Kasper Schmeichel: 'For the tournament it's a shame that the Irish fans aren't there because they're truly unique'

Kasper Schmeichel was unsurprisingly delighted with Denmark's qualification for the World Cup but admitted the tournament will miss out on not having the Irish supporters in Russia.

 

Schmeichel was speaking to reporters shortly after Denmark's comprehensive 5-1 victory in the second leg of their play-off with the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium,

 

"I've got to say how impressed I am with the Irish fans," said Leicester City's Danish 'keeper. "After the fourth goal they stand up and sing 'The Fields of Athenry' and it gives you goosebumps.

 

“I remember seeing in Poland in 2012 when Ireland played Spain, we were all sat watching the game, and I think there was about 12 minutes where it was just the Irish fans singing. 

 

“For the tournament it's a shame that the Irish fans aren't there because they're truly unique as well."

 



Schmeichel has to pick the ball out of his own net after just six minutes when Denmark fell behind on the night thanks to an early Shane Duffy header but the goalkeeper's team responded in resounding style to book their place in Russia.

 

"There was such a long way to go in the game. I think it was just a question of us getting our game going. As soon as we got it going there was no panic, there was no worry. 

 

“It shows a lot about the character of this team. We've been down before but we've always fought back. It's to do with our team spirit, which is great. Tonight was a great night for us.” 

 



A stunning hat-trick from the talented Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen inspired Denmark to a remarkable comeback and Schmeichel, like the Danish manager Age Hareide (see here), sung the praises of Spurs player.

 

"World class. That's the only way to describe him. World class," enthused the Leicester City keeper.

 

"It's been a long time coming for Denmark. We missed out on the last two tournaments so we're very, very happy and proud.

 

 

 

 

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