Sudden Death back to Aviva

For Martin O’ Neill and his Republic of Ireland, delivering a scoreless draw in Kobenhavn Stadium in Copenhagen was a bit of an all-around feat, after stopping a resilient Danish attack.

The way his initial eleven played a heavily contested match all afternoon long in Danish lands, the ingredients of sudden death match on Tuesday November 14, headlines this match.   

Still this first leg gives his side a slight edge according to the Republic of Ireland manager.

As the second leg to play in the colossus of Dublin Aviva Stadium, the Boys in Green are a force not to reckon with and for sure, the man from North Ireland will play his cards to the fullest to net a positive result that will deliver that ticket to Russia.

However if someone deserves the an all-around recognition for playing a one of a kind match filled with all sorts of spectacular and top of the line defensive gem, was the Green Army keeper Darren Randolph.

After keeping at bay all of the Danes strikers and scoring opportunities these had having a total of 14 shots- five directly on goal with just a couple from the Irish side.

Stopping a whooping nine shoots that any of these could made it to the back of the nets, giving the Danish side a valuable advantage on the second leg, but Randolph stepped up and deliver. 

As the dominance from the locals, was very evident at the end these did not capitalize on any of their opportunities to seal this one off and go to Dublin Town with a positive edge, becoming too frustrating the Danes manager Age Hareide.

The perseverance that the Republic of Ireland initial eleven showed all afternoon long was the elements of a positive result away and now to tackle this affair home and seal it as the way were accustomed to see this squad deliver against all odds.

For O’ Neill will be business as usual and a possible shift in his 4-2-3-1 formation at home sending a more dynamic attack with a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, with a couple more strikers to try to make a dent in Kaspar Schmeichel posts.

That can be a a possibility but for Martin O’Neill of making some changes will be decided until game time, the way he made them when his side deliver that Euro spot and that playoff against Wales and now Denmark. 

In tonight match with a lone striker in Daryl Murphy accompanied by Robbie Brady, Callum O’Dowda and James McClean, were no enough to generate any dangers or made the Danes backfield incommode with eight shoots with just a couple on target.

In addition, of the local’s control in part of the match, these did played a bit desperately and committing a total of fifteen fouls versus the Ireland side with just nine, putting in perspective the respect and caution the Danes have on the Green Army.

Come Tuesday Martin O’ Neill and company will be in need of many help in creating a more dynamic and ingenious approach towards their guest and try to make the best of their advantage as locals to seal the deal.

 

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