Having faced either four times over the past 18 months, these two nations are well and truly sick of the sight of each other by now.
Yet, here we are.
Three of those meetings ended in utterly forgettable 0-0 draws — the one exception, of course, being the night that Christian Eriken made mugs of Martin O’Neill’s side in Dublin.
The 5-1 World Cup play-off defeat still lingers as a kind of half-scrubbed nightclub stamp on our arm, an ungainly reminder of a night that began happily only to descend to a haze of regret, shame, and poor decisions.
The Nations League draws that followed were the miserable dry wretches of the hangover.”
Alas, the doom and gloom of those final O’Neill days has gone with the departure of the now-Nottingham Forest boss and the familiar sight of Mick McCarthy’s calming presence back in front of the Irish media has brought some comfort, at least.
Given just one two-year campaign before Stephen Kenny’s planned appointment, he couldn’t have asked for a much easier start to the Euro 2020 qualifiers. A pair of 1-0 wins, over minnows Gibraltar and the improving Georgia, mean the Boys in Green sit top of Group D ahead of this latest double-header — albeit the Danes have only played one game so far.
Encouragingly, there was a confidence and structure to the Georgian performance in March that gave Irish fans reason to feel quietly upbeat about McCarthy’s second spell in charge.
With Nations League semi-finalists Switzerland also in the group, however, tonight’s fixture at the Telia Parken will provide a genuine test to measure the impact Ireland’s current manager has had so far.
Kick-off is 7.45pm and the teams have just been announced, so I’ll bring them to you in a sec.
7 Jun 2019
6:51PM
It doesn’t come as a huge surprise to learn that McCarthy has stuck with the side that defeat Georgia last time out. That means it’s Darren Randolph in goal, and a back four of Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Richard Keogh and Enda Stevens, who appears to have made the left-back position his own over the past 12 months.
In midfield, Glenn Whelan and his now-former Aston Villa team-mate Conor Hourihane provide cover, while Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady and James McClean will be tasked with supporting lone striker David McGoldrick, who was excellent at the Aviva Stadium in March despite not scoring.
One player who can again feel disappointed to be left out is Wolves wide man Matt Doherty — named on the bench.
The home side bring back Chelsea’s Andreas Christiansen for Mathias Jorgensen of Huddersfield Town, but the other 10 players started in their 3-3 draw against Switzerland.
Pione Sisto is unavailable through injury, but star man Christian Eriksen features just six days after losing out to Liverpool in the Champions League final in Madrid.
Denmark: Kasper Schmeichel; Stryger Larsen, Andreas Christiansen, Simon Kjaer (c), Henrik Dalsgaard; Lasse Schone, Thomas Delaney, Christian Eriksen; Yussuf Poulsen, Nicolai Jorgensen, Martin Braithwaite.
Ireland: Darren Randolph; Seamus Coleman (c), Shane Duffy, Richard Keogh, Enda Stevens; Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane, Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick, James McClean; David McGoldrick.
In tonight’s other Group D game, Georgia have beaten Gibraltar 3-0 in Tbilisi thanks to goals from Valeriane Gvilia, Giorgi Papunashvili and Vato Arveladze.
Scenes out on the pitch a few moments ago as McCarthy chats to Denmark boss Age Hareide:
Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
7 Jun 2019
7:21PM
Speaking on the RTE panel, Didi Hamann has given Ireland some hope — saying he feels the Danish team are “overrated”.
Here’s a clip of the former Liverpool and Germany defender looking at the home side:
"The standout of this team is their attacking play...They have a couple of standout players but I don't think they are top of the European standard..." - Didi Hamann looks at the strengths and weaknesses of this Denmark team pic.twitter.com/1JyDvzBjts
The stadium is awash with red and white flags as both sets of players emerge from the tunnel. Ireland’s fans who’ve travelled are down in the right corner of the ground.
7 Jun 2019
7:44PM
The anthems are out of the way and we’re watching the two sets of players shaking hands before a coin toss between Denmark Simon Kjaer and opposite number Seamus Coleman.
7 Jun 2019
7:47PM
Ireland win the toss but before we can start there’s a moment to remember former Uefa president Lennart Johansson, who died earlier this week.
Kick-off – The Danes gets us going and they go long into the corner. The home side are in their home kit of red and white, while Ireland wear a change strip — white with green shorts.
7 Jun 2019
7:50PM
Hourihane leaves an early one on Schöne and Denmark are awarded a free-kick. Moments later, Duffy makes a well-timed challenge.
7 Jun 2019
7:52PM
Brady kills a long ball with superb control and feeds Coleman, who wins Ireland their first corner of the night. Hourihane puts it into a dangerous area but Christensen is well-placed to head clear.
7 Jun 2019
7:56PM
The Danes break in numbers after Ireland give away possession in midfield, but the visitors win the ball outside their own box and hack clear.
7 Jun 2019
7:59PM
Free-kick to Denmark in a dangerous position as Hourihane bowls over Schöne 30 yards out from goal.
Eriksen steps up and aims one towards the corner, where Randolph has to scramble to get across and bat it behind for a corner.
7 Jun 2019
8:01PM
More pressure from the Danes - Braithwaite runs forward with purpose and drives the ball at the Irish goal. Once again, the Middesbrough stopper reads it well to make a smart save.
Enda Stevens and Simon Kjaer wrestle for the ball.
Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
7 Jun 2019
8:06PM
Super tackle from Stevens on Poulsen. The former Shamrock Rovers full-back has looked assured early on.
7 Jun 2019
8:09PM
So close! Dalsgaard fouls McClean and Ireland have a decent opportunity from a set-piece midway inside the Danish half.
Hourihane floats one beautifully to the back post and Duffy makes contact but, somehow, Schmeichel smothers the ball on the line.
That was a huge chance to take the lead!
7 Jun 2019
8:13PM
The Danes now threaten… Down the other end, Stevens brings down Poulsen in the corner and Eriksen drills the free-kick to the front post, where Keogh half-clears with his head.
Eriken sends a cross back in, and it drops to Poulsen but his effort is deflected behind for a corner.
This time, Thomas Delaney meets the delivery but can’t direct it on target. The Borussia Dortmund man is hurt after catching a boot from McGoldrick.
7 Jun 2019
8:14PM
Here’s that Duffy effort, the closest Ireland have come so far:
The Danes are looking increasingly dangerous here. They break and McClean clatters Poulsen, who in turn collides with Whelan.
The counter-attack is still on though and Eriksen gears up to have a strike on the edge of the box. Incredibly, Duffy makes a fine challenge to snuff out the danger.
Wonderful tackle.
7 Jun 2019
8:18PM
Booking – Hourihane has picked up a yellow card for taking down Eriksen. The Spurs man isn’t happy, and flicks his hand out at the Corkman to say as much.
The resulting free-kick is straight into the hands of Randolph.
7 Jun 2019
8:22PM
Eriksen feeds Poulsen and, with the defence backing off him, the RB Leipzig winger has a crack from distance. It’s high and wide, however.
Ireland have got a better grasp on the game in the last few minutes and they’re dealing well with what Denmark have been throwing at them. They haven’t got things going in the opposing half, however, and McGoldrick has had to feed off scraps thus far.
7 Jun 2019
8:33PM
Ireland attack late in the first half with a corner followed by good work from Coleman on the opposite flank. It eventually amounts to nothing, however.
Second-half: The game has restarted, as Ireland attack from left to right for the second 45 minutes.
7 Jun 2019
8:54PM
Ireland have won a free-kick in the Denmark half and it’s Hourihane to take once again. As usual, he aims towards Duffy but the defender concedes a free-kick for pushing.
7 Jun 2019
8:58PM
What a save! Jorgensen shows great skill to control a high ball with his chest and slip Poulsen through. The 24-year-old goes past one challenge and looks favourite to score, but the outstretched foot of Randolph keeps him at bay. Phhhew!
7 Jun 2019
9:01PM
Now it’s Ireland’s turn. Brady picks up possession 20 yards out and threads a pass to McClean out wide. His first instinct is to shoot and Schmeichel saves at his near post, with Irish team-mates screaming for the ball inside.
Moments later, Brady whips a cross in from the right and a glancing header from McGoldrick sails just over.
7 Jun 2019
9:04PM
Two more golden opportunities for Denmark to score – Firstly, Eriksen blasts over from a narrow angle. Then, Poulsen, who has been a danger, drives through Ireland’s defence and the visitors need a last-ditch Hourihane tackle to keep his effort out.
The game is extremely open right now.
7 Jun 2019
9:07PM
He should be hitting the target there! Braithwaite is teed up by Poulsen, but see his attempt go over the Irish crossbar.
Minutes later, Jorgensen is through on goal but this time he leans back and shoots over.
Ireland are blessed that their opponents have been guilty of some really poor finishing.
7 Jun 2019
9:09PM
Substitution – The Danes are taking off Braithwaite for Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg.
Over on the Irish bench, Alan Judge is preparing himself for introduction.
7 Jun 2019
9:10PM
Ireland change – Here comes Judge and it’s a fellow Dubliner, Robbie Brady, making way.
7 Jun 2019
9:12PM
That Ireland switch has seen Hendrick move out to the right, while Judge slots in behind McGoldrick.
7 Jun 2019
9:14PM
Larsen shoves over Hendrick and then proceeds to kick the ball at the Burnley midfielder. Before things can escalate, skipper Coleman puts himself in between the two players. Top man.
7 Jun 2019
9:16PM
Delaney heads off target for the hosts in what is yet another wasted chance. Schöne then gets his angles completely wrong to fire well wide, before he is withdrawn for Southampton’s Pierre Hojbjerg.
McGoldrick holding up the ball under pressure from Christensen.
Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
7 Jun 2019
9:19PM
GOAL! Denmark 1-0 Ireland (Pierre Hojbjerg)
There’s the opener, and it’s come for the home team. The substitute times his run perfectly to arrive late in the box — connecting with the cross to glance his header past the Ireland goalkeeper.
They’ve had the better of the chances and you could argue that it was coming.
7 Jun 2019
9:25PM
Here’s the goal that separates them. 10 minutes remain for Ireland to claw something back:
McCarthy’s going for it – Scott Hogan has been brought on for Hourihane as Ireland go in search of an equaliser. The Aston Villa striker, who was on loan at Sheffield United last season, will lead the line now as McGoldrick drops a little deeper.
7 Jun 2019
9:28PM
GOAL! Denmark 1-1 Ireland (Shane Duffy)
IRELAND ARE LEVEL! Christensen fouls Judge, and he dusts himself off to take the free-kick.
A brilliant ball in is met by the head of Duffy, who powers past Schmeichel. The camera switches to McCarthy, who’s fist-pumping the air on the sideline.
It’s only taken five games, but Ireland have finally scored against the Danes!
7 Jun 2019
9:34PM
During all the excitement, McGoldrick was taken off for Callum Robinson.
And his first action is to break down the right. The Preston forward tries to cushion a pass into the path of Hogan, but it’s a little overhit.
McClean comes onto it late and shoots, but Schmeichel gets down to save.
7 Jun 2019
9:36PM
Enjoy that Irish equaliser. Four minutes of time added on to play.
We’ll take that! Ireland and Denmark draw once again, but the away side showed great spirit to come back from a goal down to level terms.
Hareide will be kicking himself after watching his players miss a rake of chances, while McCarthy should be pleased — having said he’d happily take a point in the build-up.
Ireland top the group with seven points from three matches, and they should add another three on Monday with a routine win over Gibraltar.
A great start to the campaign.
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As it happened: Denmark v Ireland, Euro 2020 qualifier
UGH, NOT THE bloody Danes again.
Having faced either four times over the past 18 months, these two nations are well and truly sick of the sight of each other by now.
Yet, here we are.
Three of those meetings ended in utterly forgettable 0-0 draws — the one exception, of course, being the night that Christian Eriken made mugs of Martin O’Neill’s side in Dublin.
As The42’s Gavin Cooney so eloquently put it in his tee-up to tonight’s game:
Alas, the doom and gloom of those final O’Neill days has gone with the departure of the now-Nottingham Forest boss and the familiar sight of Mick McCarthy’s calming presence back in front of the Irish media has brought some comfort, at least.
Given just one two-year campaign before Stephen Kenny’s planned appointment, he couldn’t have asked for a much easier start to the Euro 2020 qualifiers. A pair of 1-0 wins, over minnows Gibraltar and the improving Georgia, mean the Boys in Green sit top of Group D ahead of this latest double-header — albeit the Danes have only played one game so far.
Encouragingly, there was a confidence and structure to the Georgian performance in March that gave Irish fans reason to feel quietly upbeat about McCarthy’s second spell in charge.
With Nations League semi-finalists Switzerland also in the group, however, tonight’s fixture at the Telia Parken will provide a genuine test to measure the impact Ireland’s current manager has had so far.
Kick-off is 7.45pm and the teams have just been announced, so I’ll bring them to you in a sec.
It doesn’t come as a huge surprise to learn that McCarthy has stuck with the side that defeat Georgia last time out. That means it’s Darren Randolph in goal, and a back four of Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Richard Keogh and Enda Stevens, who appears to have made the left-back position his own over the past 12 months.
In midfield, Glenn Whelan and his now-former Aston Villa team-mate Conor Hourihane provide cover, while Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady and James McClean will be tasked with supporting lone striker David McGoldrick, who was excellent at the Aviva Stadium in March despite not scoring.
One player who can again feel disappointed to be left out is Wolves wide man Matt Doherty — named on the bench.
The home side bring back Chelsea’s Andreas Christiansen for Mathias Jorgensen of Huddersfield Town, but the other 10 players started in their 3-3 draw against Switzerland.
Pione Sisto is unavailable through injury, but star man Christian Eriksen features just six days after losing out to Liverpool in the Champions League final in Madrid.
Irish fans have enjoying themselves around Copenhagen this afternoon…
What we’d give to have this man on the pitch tonight.
In tonight’s other Group D game, Georgia have beaten Gibraltar 3-0 in Tbilisi thanks to goals from Valeriane Gvilia, Giorgi Papunashvili and Vato Arveladze.
Scenes out on the pitch a few moments ago as McCarthy chats to Denmark boss Age Hareide:
Speaking on the RTE panel, Didi Hamann has given Ireland some hope — saying he feels the Danish team are “overrated”.
Here’s a clip of the former Liverpool and Germany defender looking at the home side:
Okay, I’d like to hear your predicts. Which way will tonight’s game go?
Poll Results:
And here’s some last-minute pre-match reading:
A draw will do just fine as qualifying campaign gets serious against Denmark
‘You can change the manager, but cannot change the players’ – Danish taunts could inspire Ireland
‘It wouldn’t be my kind of thing’ – Coleman rising above Danish jibes
Letter from Copenhagen: Denmark confident ahead of Irish reunion as Eriksen drops a bombshell
‘We are a lot closer than people think’ – Duffy bullish ahead of Danish reunion
The surface appears to be pretty soft in places, according to our man in the press box:
The stadium is awash with red and white flags as both sets of players emerge from the tunnel. Ireland’s fans who’ve travelled are down in the right corner of the ground.
The anthems are out of the way and we’re watching the two sets of players shaking hands before a coin toss between Denmark Simon Kjaer and opposite number Seamus Coleman.
Ireland win the toss but before we can start there’s a moment to remember former Uefa president Lennart Johansson, who died earlier this week.
Kick-off – The Danes gets us going and they go long into the corner. The home side are in their home kit of red and white, while Ireland wear a change strip — white with green shorts.
Hourihane leaves an early one on Schöne and Denmark are awarded a free-kick. Moments later, Duffy makes a well-timed challenge.
Brady kills a long ball with superb control and feeds Coleman, who wins Ireland their first corner of the night. Hourihane puts it into a dangerous area but Christensen is well-placed to head clear.
The Danes break in numbers after Ireland give away possession in midfield, but the visitors win the ball outside their own box and hack clear.
Free-kick to Denmark in a dangerous position as Hourihane bowls over Schöne 30 yards out from goal.
Eriksen steps up and aims one towards the corner, where Randolph has to scramble to get across and bat it behind for a corner.
More pressure from the Danes - Braithwaite runs forward with purpose and drives the ball at the Irish goal. Once again, the Middesbrough stopper reads it well to make a smart save.
Enda Stevens and Simon Kjaer wrestle for the ball.
Super tackle from Stevens on Poulsen. The former Shamrock Rovers full-back has looked assured early on.
So close! Dalsgaard fouls McClean and Ireland have a decent opportunity from a set-piece midway inside the Danish half.
Hourihane floats one beautifully to the back post and Duffy makes contact but, somehow, Schmeichel smothers the ball on the line.
That was a huge chance to take the lead!
The Danes now threaten… Down the other end, Stevens brings down Poulsen in the corner and Eriksen drills the free-kick to the front post, where Keogh half-clears with his head.
Eriken sends a cross back in, and it drops to Poulsen but his effort is deflected behind for a corner.
This time, Thomas Delaney meets the delivery but can’t direct it on target. The Borussia Dortmund man is hurt after catching a boot from McGoldrick.
Here’s that Duffy effort, the closest Ireland have come so far:
The Danes are looking increasingly dangerous here. They break and McClean clatters Poulsen, who in turn collides with Whelan.
The counter-attack is still on though and Eriksen gears up to have a strike on the edge of the box. Incredibly, Duffy makes a fine challenge to snuff out the danger.
Wonderful tackle.
Booking – Hourihane has picked up a yellow card for taking down Eriksen. The Spurs man isn’t happy, and flicks his hand out at the Corkman to say as much.
The resulting free-kick is straight into the hands of Randolph.
Eriksen feeds Poulsen and, with the defence backing off him, the RB Leipzig winger has a crack from distance. It’s high and wide, however.
Mick barking out instructions from the sideline.
Ireland have got a better grasp on the game in the last few minutes and they’re dealing well with what Denmark have been throwing at them. They haven’t got things going in the opposing half, however, and McGoldrick has had to feed off scraps thus far.
Ireland attack late in the first half with a corner followed by good work from Coleman on the opposite flank. It eventually amounts to nothing, however.
One minute of added time to play.
Half-time: Denmark 0-0 Ireland
There’s the whistle and we’ve reached the break. The FAI’s interim boss, former League of Ireland goalkeeper Noel Mooney, is in attendance tonight.
Second-half: The game has restarted, as Ireland attack from left to right for the second 45 minutes.
Ireland have won a free-kick in the Denmark half and it’s Hourihane to take once again. As usual, he aims towards Duffy but the defender concedes a free-kick for pushing.
What a save! Jorgensen shows great skill to control a high ball with his chest and slip Poulsen through. The 24-year-old goes past one challenge and looks favourite to score, but the outstretched foot of Randolph keeps him at bay. Phhhew!
Now it’s Ireland’s turn. Brady picks up possession 20 yards out and threads a pass to McClean out wide. His first instinct is to shoot and Schmeichel saves at his near post, with Irish team-mates screaming for the ball inside.
Moments later, Brady whips a cross in from the right and a glancing header from McGoldrick sails just over.
Two more golden opportunities for Denmark to score – Firstly, Eriksen blasts over from a narrow angle. Then, Poulsen, who has been a danger, drives through Ireland’s defence and the visitors need a last-ditch Hourihane tackle to keep his effort out.
The game is extremely open right now.
He should be hitting the target there! Braithwaite is teed up by Poulsen, but see his attempt go over the Irish crossbar.
Minutes later, Jorgensen is through on goal but this time he leans back and shoots over.
Ireland are blessed that their opponents have been guilty of some really poor finishing.
Substitution – The Danes are taking off Braithwaite for Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg.
Over on the Irish bench, Alan Judge is preparing himself for introduction.
Ireland change – Here comes Judge and it’s a fellow Dubliner, Robbie Brady, making way.
That Ireland switch has seen Hendrick move out to the right, while Judge slots in behind McGoldrick.
Larsen shoves over Hendrick and then proceeds to kick the ball at the Burnley midfielder. Before things can escalate, skipper Coleman puts himself in between the two players. Top man.
Delaney heads off target for the hosts in what is yet another wasted chance. Schöne then gets his angles completely wrong to fire well wide, before he is withdrawn for Southampton’s Pierre Hojbjerg.
McGoldrick holding up the ball under pressure from Christensen.
GOAL! Denmark 1-0 Ireland (Pierre Hojbjerg)
There’s the opener, and it’s come for the home team. The substitute times his run perfectly to arrive late in the box — connecting with the cross to glance his header past the Ireland goalkeeper.
They’ve had the better of the chances and you could argue that it was coming.
Here’s the goal that separates them. 10 minutes remain for Ireland to claw something back:
McCarthy’s going for it – Scott Hogan has been brought on for Hourihane as Ireland go in search of an equaliser. The Aston Villa striker, who was on loan at Sheffield United last season, will lead the line now as McGoldrick drops a little deeper.
GOAL! Denmark 1-1 Ireland (Shane Duffy)
IRELAND ARE LEVEL! Christensen fouls Judge, and he dusts himself off to take the free-kick.
A brilliant ball in is met by the head of Duffy, who powers past Schmeichel. The camera switches to McCarthy, who’s fist-pumping the air on the sideline.
It’s only taken five games, but Ireland have finally scored against the Danes!
During all the excitement, McGoldrick was taken off for Callum Robinson.
And his first action is to break down the right. The Preston forward tries to cushion a pass into the path of Hogan, but it’s a little overhit.
McClean comes onto it late and shoots, but Schmeichel gets down to save.
Enjoy that Irish equaliser. Four minutes of time added on to play.
Full-time: Denmark 1-1 Ireland
We’ll take that! Ireland and Denmark draw once again, but the away side showed great spirit to come back from a goal down to level terms.
Hareide will be kicking himself after watching his players miss a rake of chances, while McCarthy should be pleased — having said he’d happily take a point in the build-up.
Ireland top the group with seven points from three matches, and they should add another three on Monday with a routine win over Gibraltar.
A great start to the campaign.
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Denmark EC Qualification Euro 2020 Ireland Liveblog Minute-by-Minute Qualifiers Republic Of Ireland Denmark Ireland Republic