ON THE OFF chance you missed it, Ireland have been paired with Denmark in the World Cup play-offs.
The first leg takes place in Copenhagen Saturday, 11 November, before the return game at the Aviva Stadium three days later.
We’ve therefore decided to take a closer look at the team the Boys in Green will be facing next month, with a spot in Russia up for grabs…
How did Denmark do in qualifying?
Denmark finished second in Group E. The other teams who competed with them were Poland, Montenegro, Romania, Armenia and Kazakhstan.
Poland topped the group, five points ahead of the Danes, while third-place Montenegro finished four points behind them, as you can see below.
In total, the Danes picked up six wins, two draws and two losses (20 points), compared with Ireland’s five wins, four draws and one loss (19 points).
Somewhat ominously from an Irish perspective, their two losses, (3-2 away to Poland and 1-0 at home to Montenegro) came in their first three games, meaning they have been gaining momentum since then, responding to those setbacks by winning five of their next six matches.
Their two draws came against Romania, while the final one at home was offset by the fact that they were virtually certain to finish second before the match was played, rendering the result more or less irrelevant ultimately.
Unlike Ireland, they can be quite prolific on occasion — they scored four goals in three of their matches and overall registered 20 for in tandem with only eight against, in contrast with Ireland’s overall tally of 12 for and six against.
Their standout performance of the campaign was undoubtedly at home against Poland, the side that Ireland failed to beat in two attempts in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, triumphing 4-0 in Copenhagen.
That said, the outcome did not seem to unduly affect Adam Nawałka’s side, as they still qualified fairly comfortably from the group, winning eight out of a possible 10 matches.
What is their likely starting XI and how good are they?
Their starting XI is unlikely to be too different from the side that overcame Poland so impressively: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester), Henrik Dalsgaard (Brentford), Simon Kjaer (Sevilla), Andreas Bjelland (Brentford), Jens Stryger Larsen (Udinese), William Kvist (Copenhagen), Thomas Delaney (Werder Bremen), Andreas Cornelius (Atalanta), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham), Pione Sisto (Celta Vigo), Nicolai Jorgensen (Feyenoord).
That said, they have decent depth in their squad, with notable players including Lasse Schone (Ajax), Kasper Dolberg (Ajax), Nicklas Bendtner (Rosenborg), Lukas Lerager (Bordeaux), Andreas Christensen (Chelsea), Mike Jensen (Rosenborg) and Yussuf Poulsen (RB Leipzig), many of whom featured extensively in their qualifying campaign while some will feel in with a decent shout of featuring in the starting XI against the Boys in Green.
On form, they are up there with the best sides in Europe, as indicated by their current Fifa ranking of 19th — seven places above Ireland.
Their star player is undoubtedly Tottenham’s Eriksen, who has finished second in the Premier League assists table for the past two seasons on the bounce, according to ESPN. He has also been in ominously good form lately, scoring four goals in his last five games in all competitions.
The 25-year-old was instrumental in the 4-0 victory over Poland, scoring one and setting up two, while he also registered the winner in their crucial victory over Montenegro which all but secured their place in the play-offs.
Yet the Danes are far from a one-man team. Werder Bremen may not be having the best of seasons (they are currently second from bottom in the Bundesliga), but Delaney is still highly thought of there.
The rest of their squad is a mixture of experienced campaigners playing at a relatively high level – Schmeichel, Kjær, Bendtner and Kvist have over 250 caps between them — and promising youngsters, including Christensen, Poulsen and Dolberg, with the latter compared by The Guardian to Marco van Basten and linked to a host of Europe’s top clubs of late, including Man United, Monaco and Borussia Dortmund, despite only turning 20 earlier this month.
In short, Denmark have better players on paper than Ireland, but then the same was also said of Wales and Austria.
Who is their manager?
Like Martin O’Neill, 64-year-old Norwegian coach Age Hareide is a highly experienced manager. He has had stints in Norwegian, Swedish and Danish football, starting with Molde in 1985 and ultimately became part of an elite group of bosses to have won league titles in three different countries.
Hareide took over the Denmark job after the country’s failure to qualify for Euro 2016. It is his second spell as an international manager, coaching Norway between 2003 and 2008, during which time he failed to guide his native country to a major tournament.
The veteran coach’s playing career took place mainly in Norway. He started out at Hødd, a relatively minor Norwegian side (at least until they won the Norwegian Cup for the first time in 2012). In between two spells that lasted a combined total of 11 years at Molde, he spent three seasons in England, with Man City and subsequently Norwich, where he enjoyed moderate success. He also earned 50 caps for Norway between 1976 and 1986.
What’s their history in qualification/major tournaments like?
Like Ireland, Denmark’s record in qualifying for major tournaments tends to be somewhat sporadic, albeit the Danes have a superior history overall, particularly when it comes to the Euros. Their best moment on the international stage by far was Euro ’92, which they famously won after being given a wildcard entry (see more details in the video above). They also reached the semi-finals of the competition in 1984 and finished in fourth place in 1964.
Their more recent record at the Euros is less impressive. After qualifying for the second time in 1984, they would go on to reach the tournament on five more occasions on the bounce. Since then though, they have only qualified in one of the last three tournaments (2012), losing 4-3 on aggregate against the Swedish side, who would later come up against Ireland, in a play-off to reach Euro 2016.
They have so far reached the World Cup on only four occasions — 1986, 1998, 2002 and 2010. 1998, when they reached the quarter-finals, remains their best moment in the competition as it stands.
Key players from down through the years include Peter Schmeichel, the Laudrup brothers, Morten Olsen, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Henning Jensen and Allan Simonsen. In 2006, a public vote to determine their best-ever player was won comfortably by Michael Laudrup, who claimed 58% of the TV2 viewers’ preference.
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Ciaran McDonald would be well up there?
Should be top of the list.
top of the list without a doubt
Johnny doyle nearly dragged kildare to Sam in 2010 all by himself,1-52 on his own,best footballer not to win one,one of most honest footballers aswel
Declan Browne, Tipperary, wonderful footballer, definitely should be up there with the best.
Benny coulter
Ciaràn Carey. Without doubt.
2 All Ireland losses.
3 All Stars.
2 Munster Titles.
Iconic score V Clare in ’96.
And Ollie Moran, class act.
Gary Kirby?
If I could give this comment the thumbs up another 100 times I would. Ciaran Carey was gifted
Ken McGrath… Maybe didn’t have the longevity of Tony but an exceptional natural talent… Considering he must be one of the few intercounty hurlers to have played in every line barring goals where i’m sure he would have done a job…
John Mullane?
Matty Forde – genius
Lionel Messi, by a mile.
I was thinking Stevie G myself.
Dermot Early Sr.
Even Mick O Dwyer said that the Roscommon team of the late 70′s were the team that should have beaten the great Kerry team. Early was arguably the best of his generation, even compared to the Kerry and dub greats of the time.
Ciaran McDonald
Easy one for me, Kieran Mc Donald
Has to be Ciaran Carey. Loosing two Finals in ’94 and’ 96 to offaly and wexford. A true warrior and leader on the field. His late score against Clare has to be one of TV’s greatest GAA sporting moments.
Anthony Lynch in the football. Great servant for Cork and very unlucky never to win an All-Ireland medal.
Ciarán Carey or Ollie Canning in the hurling.
Lynch got one in 2010 as a sub
Oh I never realised that. I thought he was out injured that year.
Yea lynch was a super corner back, tenacious
Colin Corkery for me.
Tony McManus of Clann na nGael and Roscommon. Lost too many, deserved at least 1 of 6. (Lost 5 All Ireland Club Finals and one with Roscommon)
Paul Flynn Ken McGrath John Mullane (Waterford) Ciaran Carey Gary Kirby Mark Foley Ollie Moran (Limerick)
Dermot earley senior or Gerry o malley would have to have a strong shout.
Ciaran Carey for Limerick hurling…class act
Probably being biased.ciaran Whealen?
Was he not in his first year in 95?
Joined in 96 actually.
I don’t see how going missing constantly in big games qualifies him as the greatest player never to win an All Ireland.
R u mad? Totally over rated. Declan Browne and Leighton Glynn should get a mention
So do hillybillies not think ciaran whelan deserved AI medal ?
Sorry Leighton Glynn is a good footballer butim not sure he stands out from the crowd that much. Ciaran McDonald from mayo? John galvin from limerick was a super midfielder too
a legend
John galvin yeah a good shout. Sean Marty Lockhart as well
Ciaran Carey hurling
Ciaran Whelan football
Sambo McNaughton, a very skilful player, as good as any of his generation, played the game during very difficult times, told stories of UVF road blocks on way home from training, taking his hurls etc.
Val Daly brilliant player during 80′s and early 90′s.
Surprised I have not seen John Galvin yet.
Here’s my go at a football team. Only players I’ve seen live or on video so nobody pre 1980ish and most are from 1990 onwards. Hard to pick out only 6 forwards,
GK
Gary Connachton, Westmeath
Backs
Seamus Clancy, Clare
Pat Holmes, Mayo.
Sean Marty Lockhart, Derry
Antony Rainbow, Kildare
James Nallen, Mayo
Coman Goggins, Dublin
Midfield
D Early Sr, Roscommon
Plunket Donaghy, Tyrone
Forwards
B Coulter, Down
C McDonald, Mayo
Eamon o Hara, Sligo
Dec Brown, Tipp
Liam McHale, Mayo
J Doyle, Kildare
Liam Mchale full forward, I like it.
How in the name of God can you leave out Willie Joe Padden from that midfield?? Ronaldson and McStay would also get in miles before McHale.
Michael Meehan
Silly question. Pick a team in both codes, that would be more interesting
You’re welcome to do that if you like Simon, that’s the beauty on a open thread.
My point is we can all mention someone in both hurling and football. Just think it would be fun to pick two teams, no offence!
Oh I know that, what I’m saying – and I think we’re in agreement on this – is that if enough people contribute different players in different positions, we could make a starting XV for both codes.
Will keep an eye on it. Working out my ow two teams!
Val daly Galway.
Nudie Hughes Monaghan, 2 Allstars, 3 Ulsters,
Connie Murphy the greatest kerry footballer not to win an all ireland with his county, he did win the club all ireland with crokes in 92, he was a brilliant servant to the county during the lean years
Brendan Murphy, Carlow! Still playing but has never and will never win an all Ireland playing for carlow.
Hurling Iggy Clarke, 3 All stars, National League, U21 All Ireland, on the losing side in 3 All Ireland senior hurling finals, missed out through injury when Galway won in 80.
Ollie Canning, Ken McGrath,Sean Stack,Joe Rabbitte,John Mullane,Seamus Durack also come to mind.
Iggy Clarke has an All Ireland medal
Ciarian Whelan
He shied away when it mattered man. He never stepped up against the likes Darragh O’Se, John McDermott and Paul McGrane (he did score a great goal against Armagh in 2002) when the we needed him the most.
Tony Browne by a mile
Ciaran Whelan
There’s a thumbs up for ya Karl. I think you’ll be a while waiting for a second one on this site!
Ciarán Whelan, Jack Sheedy, Declan Browne, Mattie Forde,…. the list is endless.
Without doubt one man that should be on the list us Roscommon’s Dermot Early snr. Probably the best midfielder of his generation with a couple of Allstars to his name…..
http://www.hoganstand.com/Mayo/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=80292.
Article from 1993 about John Nallen of Mayo, Galway, Meath and Cavan. Was never able to make then final step and win an elusive all Ireland title.
I wish old people had smartphones – they’d laugh at all these suggestions from the last 30 years. In Offaly hurling, people talk about Paddy Molloy from the 60s. Must be the same in football for Armagh, Tyrone, Donegal etc.
Joe Canning…probably!
Kieren Mcdonald. …. would thread the ball through the eye of a needle, Mac would work wonders today with our attacking half back line…
#2006 winning score V Dublin will live long in the memory
Yea I was on the hill that day James, super point from Ciaran, magician. The man took serious abuse as well and never responded
ciaran Carey and benny coulter
Mark Carpenter, Carlow, Was a brilliant footballer and Was instrumental in Carlow O’Byrne cup win all the way back in 2000.
Ciaran o sullivan great wing back
BOD definately!!!!!
BOD is a rugby player so can’t see him ever fitting in on the gaa football or hurling scene.
For me it has to be Matty Forde – Wexford .Pure genius. Could kick scores all day long and was phenomenal in that run to all Ireland semi finals In 2008.
Dermot Mc Cabe from Cavan was a top class midfielder. Good midfielder with buckets of talent and a massive workrate..
Setanta O Halpin
Keith Higgins – Mayo
PAUL FYLNN!!
As a huge Kilkenny supporter in south Kilkenny and going to school in waterford(getting all the banter in there with waterford supporters) I was literally made to be against Waterford and constantly make little of anything they did,but Paul in my eyes was the most perfect example of the way a person should play the game.He was just unreal,had everthing.I respect him just as much as Henry and Brian Cody.As much as he was praised he was still really unrated and never have I seen him loose his temper on the pitch.
Frank McGuigan-Tyrone. His 11 points from play against Armagh in the 84 Ulster final was a thing of sheer class. 5 with the left, 5 with the right and 1 with the fist.
David Russell Clare
some great players from 1950/1960s like Mickey Kearns, Sligo;Packie McGarty, Leitim; Gerry O Malley ,Roscommon- latter county also had later greats like Dermot Early and Tony McManus.
Joe Kavanagh and Colin Corkery at inter county level. Have won club AI’s to be fair but no inter county All Ireland
The great Ted Joyce from carlow. The last surviving link to the Carlow team which won the county’s lone Leinster senior football championship title in 1944, who passed away last February. Joyce, at 20, was the youngest member of the Carlow team who defeated Dublin in Geraldine Park, Athy by 2-6 to 1-6 in the provincial final of ’44. The Borris man played at left half-back.
Get your red thumbs ready my cousin marrying friends. Ciaran Whelan
Aye sure pick two teams there lads and we’ll get them to play against other..
Pat Crowley – Was one of the best footballers i saw for Galway but blighted by injury
Eamon O’hara – Sligo
Forde most lethal footballer I have ever seen and I seen a lot of him!
T.J Kilgannon. centre half back… midfield or centrehalf forward.
Connie Murphy for Kerry, surely a no brainer here!!
Dermot early sr all the way.
HON THE ROSSIES!!!!!!!!!!!!