Irish have fighting chance to oust Denmark

The Republic of Ireland have a fighting chance of reaching their first World Cup since 2002 following their 0-0 draw with Denmark on Saturday evening.

Martin O’Neill’s side put in a strong defensive performance to frustrate the home side in Copenhagen.

Åge Hareide’s team were denied by a combination of missed chances and a fine individual performance by Irish goalie Darren Randolph.

This time round, the Irish will have home advantage at the sold out Aviva Stadium.

However, the boys in Green will have to attack much more than they tried in Copenhagen as they need to score goals to win and advance to the finals next year.

Lone striker Daryl Murphy cut a lonely figure up top for the Irish on Saturday evening, and Martin O’Neill may elect to start with Shane Long who came on as a second half substitute.

Winger James McClean could also be a starter. The West Brom player did grab the only goal in Ireland’s away 1-0 victory over Wales to ensure that Ireland qualified for the playoffs.

Denmark have a fully fit squad available for the game. Ireland did well to quell the influence of star man Christian Eriksen in the first leg and the Spurs midfielder will again be tasked with inspiring his side to a fifth ever World Cup.

Hareide’s side have remained undefeated over the course of 2017 in qualification games so far, picking up five wins and three draws in that time.

Goals will be important for the Danes and Hareide could turn to former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner who finished the season as top scorer for his side Rosenborg.