Denmark V Republic of Ireland - Copenhagen - 7th June 2019 - Euro 2020 Qualifier

[the 12 th man]

Stole a point,particularly on the second half performance.Great guts considering the late concession of the Denmark opener.Lot of questions after tonight.

[geysir]

What an effort and reward to boot, a full on team performance and well pleased for Mick. From Danish dynamite in the build up to a damp squib post game.

[tommy_c12000]

Superb result. Randolph solid. Both center halves excellent, one lapse by Keogh for goal but difficult to defend that run. Coleman excellent. Stevens good, but one concerning lapse caught on wrong side, nearly cost us dearly - has a lot of work to do before convincing me he’s the answer to our long term left back Achilles heel.

Center midfield non existent. Whelan should not play again, feel sorry for him, 100% effort but legs not there. Hourihane requires constant protection alongside him as he gives the ball away cheaply regularly and he cannot tackle. Hendrick played better in second half, but still not great overall. Brady played like a player who hasn’t played all season. McClean is terrible. McGoldrick did better second half and put in a solid shift, reasonable stop gap measure but we have far better options coming on stream within the next 1 to 2 years. Judge did well when he came on. Nice to give Robinson a run as well, I’ve liked what I’ve seen of him at Preston.

Going forward, Cullen needs to play instead of whelan vs Gibraltar. Doherty needs to be accommodated somehow, can’t have our top performing prem league player on the bench considering the rubbish we are playing. Hopefully we will continue to hang in there while our under 21 players continue to mature in coming months

[Olé Olé]

I agree. Many questions. Great to come away with the result after that match. It wasn't quite a robbery by us as we could have been so much better but we still are stretching for the draw.

Duffy is something else.

[Fixer82]

Superb result. Randolph solid. Both center halves excellent, one lapse by Keogh for goal but difficult to defend that run. Coleman excellent. Stevens good, but one concerning lapse caught on wrong side, nearly cost us dearly - has a lot of work to do before convincing me he’s the answer to our long term left back Achilles heel.


Keogh wasn’t at fault for that goal.

The Danish goal came from a surging run from the Danish goalscorer that Alan Judge completely missed and didn’t track. Great run and delivery and a brilliant header from the Dane

[Fixer82]

Judge broke his wrist in last play of the game according to RTÉ

[tetsujin1979]

Bad news on Judge's injury
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[geysir]

Unless its a catastrophe he should be ok for next season

[Fizzer]

Pretty much bang on Tommy.I do like Stevens though, he’s confident enough to play his way out,it can be risky but I prefer that to aimless hoofing.Hopefully,a good season with SU in the Premier League will see him tighten up a bit defensively.Hats off to the coaching staff re the players fitness levels not easy to play a game like that at this time of year.I really feel for Brady, it’s just not happening for him,I do hope he finds some form next year.

[tommy_c12000]

Replying to Fixer on Keogh, sorry reply function not working on phone:

Partly disagree. I’ve already acknowledged the non tracking of midfield runners was terrible, as in what happened in this case. And yes the blame is mostly to the midfielder ball watching. But really top center halves would have seen the midfielder running from deep and attacked the ball better and at least have competed with the on rushing midfielder, instead of remaining flat footed and praying the ball reaches u. So Keogh is partly to blame for sure. He had a top game though as I stated. Although would hope Egan gets some game time vs Gibraltar, he’s the up and coming center half now playing in the prem next season

[tricky_colour]

Hard to work what our midfield is set up to actually do. Not tracking runners or giving much support in attack.

It's part of a 10 man defence I would say.

[Fixer82]

Replying to Fixer on Keogh, sorry reply function not working on phone:

Partly disagree. I’ve already acknowledged the non tracking of midfield runners was terrible, as in what happened in this case. And yes the blame is mostly to the midfielder ball watching. But really top center halves would have seen the midfielder running from deep and attacked the ball better and at least have competed with the on rushing midfielder, instead of remaining flat footed and praying the ball reaches u. So Keogh is partly to blame for sure. He had a top game though as I stated. Although would hope Egan gets some game time vs Gibraltar, he’s the up and coming center half now playing in the prem next season

Yes I see your point. Although the Dane arrived with such pace, it’s hard to fault Keogh. But yes, perhaps a world class CB would have gotten in to compete for that header

[geysir]

Have we ever had a world class centre half since 1994?

[tetsujin1979]

Don't know about world class, but Dunne was excellent

[geysir]

Blaming Keogh for that goal, even partially, is ridiculous, sometimes the last defender just has no chance and that was such an occasion. It was a first class goal by Denmark.
Apart from that, Randolph only had to make one good save.
The story of the night was our gritty performance to the 95th minute and the deserved equaliser, without which qualifying hopes would have been quenched.

[Colbert Report]

Does anyone know where someone in the USA could watch the match from earlier today online? Thanks.

[Fixer82]

Does anyone else feel that the Nations League has taken some of the excitement out of Euro qualifiers?

I still don’t understand the Nations League but don’t some teams qualify for the euros from it meaning there’s still a chance to qualify even you come third in your group?

[samhaydenjr]

Does anyone else feel that the Nations League has taken some of the excitement out of Euro qualifiers?

I still don’t understand the Nations League but don’t some teams qualify for the euros from it meaning there’s still a chance to qualify even you come third in your group?

You could even qualify if you come fifth in your group! Right now, this describes Belarus, who are propping up Group C in the regular play-offs but, by virtue of topping their group in the Nations League, are guaranteed a place in a play-off mini-tournament against the other League D group winners, namely Georgia, Kosovo and North Macedonia - the winner of this mini-tournament will qualify for Euro 2020. In fact, I would say that right now Georgia have a slightly better chance of qualifying than we do!

[seanfhear]

Great set piece from Judge . That kind of ball gives the Big Man Shane one hell of a chance .

Lovely curl and height .

[tetsujin1979]

There were warnings about the goal before it actually happened, Denmark had a few free headers from late runners into the box before that chance went in

[Fixer82]

There were warnings about the goal before it actually happened, Denmark had a few free headers from late runners into the box before that chance went in

They could’ve been 3-0 up at that stage. We escaped with a point.

[tetsujin1979]

Does anyone know where someone in the USA could watch the match from earlier today online? Thanks.
Links here: https://www.reddit.com/r/footballhighlights/comments/bxybcr/denmark_vs_republic_of_ireland_euro_qualification/

[shakermaker1982]

We definitely escaped with a point there and I’m surprised with some of the reaction from the media (bar Hamann who has been critical). The style of football was not that different from the MO’N era. How could it be? It’s the same bloody players but with Whelan and McGoldrick starting!

We had a bright 10 minute spell at the start and then after that Denmark were in control until they scored. Randolph made a great save to keep it 0-0. They missed so many chances I thought 0-0 was a banker. It looked like it was going to be our night and then they went and bloody scored. We played better when 1-0 down and Coleman admitted it was only at 1-0 did we actually start playing football.

Brady is not able to play on the right.

Hendrick still looks a shadow of the player he was at the Euros.

Back 4 and keeper were the big positives but that midfield 3 pairing is not at the level required for us to go up a level. We need to find somebody ASAP. I’m hoping we give Cullen a chance in the next game.

[youngirish]

Same old problems, lots of graft and effort but we are unable to retain possession of the ball for any period of time against any reasonable opposition. Every manager that followed McCarthy after his first tenure has struggled with the same issue though the problem has been more pronounced since Trapattoni. I'm not sure the issue can be fixed by the manager until we find some decent midfielders to replace the journeymen we currently have to field. Maybe finding space for O'Dowda and Browne in the starting 11 would slightly improve things in the short term. It would be nice to replace McClean in particular with a wide player who can pass the ball.

[Diggs246]

Does anyone else feel that the Nations League has taken some of the excitement out of Euro qualifiers?

I still don’t understand the Nations League but don’t some teams qualify for the euros from it meaning there’s still a chance to qualify even you come third in your group?

Yep. I'm usually very nervous before a match. This time not so much and I guess it's to do with having the security of a play off basically in the bag

[TrapAPony]

Same old problems, lots of graft and effort but we are unable to retain possession of the ball for any period of time against any reasonable opposition. Every manager that followed McCarthy after his first tenure has struggled with the same issue though the problem has been more pronounced since Trapattoni. I'm not sure the issue can be fixed by the manager until we find some decent midfielders to replace the journeymen we currently have to field. Maybe finding space for O'Dowda and Browne in the starting 11 would slightly improve things in the short term. It would be nice to replace McClean in particular with a wide player who can pass the ball.

I personally don't think McGoldrick is the answer up front either. I know sometimes his link up play can be alright but he always seems so unfit looking to me and gets around like a 50 year old while also never looking like he is going to score.

[Diggs246]

I personally don't think McGoldrick is the answer up front either. I know sometimes his link up play can be alright but he always seems so unfit looking to me and gets around like a 50 year old while also never looking like he is going to score.
Don't forget we will have Michael Obafemi back as well for the next international break.

[brine3]

It is ridiculous that Doherty and Coleman can't both start.

Why must Mick always create unnecessary problems....

[liamoo11]

I personally don't think McGoldrick is the answer up front either. I know sometimes his link up play can be alright but he always seems so unfit looking to me and gets around like a 50 year old while also never looking like he is going to score.

Yeah I tend to agree his conditioning is not what it needs to be for the top level certainly in a side like us where he needs to work across the front with minimal support. Was delighted to see Hogan brought on when we needed a goal thought he looked lively hopefully he starts on Monday in that line striker role

[liamoo11]

Given the short turn around be good to freshen things up for Monday. Doherty deserves some game time maybe swap out Coleman for a rest, bring o dowda in for Whelan let hourihane anchor, Robinson in for mcclean to play off the right and I'd keep Brady move him to left to give him game time and some confidence, then Hogan up top for mcgoldrick

[Fixer82]

Given the short turn around be good to freshen things up for Monday. Doherty deserves some game time maybe swap out Coleman for a rest, bring o dowda in for Whelan let hourihane anchor, Robinson in for mcclean to play off the right and I'd keep Brady move him to left to give him game time and some confidence, then Hogan up top for mcgoldrick

Hourihane is not a sitting midfielder.
I’d have Shaun Williams in there to do that job but Mick obviously doesn’t rate him. Who else do we have as a holding CM?

[tetsujin1979]

You'd hope James McCarthy will have a full preseason behind him in September

[the 12 th man]

It is ridiculous that Doherty and Coleman can't both start.

Why must Mick always create unnecessary problems....


McCarthy has stated that he doesn't play players out of position unless he really has no choice so Doherty in a nightmare position re Ireland.It was mooted that he might put him (Doherty) in at left full instead of Stevens but that was dismissed as an option.

[IsMiseSean]

You'd hope James McCarthy will have a full preseason behind him in September

And a new club, where he'll be starting regularly.

[liamoo11]

Hourihane is not a sitting midfielder.
I’d have Shaun Williams in there to do that job but Mick obviously doesn’t rate him. Who else do we have as a holding CM?

Well the only way hourihane gets in the villa team is as a sitting midfielder an horing a midfield three with McGinn and grealish ahead of him. He kept Whelan, jedinak and byarnasson out of the villa team in playoff final all of whom are experienced holding midfielders st international level and world cup level in bjsrnsson and jedinak. .

[Diggs246]

You'd hope James McCarthy will have a full preseason behind him in September

Or a move to villa or the like

[brine3]

McCarthy has stated that he doesn't play players out of position unless he really has no choice so Doherty in a nightmare position re Ireland.It was mooted that he might put him (Doherty) in at left full instead of Stevens but that was dismissed as an option.

He always played Duff on the right to make space for his good mate Kilbane...

Management is about finding a way to make things work

[jbyrne]

He always played Duff on the right to make space for his good mate Kilbane...

Management is about finding a way to make things work

think mick played duffer up front much more than rm. mcateer, kelly and finnan played rm when duff was in the team more often than not

[tetsujin1979]

Kilbane was really in the team to cover for Harte, Duff wouldn't have provided anything like that

[Olé Olé]

He always played Duff on the right to make space for his good mate Kilbane...

Management is about finding a way to make things work

Up front 2002.

[mark12345]

Hourihane is not a sitting midfielder.
I’d have Shaun Williams in there to do that job but Mick obviously doesn’t rate him. Who else do we have as a holding CM?

Dan Crowley. He is the most, or one of the most creative options we have

[Fixer82]

Well the only way hourihane gets in the villa team is as a sitting midfielder an horing a midfield three with McGinn and grealish ahead of him. He kept Whelan, jedinak and byarnasson out of the villa team in playoff final all of whom are experienced holding midfielders st international level and world cup level in bjsrnsson and jedinak. .

Well touché :)

[tetsujin1979]

Duffy's goal was the first time Denmark have conceded at home for almost 12 hours of football
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[Olé Olé]

https://www.offtheball.com/soccer/nation-getting-behind-ireland-seamus-coleman-868638

It's so difficult that Doherty can't get in the team. The fact it's a gent like Coleman keeping him out makes it easier. And the fact that he had an absolutely cracking game yesterday adds to the easiness.

[Stuttgart88]

Dan Crowley. He is the most, or one of the most creative options we haveBut creative doesn't necessarily mean sitting, in fact it usually means someone who plays furtyher forward. Pirlo was a rare exception of a creative deep lying midfielder.

The obvious replacement for Whelan at this point is Josh Cullen imho.

[geysir]

There's talk of playing Hourihane in a more defensive role.
Denmark have probably reached their upper level, they might play a bit better or bit worse. We have the scope to improve especially in 3 or 4 positions in midfield, though not many options upfront.
As well as Mick did to prepare the team for the Denmark game, you get the feeling he's not that interested in change, he'll be encouraged by the first 60 mins, the last 5 minutes and stand by the present incumbents.

[paul_oshea]

It is ridiculous that Doherty and Coleman can't both start.

Why must Mick always create unnecessary problems....

Thats one of my gripes from his first stint in charge and these peculiar selections or misselections that he has end up costing us, which it did in some of the qualifications first time around. He always insists stubbornly on one or two players who shouldn't be near the team.

I also agree with Fixer we could have been 3-0 down at that point just like the home game, Eriksen pointing out that they weren't sharp enough. That's the crux of it.

Keogh was caught flat footed cos he had to change direction as he saw the ball and player come in. You stop things at source, stop the run, block the runner, get in front. Nothing more nothing less.

The game was interesting because we were more open, so it was much more entertaining than a MON game even if we couldn't hold onto the ball, but we didnt play any better in the last few minutes it was simply that we actually realised we needed to score and therefore pushed forward, previously it appeared we were happy for them to keep banging them wide and over the bar.

Been saying a long time now about Hendrick, and his position, a bit like McClean living off past glories or the odd goal here and there. I call it the delorean showreel. Pick out 3-5 minutes of about 500 mins of football and you can make anyone seem good and valuable. O'Dowda is certainly not our answer to the retaining possession, he hits it about 3 feet in front of him and against decent opposition that doesn't and hasnt cut the mustard. Next.

[Stuttgart88]

Last time I remember us needing to score against Denmark they picked us off at will.

Silly to say they could have been 3 up. They had 3 or 4 chances. Had one gone in the game may well have have changed and we'd have woken up. After we scored we actually kept on the attack. I think our players sensed the momentum had changed. I loved seeing that.

Paul's a great one for saying what doesn't work. I'm not sure I've ever heard him say what does work.

In general, I was quite relaxed during the first half. They had no more of the ball than I would have expected or that I would have been uncomfortable with. We had a terrible 10-15 mins in the second half, no disguising that. But we actually had 3-4 good chances to score. We didn't even get in their box 18 months ago! And we had a lot of nervous moments in the first 0-0 too.

Much better showing on Friday in my opinion.

[DeLorean]

Been saying a long time now about Hendrick, and his position, a bit like McClean living off past glories or the odd goal here and there. I call it the delorean showreel. Pick out 3-5 minutes of about 500 mins of football and you can make anyone seem good and valuable. O'Dowda is certainly not our answer to the retaining possession, he hits it about 3 feet in front of him and against decent opposition that doesn't and hasnt cut the mustard. Next.

Okay, so Hendrick not good enough. McClean not good enough. O'Dowda not good enough. Pretty sure you deemed Duffy not good enough too and even Coleman a penalty waiting to happen.

Who actually is good enough and should be playing?

[tetsujin1979]

There's a line from the beginning of Fight Club that I think of when Paul makes one of his pronouncements - "On a long enough time line, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero." (ie eventually, everyone dies)

Paul will make a prediction about a player, say that a defender looks like he'll eventually give away a penalty. Then, eventually, the player gives away a penalty, and Paul points to his post and says "see, I was right, and nobody else said it would happen". The thing is that most, if not all, defenders will eventually give away a penalty, so he might as well have said "he looks like he'll eventually pass to the goalkeeper" in terms of its insight, because eventually every defender will pass back to the goalkeeper, and nobody else said it would happen because we all know eventually it will happen, and we all know that each of us have watched football long enough to realise this.