet achieved against a team like ours.

[BonnieShels]

I would have a different opinion about these play offs if I hadn't witnessed that superb performance v Wales. Apart from the obvious in that game, it was also team who just won't surrender their world cup place. I just imagine that at this moment that you just can't measure the desire of O'Neill and Keane to get to Russia, that the squad will be suitably influenced that this is our calling, this is our world cup place. We will reduce the winning of the tie down to the factors that are in our favour.
if Denmark are to win they will have to play at a level of intensity they haven't yet achieved against a team like ours.

Stop it geysir. That's just too much positivity.

COYBIG!!!

POSH, in ya come to temper this Nordic exuberance!

[Kingdom]

We're ****, how about that Bonnie?

[BonnieShels]

Much better. Was worried for a sec.

[Closed Account]

The full Republic of Ireland squad took part in training on Thursday, November 9 at FAI National Training Centre.
Both Stephen Ward and Jeff Hendrick, who had undergone specialised training sessions with FAI medical staff in previous days, came through the session without any problems.
Captain Seamus Coleman and forward Jonathan Walters linked up with the squad in a supporting role ahead of the departure to Copenhagen, while goalkeeper Colin Doyle has returned to his club.
Republic of Ireland MNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph, Keiren Westwood, Rob Elliot
Defenders: Cyrus Christie, Matt Doherty, Paul McShane, Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark, John O'Shea, Kevin Long, Stephen Ward
Midfielders: Aiden McGeady, Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady, Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane, Harry Arter, David Meyler, Eunan O'Kane, Wes Hoolahan, Callum O'Dowda, James McClean
Forwards: Shane Long, Daryl Murphy, Scott Hogan, Aiden O'Brien

Source: http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/squad-update-ahead-of-play-off-first-leg

[boysingreen]

Sorry if I ramble...

Was thinking about putting the significance of this game in context to wife, and got stuck on this question.

I wanted to say: "This is our most important game since... 2002."

Then I remembered France '16. "Most important game since last summer" doesn't have the same ring to it.

But then I started asking myself if I would rather play in the round of 32 at the Euros or be one game away from the World Cup?

Which is the more significant game in Irish football history? This or France '16?

[KrisLetang]

It's this IMO. Not close to me. I always feel like the Euro's are anti climactic. By the time they come around its like who cares.

[boysingreen]

I suppose the Euros getting watered down in its latest incarnation may make this easier? But it's still huge to be in the knockouts of a major tournament vs the risk of not qualifying that comes with being in a WC playoff.

[DeLorean]

Sorry if I ramble...

Was thinking about putting the significance of this game in context to wife, and got stuck on this question.

I wanted to say: "This is our most important game since... 2002."

Then I remembered France '16. "Most important game since last summer" doesn't have the same ring to it.

But then I started asking myself if I would rather play in the round of 32 at the Euros or be one game away from the World Cup?

Which is the more significant game in Irish football history? This or France '16?

Good question. The World Cup is the 'big one' but had we beaten France, we could very well have made a semi final (Geysir might disagree :)). We could beat the Danes and have a nightmare at the tournament itself, similar to 2012. Although that's unlikely as we we won't have nearly as tough a group, but basically I'm just saying it's probably impossible to answer without knowing what it will ultimately lead to.

On a similar note, after we beat Wales I noticed a few begrudging comments from their supporters on social media, saying we could only dream about getting to the semi final of a major tournament like they did in France. Obviously we never have, although we were within eight minutes of doing so in 1988 and could easily have done so in 2002 with a small bit of luck. We did get to a World Cup quarter final in 1990 of course, is this a better or lesser achievement than a semi final appearance at the Euros? Wales contested a World Cup quarter final in 1958 too, but I'm just wondering what people would consider the bigger achievement? I'd probably side with a semi final appearance myself to be fair, regardless of which competition it is.

[Fergie's Son]

I'm not allowing myself to get too excited but it's tough. This would be a massive achievement.

[EAFC_rdfl]

Surely achievements go up in how impressive they are the further back in time you go - due to the ever increasing number of places available at these tournaments. You could say that qualifying for 1990 would be equivalent of making it out of the groups at next year's world cup.

[tricky_colour]

Dogs are a thing in Copenhagen. You can bring your dog on public transport and the dog's passage is covered by the purchase of a child ticket,
unless of course the dog is being carried in a bag, in that case the dog goes free.

What about you have a pram and the dog is in the pram?

Good news for those going with their girlfriends! :p

[KrisLetang]

Another thing is the possibility of playing a non Euro team in a competitive match. Look at some of the teams who have already qualified who we could play. Uruguay, Mexico, Saudi's, Japan, Nigeria, Costa Rica. Just something different. We were in that boring cycle of the Faroes, etc for a while, now it seems like the Georgia's of the world. It's like eating the same food over and over.

[Colbert Report]

How the heck is Paul McShane anywhere near the squad???

[KrisLetang]

How the heck is Paul McShane anywhere near the squad???

Training well at least.
http://www.punditarena.com/football/bbarry/paul-mcshane-screamer-ireland-training/

[mark12345]

Training well at least.
http://www.punditarena.com/football/bbarry/paul-mcshane-screamer-ireland-training/

Just watched N. Ireland get robbed against Switzerland at Windsor Park. In truth the Swiss were on top for long long periods of the game and the North dodged the proverbial bullet on a number of occassions (created very little themselves at the other end). It brought home to me the importance of possessing the football in Copenhagen on Saturday night, and to that end Wes Hoolahan will be critical for Ireland. Hope Martin sees it that way also.

[tricky_colour]

Just watched N. Ireland get robbed against Switzerland at Windsor Park. In truth the Swiss were on top for long long periods of the game and the North dodged the proverbial bullet on a number of occassions (created very little themselves at the other end). It brought home to me the importance of possessing the football in Copenhagen on Saturday night, and to that end Wes Hoolahan will be critical for Ireland. Hope Martin sees it that way also.


Just looked up the statistics out of interest.





Team Stats



Northern Ireland
Team
Switzerland


0
Goals
1


0
Shots On Target
2


4
Shots Off Target
9


1
Blocked Shots
5


64.6
Passing Accuracy
82.4


280
Total Passes
527


181
Completed Passes
434


1
Corners Won
4


0
Offsides
3


3
Total Tackles
11


3
Tackles Won
6


13
Interceptions
6



1
Saves By Goalkeeper
0


14
Fouls Won
16


17
Fouls Conceded
15


1
Yellow Cards
1


0
Red Cards
0




It is not the end of the world for NI, if they can get a goal in the second leg they are right back in it.

[BonnieShels]

The Swiss should have won. But the referee was a sham. Some of the decisions had "bought off" written all over them tbh.

[tricky_colour]

Was never a penalty.

Has a bit of Thierry Henry about it as regards a wrong handball decision in reverse circumstances.

[seanfhear]

It nearly hit him on the head with his hand nowhere near . A shocker of a decision and absolute proof of the need for video technology .

Can you imagine if our team went out to that sort of decision .

[MeathDrog]

Terrible decision but at the same time NI were very disappointing. They didn't create one chance all game and only had a spell of pressure in the last 5 minutes.

[Lionel Ritchie]

From what I've heard NI were very disappointing. A 1-2 win in Basle is well within their capabilities mind. For all that -a dodgy result in Belfast aside if Switzerland do make it who could argue they're not worthy given their qualification run.

[backstothewall]

Can you imagine if our team went out to that sort of decision .

Can I imagine us missing out on a World Cup after a shocking handball decision in a playoff match?

Funnily enough I can actually

[NeverFeltBetter]

The North weren't great. Swiss should really have won by more and put the tie to bed. Now the IFA team have to convert some of the anger to an actual performance. They only need to score once to have a chance.

[tetsujin1979]

The North didn't create anything of note during the game, the Swiss weren't much better and it did take a penalty for them to score. The Swiss did have one great chance in the first half that the keeper palmed around the post. Cory Evans will miss the second leg in Geneva now, they only scored more than one away from home in one qualifier (against San Marino) and the Swiss just need a draw at home so I don't see them going through.

[DeLorean]

The North weren't great. Swiss should really have won by more and put the tie to bed. Now the IFA team have to convert some of the anger to an actual performance. They only need to score once to have a chance.

On the evidence of last night I'd expect Switzerland to win comfortably, 3-0 or so.

[jbyrne]

On the evidence of last night I'd expect Switzerland to win comfortably, 3-0 or so.

yes, I think the north have gone off the boil recently. wouldn't a win away to Norway have seeded them for the play-offs? if so their performance that night was well under par for what was potentially on offer.

[DeLorean]

It brought home to me the importance of possessing the football in Copenhagen on Saturday night, and to that end Wes Hoolahan will be critical for Ireland. Hope Martin sees it that way also.

It's well established that Hoolahan won't start two games in such a short time frame, so surely he'll be kept for the second leg, and even his inclusion from the start there will depend on the first leg result I feel.

I think the team more or less picks itself for tomorrow but there might be one little surprise, as O'Neill tends throw up fairly regularly. Given how poor the Whelan/Arter partnership was in Tbilisi, I do think there's a good enough chance that O'Neill will be reluctant to go there again. If that is the case, Whelan will be the one left out with Arter being fairly solid in Cardiff. Hendrick could drop to assist Arter in a deeper role.

Of course, that would free up a position further forward for which we'd have a number of options. He could play both Long & Murphy in a more conventional 4-4-2 of sorts, as he did in Lille. He could even start the in-form O'Dowda who he obviously has a lot of time for and, of course, there's the Hoolahan option, but I just can't really see it for reasons already outlined.

[DeLorean]

wouldn't a win away to Norway have seeded them for the play-offs?

I didn't realise that if it was the case.