Euro 2020: Winner Takes All in Dublin

Republic of Ireland vs Denmark

I will let you into a secret. I have a major soft spot for Ireland. I think their fans are the most colourful in international football and their presence at Euro 2020 would be a boon for the tournament.

That’s the heart talking.

The head, as well as the SBOBET Euro 2020 betting odds, suggest they will fall at the final hurdle.

There is no shame in that, especially given the Emerald Isle no longer possess the quality of players of previous years.

But that is what makes their quest to reach a third straight European Championship finals even more impressive.

Talking Points

Last time out in Group D, Eire went down to Switzerland – a result which threatened to leave their automatic qualification hopes out of their own hands.

That was hot on the heels of a disappointing draw at Georgia, where Euro 2020 highlights were hard to find.

The permutations are simple now: the Republic of Ireland will qualify for Euro 2020 if they beat Denmark in Dublin by virtue of the head-to-head record between the two (as both would have 15 points).

The Danes only need a draw to progress which, if they gain, will likely leave the Republic of Ireland in next March’s play-offs.

Republic of Ireland aims to win as they host Denmark at Aviva Stadium to qualify for Euro 2020 — Shane Duffy with Republic of Ireland players during their last Euro 2020 match vs Denmark

Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is preparing to go toe-to-toe with the Scandinavians, although he will surely be aware of the dangers Christian Eriksen and company can provide.

Much as he was satisfied with the ample positives of a 3-1 friendly success against New Zealand last week, he will know some of the blemishes from that performance cannot be repeated in this.

As is always the case with the Irish, there is plenty of encouragement from in and outside of the camp.

Indeed, former fans’ favourite Robbie Keane has challenged a new generation of Republic of Ireland stars to “be a hero.”

McCarthy’s assistant manager scored a record 68 goals in 146 illustrious senior appearances for his country and is still remembered in particular for his last-gasp equaliser in a famous 1-1 World Cup finals draw with Germany in Ibaraki in 2002.

Denmark, European Champions in 1992 in the most amazing fashion, thrashed minnows Gibraltar 6-0 in their penultimate qualifier in Copenhagen on Friday. They are very familiar with their opponents, whom they claimed a place in last year’s World Cup finals at the expense of.

Denmark also know they have the superior quality of players than Ireland, who know their best way of progress is to play their strengths and disrupt play.

As one Irish journalist said this week, this could be a “brutal struggle which boils down to a flushed and scowling Glenn Whelan remorselessly tracking an increasingly disheartened Christian Eriksen into oblivion.”

But as Keith Duggan also eloquently wrote, why would Ireland take on a superior football team at their own game?

Over the last six matches, the Danes have grown weary at being nipped and battered by Ireland’s stout-hearted, defensively-oriented football teams.

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UEFA EURO 2020

They’ve made no secret of their disdain for Ireland’s football philosophy, an attitude best summed up by Denmark midfielder Thomas Delaney disdainfully comparing playing Ireland to “trying to open a can of beans with your bare hands.”

This match could well be like a battle of attrition to match that description, but if Ireland win, they or I won’t care one jot!

To dare to dream, they must first play to their strengths.

History

This will be the sixth meeting in two years between the two countries, who have drawn four of them.

The other was a startling 5-1 triumph for the Danes in Dublin, almost two years ago to the day, that ensured qualification for the World Cup in Russia.

The Irish team and fans found themselves back in Copenhagen in November last year for the Nations League. Denmark and Ireland’s contribution to the beautiful game was a pair of 0-0 draws in that competition.

They met again last June for the qualifying game for next year’s European Championships; it finished 1-1.

What Ireland now need to do is beat Denmark for the first time since a 4-0 friendly win on Danish soil in 2007 – an occasion when Keane and Shane Long both netted twice.

The last time they defeated them in a competitive encounter was in a qualifier for the 1980 European Championships when goals from Gerry Daly and Don Givens scored in a 2-0 win at Lansdowne Road.

Betting Tip

	Republic of Ireland vs Denmark	1X2 Denmark @ 2.22
	November 19, 03:45 (GMT+8)

Denmark can be backed 1X2 @ 2.21 – my prediction – as the incentive of a Euro 2020 berth will be telling for a country whose capital will be one of the tournament’s host cities.

Ireland are available @ 2.81 and the draw @ 3.20.

With Asian Handicap betting, Irish eyes will be smiling with a winning bet of + 0.25 @ 1.92 and the Danes -0.25 @ 1.92.