The Mail on Sunday

O’Neill reminded why Republic are left out in the cold

- From Craig Hope IN DUBLIN

REVENGE is a dish best served cold. Well, at least we had the cold, a chilling reminder that Ireland are not very good and that this competitio­n has done little to capture the imaginatio­n.

Martin O’Neill had spoken on the eve of the game of righting the wrongs of the 5-1 defeat inflicted here by Denmark during the World Cup play-off.

But all this statement proved was that Christian Eriksen — hat-trick hero that night but missing here due to injury — really is the difference between the two.

This draw leaves Ireland in danger of slipping into Nations League C come the renewal of this tournament.

And it says something of Ireland’s lack of inspiratio­n that they had to bend the rules to create their best chance. Harry Arter, restored to the side following his fallout with assistant Roy Keane, was down in need of treatment when Denmark midfielder Thomas Delaney gestured that he was about to kick the ball out of play early in the first half. It was a clear signal. Obvious, that is, to all except Jeff Hendrick, who robbed his opponent and scampered through on goal, only to miss the target with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Denmark remonstrat­ed and Hendrick pleaded his innocence. What he was guilty of most, however, was a glaring miss.

He reverted to more sporting means when his flighted free-kick presented Shane Duffy with a chance just before the break but the defender headed wide.

Denmark belatedly found the goal just before the hour but Arter was minding the post and hacked Simon Kjaer’s header off the line.

Duffy looked for a penalty late on but was booked for diving, while Denmark’s Martin Braithwait­e was denied a late winner when his shot was saved.

 ??  ?? APPEAL: But Shane Duffy is booked for diving
APPEAL: But Shane Duffy is booked for diving

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