Copenhagen first leg result crucial of Republic’s play-off hope

THE Republic of Ireland’s extraordinary journey through the World Cup Qualifiers has given supporters plenty to savour with the great win over Wales giving soccer supporters a huge lift.

All the focus of attention will be on the play off against Demark on Saturday evening and the return leg at the Aviva Stadium on November 14.

They have got a reasonable draw against Denmark in the play off and luck is on their side also with the first game away and the crucial second leg at The Aviva Stadium.

The Irish team has given supporters a merry go round experience in the qualifiers and they had a fair share of luck along the way in games and in other results but there is still a long way to go to win the play-off.

It is hard to evaluate the strength of the Danish side but they will be no pushover. Ireland will have to be wary of the silken skill of and deadly finishing of Erikson while they will also find it hard to beat their goalkeeper Kasper Schmichel who is one of the best net minders in the Premiership

Poland topped their group in the qualifiers and Denmark came in second ahead of Montenegro.

It must be noted that they beat table toppers Poland 4-0 in Copenhagen.

If Ireland are to win the play off they will need to get an away goal in the first leg in Copenhagen.

A 1-1 draw would be great or even a 2-1 defeat would not be an irretrievable situation either.

David Meyler will be a huge loss for the first leg but Shane Long will be back again.

Thankfully none of the Irish squad picked up any injuries over the weekend so Irish boss Martin O’Neill will have a near full strength squad at his disposal with the exception of David Meyler.

Irish fans have been put through the mill following the team with their ups and downs in the qualifiers and there will be plenty more anxious moments for fans before their destiny is known on the road to Russia 2018.

As regards a prediction for the big showdown it is a difficult playoff to call as the strength of the Danish side is difficult to evaluate as very few are acquainted with their style of play.

One thing is certain they will be no pushover but if Ireland can get a decent result in Copenhagen they should be able to clinch the play-off in Dublin on November 14.

In the meantime everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed that they will get the result they require.

Photo by Domnick Walsh The Windmill United team that played Listowel Celtic B in Division 1B in Mounthawk Park.