Euro 2020 Qualifying Group D

[CraftyToePoke]

Everyone go through the groups and pick ye're top two.. once that is done, you can calculate the play offs yourselves... or I'll do it.

1 : Switzerland
2 : Ireland
3 : Denmark

No more needed about it :)

[Stuttgart88]

Anyone who actually watches football knows full well that Switzerland was the 2nd best draw we could have gotten. Worth remembering that a lot if this ranking is down to them cheating the system and not playing friendlies.
I'd prefer the Swiss over the Dutch and the Italians but it's a fair point that the Swiss have generally navigated qualification pretty comfortably over the last decade and you can't say the same about Holland or Italy. Switzerland are a pretty formidable qualifying machine and thats what we're up against. They also beat Belgium 5-2 last week.

[Stuttgart88]

Here are the final placements of teams in all 4 Nations League groups.. so this will be what is used to place teams into the play off paths at the end of qualifying.

Group A - Top 4, but assuming 11-12 of them qualify, the Top 4 will be made from promoted teams.

Group B - Bosnia, Ukraine, Denmark, Sweden... then Russia, Austria, Wales, Czech Rep., Slovakia, Turkey, Rep. Ireland, Norn Ireland.

As teams qualify their places in the play off spots are taken by the next team in the rankings, until all 4 spots are taken from the order above.. so like I said.. if 6 of the first 10 qualify, the other 4 go into the play offs and us and Norn Ireland lose out.

But if there are spaces left in A, then we go up to A to fill those spaces until they have four spaces filled too.

So if seven qualify directly, the next 4 spaces would include us, being the 11th in Group B.

Here are the final rankings of the groups..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_UEFA_Nations_League_A

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_UEFA_Nations_League_B

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_UEFA_Nations_League_C

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_UEFA_Nations_League_D

The whole thing makes the Nations League a very important mini league every couple of years because if you can get back into Group B, you'll pretty much guaranteed a play off spot at the least.

We'll be in C next time, but that'll decide seedings for the world cup draw. It's almost imperative that we win our next nations league group to get back into B going into the seedings for Germany 2024
Yeah I get that, but as I said that assumes that - contrary to Article 16 of the regulations - that there is no draw to determine which teams go into which play off paths. I've come around to thinking Geysir's interpretation is right, but I still just think it's highly odd that UEFA specifically say a draw will be conducted to determine which play off path teams go into!

[samhaydenjr]

1 : Switzerland
2 : Ireland
3 : Denmark

No more needed about it :)

That's the spirit :victory: - Mick has always got us to second place, we now have a couple of strikers with immediate potential, our defence has been looking reasonably sound in the last few months (Wales drubbing aside), Coleman's back, Brady's back, McClean's back, James McCarthy will be back soon, Crowley's ready to come on board... if Rice comes back, we're flying.

[geysir]

With MoN and Keane we had no hope going into these qualifiers, not even a sliver, just more muck. Now we are in a group where 2nd place looks dooable and it would give added pleasure to stuff it to the mouthy Danes, from dynamite to a damp squid.

[Cathalsmart]

I'd prefer the Swiss over the Dutch and the Italians but it's a fair point that the Swiss have generally navigated qualification pretty comfortably over the last decade and you can't say the same about Holland or Italy. Switzerland are a pretty formidable qualifying machine and thats what we're up against. They also beat Belgium 5-2 last week.

No way, especially the Dutch. Switzerland on paper are definitely the best team in the group but having good players hasn’t been their major problem.

Yes they had a good win over Belgium but for every big win like that you could find 2 or 3 results they have had that would give you hope.

[ifk101]

A Danish newspaper describes the draw as a "dream" and us as "extremely primitive, defensive and limited". All good for us really.

[pineapple stu]

I know that's a journalist rather than anyone in the national tram setup, but that's exactly why I'd have liked Denmark or Switzerland first

[Insidetherock]

A Danish newspaper describes the draw as a "dream" and us as "extremely primitive, defensive and limited". All good for us really.

Frankly going on the past 24 months, that is exactly what we are. But whatever about the Swiss, the Danes can't say much given that in 4 games over 18 months, the main reason they beat us was because O Neill and Keane got a brainfart at half time in the play off game and took out the midfield defensive cover allowing Christen Erikkson the run of the Aviva.

They ain't any great shakes either.

People make big noise about Switzerland beating the "golden generation" Belgium too.. are people forgetting that Wales knocked the same Belgium out of the last Euro's just over two years ago in the quarter finals by three goals to one?

And Northern Ireland could easily have knocked them out of the World Cup in the play offs had they not conceded a very unlucky penalty kick?

Reality is, for the past few years.. we've been ****e. Really bad like.. being in the Aviva was a chore.. But we've been drawn against Switzerland and Denmark.. not Spain and Brazil

I think we'll see a few boring home and away draws against those teams if you asked me to put my house on it right now.

My biggest fear is that the group will be decided on goal difference and we'll lose out there.

But.. we'll be ready for the play offs after Mick has had the team together for 9 months

[DeLorean]

The Swiss are the nr1 seeds, top of pot 1 . This Swiss team is the best Swiss team I have ever seen. They fell flat against Sweden but clearly they are a lot better than that performance, they have been making great strides with this coach they have.

Sweden wasn't a complete once off though. One goal in two matches against NI and that from a farcical penalty decision. Serbia should have knocked them out in the WC group stage too even before Sweden beat them. They missed a host of chances and Mitrovic had a blatant penalty not given at 1-1 in the second half. Putting eleven past Iceland and Belgium in their two NL home games is pretty scary alright though to be fair.

[Eminence Grise]

I know that's a journalist rather than anyone in the national tram setup, but that's exactly why I'd have liked Denmark or Switzerland first

Luas words, PS. But hopefully we win at a gallop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMRtDwwPk6Y

[Insidetherock]

Sweden wasn't a complete once off though. One goal in two matches against NI and that from a farcical penalty decision. Serbia should have knocked them out in the WC group stage too even before Sweden beat them. They missed a host of chances and Mitrovic had a blatant penalty not given at 1-1 in the second half. Putting eleven past Iceland and Belgium in their two NL home games is pretty scary alright though to be fair.

To be honest I think Iceland's best form is behind them now, and they are sinking slowly back to their real level i.e. Pot 3/4 team. Why do you think I only want 6 teams to qualify from Group B, if we don't get out ourselves.. I'd fear Iceland less than almost any of the group B teams at the moment

[DeLorean]

Probably. It's still impressive though regardless, eleven goals in two home games while we're struggling to muster up a shot on target.

[Stuttgart88]

They were minutes away from beating France away last month.

[backstothewall]

If i know anything about how football works the Danes are setting themselves up for a massive humiliation.

If our lads aren't up for the games against them we may give up on them. I'd say they will the be ready to sweat blood to beat the arrogant *****s.

[Real ale Madrid]

If i know anything about how football works

No smart answers please!

[Cathalsmart]

They were minutes away from beating France away last month.


It was a friendly...irrelevant

[Stuttgart88]

They scored more goals in that friendly than the number of times we got into France's half when we played them in May!

[Cathalsmart]

They scored more goals in that friendly than the number of times we got into France's half when we played them in May!


Again...a friendly. Plus that plague is over now thank christ.

[geysir]

If i know anything about how football works the Danes are setting themselves up for a massive humiliation.

If our lads aren't up for the games against them we may give up on them. I'd say they will the be ready to sweat blood to beat the arrogant *****s.

Something rotten over there alright.

[Diggs246]

To quote Steve Bruce. When him and Palister were getting too much mouth off Peter Schmeichel
."Get back in your goal you big German tart"

[geysir]

Sweden wasn't a complete once off though. One goal in two matches against NI and that from a farcical penalty decision. Serbia should have knocked them out in the WC group stage too even before Sweden beat them. They missed a host of chances and Mitrovic had a blatant penalty not given at 1-1 in the second half. Putting eleven past Iceland and Belgium in their two NL home games is pretty scary alright though to be fair.Afair, Switzerland played the most football and had the most chances in that WC game v Serbia, fortunate of course with that late goal but deserved overall.
Perhaps it's not wise to read too much into UNL form for any team but they had 4 excellent performances culminating in arguably the game of the competition. I'd say it would be just as hard to beat a cohesive attacking team on the rise in Dublin as 4 or 5 of the other seeded teams with reputations.
Our UNL campaign was a missed opportunity to 'transition' a new team, It will be interesting to see what Mick will go with but judging by his first interviews, he's already done his homework and ready to put in the hours.

[bennocelt]

The Swiss are the nr1 seeds, top of pot 1 . This Swiss team is the best Swiss team I have ever seen. They fell flat against Sweden but clearly they are a lot better than that performance, they have been making great strides with this coach they have.

Funny not the best I have ever seen, and I live here! :D
Take Shaqiri out and they are very doable. The coach is rubbish too, only realising now that he should be playing some home based players................hence the result V Belgium. Just imagine if he brought a few of them to the World Cup,a wasted opportunity.

[DeLorean]

Afair, Switzerland played the most football and had the most chances in that WC game v Serbia, fortunate of course with that late goal but deserved overall.
Perhaps it's not wise to read too much into UNL form for any team but they had 4 excellent performances culminating in arguably the game of the competition. I'd say it would be just as hard to beat a cohesive attacking team on the rise in Dublin as 4 or 5 of the other seeded teams with reputations.
Our UNL campaign was a missed opportunity to 'transition' a new team, It will be interesting to see what Mick will go with but judging by his first interviews, he's already done his homework and ready to put in the hours.

My memory is that Serbia should've been out of sight by half time but the second half was more even. Not going to VAR for the Mitrovic incident was massive though. Great game actually!

[punkrocket]

Well that draw could have been a lot worse.
Switzerland, Austria, Georgia and Gibraltar.
Favourable fixtures as well, Gibraltar away to start and then Georgia at home, gives Mick a chance to bed in and get some points on the board.

[punkrocket]

Oops, I thought I posted that last week

[Kingdom]

I see that someone has put Geneva down as the venue for the Switzerland game in October, as well as Basle hosting their game v Denmark. There is no venue assigned for Geo or Gib yet.

[jbyrne]

I see that someone has put Geneva down as the venue for the Switzerland game in September, as well as Basle hosting their game v Denmark. There is no venue assigned for Geo or Gib yet.

are we now away to Switzerland in October?

[Kingdom]

are we now away to Switzerland in October?

Sorry, I meant October, and have edited the post to reflect that.

[geysir]

It's sad though that due to some UEFA footnote addendum we were forced to give up on the group with Germany and Netherlands and allow the IFA to have those glamour ties.

[IsMiseSean]

Are the TV rights for the Ireland games on RTE or Virgin Media?

[tricky_colour]

Are the TV rights for the Ireland games on RTE or Virgin Media?

Heard they are sold to Mickey Mouse TV but I can't confirm.

[tetsujin1979]

Danish squad for their games against Kosovo and Switzerland
1105079950292471809https://twitter.com/dbulandshold/status/1105079950292471809/

[DeLorean]

Are the TV rights for the Ireland games on RTE or Virgin Media?

RTÉ and Sky Sports.

[geysir]

The other game of the evening is between Switz and Denmark. Shaqiri and Schar are out for the Swiss, both top players but I'd say Shaqiri is much more important to the team.
It's astonishing that considering the Swiss have been on a 'roll', playing their best ever football, top seeds meeting the other group favorites on the top of their game, they have only sold half the tickets.
Not real fans.

[Razors left peg]

The other game of the evening is between Switz and Denmark. Shaqiri and Schar are out for the Swiss, both top players but I'd say Shaqiri is much more important to the team.
It's astonishing that considering the Swiss have been on a 'roll', playing their best ever football, top seeds meeting the other group favorites on the top of their game, they have only sold half the tickets.
Not real fans.

I remember the night we drew with the Swiss under Kerr which meant they qualified and we didn't. In town after the game we were all depressed, but the Swiss fans looked equally Pi$$ed off. I remember thinking that the fans were so boring they didn't deserve to qualify.... Ive hated them ever since

[geysir]

A feeling of dread comes over me whenever I hear the chant "hop suisse", never mind the sound of those feckin' cowbells.

[tetsujin1979]

was at the U21 game in Tolka the night before that game, they had the bells there too.

[Closed Account 2]

3-3 in the Swiss v Denmark game. The Swiss were 3-0 up with only around 15 mins left, but the Danes managed to turn it around. Not a bad result for us.

[pineapple stu]

You could look at it that it's two sides who can score, but we can't.

[geysir]

The Swiss were so superior all game, 3 nil would not have flattered them. Denmark were very average and the team we will be aiming to finish ahead of in this campaign. I'm beginning to feel smatterings of optimism.
Though a point for them tonight is a negative for us.

[Cathalsmart]

We are still in a good position, a draw in Copenhagen would be a great result but if we could just nick a 1-0 win out their we would have a 8 point gap over them, after that game we have Gibraltar so we should go all out in that game.

[Sullivinho]

Eriksen still inspires nightmares. I hope Mick is conspiring against him as we speak.

[Insidetherock]

The Swiss were so superior all game, 3 nil would not have flattered them. Denmark were very average and the team we will be aiming to finish ahead of in this campaign. I'm beginning to feel smatterings of optimism.
Though a point for them tonight is a negative for us.

I think the same.. a three nil beating for them would have been grand to be honest..

I still think this is going to be a seriously tight group, with Georgia taking points off teams in Tblisi, and potentially lots of draws between Switzerland/Ireland/Denmark.. so Denmark losing and having a -3 goal difference would have been grand in my opinion.

Get the draw in Copenhagen, and give Gibralter a battering in June to send the fans away happy for the Summer

Ireland's campaign will hinge on 3 days in October.. Georgia and Switzerland away

[Insidetherock]

Because I am an extremely nerdy person, after week 1 of qualifying, here are the 20 teams in qualifying positions



England


Bulgaria


Ukraine


Luxembourg


Northern Ireland


Germany


Ireland


Switzerland


Slovakia


Wales


Spain


Sweden


Poland


Isreal


France


Turkey


Italy


Greece


Belguim


Russia

[Insidetherock]

Because I am an extremely nerdy person, after week 1 of qualifying, here are the 20 teams in qualifying positions



England


Bulgaria


Ukraine


Luxembourg


Northern Ireland


Germany


Ireland


Switzerland


Slovakia


Wales


Spain


Sweden


Poland


Isreal


France


Turkey


Italy


Greece


Belguim


Russia



And the play offs would be:



A
B
C
D


Portugal
Bosnia
Scotland
Georgia


Netherlands
Denmark
Norway
Macedonia


Croatia
Austria
Serbia
Kosovo


Poland
Czech Republic
Finland
Belarus

[Real ale Madrid]

What would worry me is if we end up in the playoffs and 4 other league B teams end up in the B playoffs we would get parachuted into league A playoffs with someone like Portugal who have made a slow enough start as an example, Croatia another example.

[backstothewall]

The Swiss were so superior all game, 3 nil would not have flattered them. Denmark were very average and the team we will be aiming to finish ahead of in this campaign. I'm beginning to feel smatterings of optimism.
Though a point for them tonight is a negative for us.

I disagree with this. I don't necessarily see either Switzerland or Denmark as being stronger than each other. Between injuries and plain old bad luck either of them could stumble over the 18 months of qualifying end up in our cross-hairs.

At this stage I consider them dropping 4 points between them to suit us more than one of them dropping 3.

[Insidetherock]

What would worry me is if we end up in the playoffs and 4 other league B teams end up in the B playoffs we would get parachuted into league A playoffs with someone like Portugal who have made a slow enough start as an example, Croatia another example.

true, but as I said here before, I expect them to get their sh*t together and get back into automatic qualifying positions before the end of the campaigns..

I think the only Group A teams that won't qualify automatically will be Iceland and Poland, and we'll end up bumped up to A to play them and maybe Northern Ireland.

There's actually a dream scenario of us playing in the A play off with Iceland, Norn Ireland, and a group C team

:)

[Kingdom]

Heading to Parken in June, with the Danes having lost 3-0 to Switzerland would have been great in my opinion. It would have put them under serious pressure to get a win. Their confidence is likely to be good after coming back to get the point. I'd much prefer for Swizz to have done the double on Denmark, and let us duke it out with Denmark, with the proviso that anything we take from the Swiss ourselves is a bonus. Switzerland already have the 3 points in the bag from Tbilisi. Weiss said that last night's outcome would dictate how they play out the rest of the campaign, with the play-offs to come for them next year. For me it means they'll rotate and try new players, reducing the likelihood of a shock against Denmark.

If there was a criticism of Mick, it was that generally speaking he chickened out when it came to away games against proper teams. I'm thinking Belgium, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Turkey, Iran. When the pressure was on to get a result late into a campaign away from home, it didn't really happen. It's an area that will have to improve.

The flip-side is that his record against weaker seeds generally was excellent, and his home record against top seeds quite impressive. You'd imagine given how it unraveled against them the last time, he'd love to stick one over them in Lansdowne Road.