Denmark wary of Ireland revenge mission

Denmark plundered a 5-1 play-off victory on their last visit to Dublin, with the Danes making off with the prize of a place at the World Cup in Russia. On their return to Aviva Stadium on the banks of the Rivers Dodder this Saturday though, the Danes seem to be wary of Ireland’s revenge mission.

Speaking at the Aviva on the eve of the match, the Denmark manager Age Hareide said he expected a difficult game against the Republic of Ireland. “Normally, they are hard to beat and hard to breakdown. I think the attitude and the spirit is the strength of the Irish side.

“We expect them to be at their very, very best tomorrow because they are probably seeking some revenge for the game in November and we are prepared for that."

His goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also spoke about the Boys in Green aiming to avenge the result in the Russia 2018 play-off.

“I think it would be a serious mistake on our part to underestimate Ireland,” said the 31-year-old Leicester City goalkeeper. “They are going to be looking for some kind of revenge. We are on no way complacent and we’re highly-motivated.”

Shane Duffy got Ireland’s solitary goal when the sides last met and Schmeichel admitted that  Duffy and the overall threat from Ireland’s set piece play is something they need to be very mindful of. 

“We are aware of him from the Premier League and in the last two games Ireland relied on heavily set pieces. Any kind of free kick within 50 yards was coming into the box. It is a big threat but we aren’t going to do anything different. We are ready for it.”

Christian Eriksen was the star man for the visitors last time out scoring a hat-trick but the Spurs striker is not available this time around. Hareide admitted he will miss the player but reckons his squad’s strength in depth has them well set up.

“He's a good player, there's no doubt about that,” said Hareide about Eriksen. “He's an important player for us. But we haven't focused that much on the fact that he's been away. It's important to focus on the players we have and on the team we have. 

"We have shown we have a lot of good players in Denmark. The team is working well for each other and know each other. I don't think missing Christian will be any kind of excuse after the game." 

Denmark beat Wales 2-0 at home in their first UEFA Nations League game last month and are looking for another three points to put themselves in pole position to top this UEFA Nations League group.

"If we win, we are definitely looking to top the group, that's for sure - but we know the difficulties. Games against Wales and Ireland will be even matches and we are aware of that.

"That's our attitude. We know it is going to be tough and tight, and this is also a chance for the Irish team to be a part of the race for the top, so we expect a tough game." 

Denmark about to start their training session in the Aviva pic.twitter.com/CdohsaYO0X

— Extratime.ie (@ExtratimeNews) October 12, 2018