The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of making it to next summer’s World Cup remain in tact after a hard-fought goalless draw in Copenhagen.
Prior to the game, the Irish fans were in typical good humour, amusing themselves outside a Victoria’s Secret shop by cheering every customer who walked out the door.
Irish fans cheering people coming out of Victoria’s Secret in Copenhagen 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/wKWcBvKg4K
— 90min (@90min_Football) November 11, 2017
On the pitch, the Irish side rarely got their knickers in a twist, instead producing a calm and typically defensive display against a Denmark side eager to make the most of their home advantage.
Not surprisingly, Spurs schemer Christian Eriksen was at the heart of much of the hosts’ best play, but in Darren Randolph, the Irish had a goalkeeper equal to anything thrown at him.
Randolph and Cornelius play a heart-stopping one-two. Fair play to the Boro keeper #DENIRL #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/5aEN0oEUJo
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 11, 2017
Martin O’Neill’s side created few decent chances themselves, with Cyrus Christie testing Kasper Schmeichel in the first-half after a fine run.
Lovely football from Murphy, Christie and Hendrick. More please #denirl #RTEsoccerhttps://t.co/75x8kmyhZZ pic.twitter.com/2SmfFMORW2
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 11, 2017
Denmark pushed for the winner in the second-half, but again found themselves thwarted time and time again by the Irish back-line.
Our collective heart in our collective mouth #denirl #rtesoccerhttps://t.co/75x8kmyhZZ pic.twitter.com/u0FIBCodf4
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 11, 2017
Ireland’s dour but effective display would ultimately frustrate Denmark and secure a very good result ahead of next week’s second leg in Dublin.
However, the Boys in Green will need to show a bit more adventure going forward at the Aviva Stadium, if they are to book their place in Russia and make it to a World Cup finals for the first time since 2002.