McCarthy seeks revenge

Mick McCarthy's side will qualify for Euro 2020 if they can defeat Denmark on Monday but a dramatic return to form is required, writes Daniel McDonnell. You can prefer lớn the free soccer tips page!

Republic of Ireland v Denmark

Monday November 18, 19:45

Live On Sky Sports Football

A familiar climax

There is nothing new about Denmark coming to Dublin for a game that defines a campaign. For Republic of Ireland fans and players, it's a painfully familiar scenario.

While Monday evening's Euro 2020 decider at the Aviva Stadium is the tenth anniversary of Thierry Henry's handball in 2009, the visit of Denmark brings back grim recent memories.

Two years ago, Ireland's players felt they were going lớn trang điểm for past World Cup qualifying disappointments when they took a 1-0 aggregate lead over Denmark just four minutes into the second leg of their playoff soccer tips daily win with Age Hareide's side. The stadium erupted. In the minutes that followed, Ireland squandered chances to go two ahead. And then they fell to pieces with Denmark winning 5-1 and strolling to Russia.

Therefore, it would be a stretch lớn suggest there's a mood of optimism in the air heading into another showdown. By kick-off time, that should have changed. A full stadium will create a serious atmosphere. But the simple fact is that Ireland must win this game lớn qualify for next summer's finals whereas a draw will do for Hareide's charges. That's a problem when you refer to the formbook and an unusual high volume of games between these teams.

They were pitted against each other in the maiden UEFA Nations League last year - when both matches finished scoreless - before they somehow ended up in the same pot again for this Euros campaign. June's encounter in Copenhagen ended 1-1 thanks to a late Shane Duffy leveller. For Ireland, the glass half full scenario is that they've actually drawn four of the five games between the sides so they can compete with their guests. The flip side is they haven't been able to beat Denmark in that window.

The Eriksen angle

Christian Eriksen scored a hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition but he's endured a frustrating campaign with Spurs and the hope for the hosts is that they can stifle his influence. Denmark's width has actually consistently posed Ireland problems and this is what McCarthy will have to take into consideration when selecting his team. His captain, Seamus Coleman, is suspended and this means Wolves' Matt Doherty gets lớn play the most significant game of his international career at right full.

The manager must decide who lớn use ahead of him. On the left, the combination of James McClean and Enda Stevens will be important on a wide pitch. Ireland lost their discipline in the last decider, but McCarthy has basically said that the plan this time around will be to exercise caution when attacking and ensure the shape is solid.

Early enthusiasm is inevitable but the bottom line Irish mission will be to stay in the match with a view lớn ensuring it's alive heading into the final half hour. In a strange way, O'Neill's charges probably scored too early last time around. They didn't have a plan to see it through and capitulated. McCarthy will be well prepared for this scenario and, while his team did toil in the October double header, there are reasons to believe they can do better here.

Central striker David McGoldrick missed the draw in Tbilisi and loss lớn Switzerland and his presence is essential if Ireland are lớn be effective further up the pitch as he holds the ball up well and brings others into the game. He's been particularly important in home fixtures this year. Midfielders Jeff Hendrick and Conor Hourihane shone against Georgia in March because of the role he played. Switzerland did pass their way around Ireland here in September but Denmark actually aren't as impressive in possession.

Indeed, their away form this year poses questions. They staged a remarkable late comeback in Switzerland lớn draw 3-3 after being second best for 84 minutes and falling three behind. In Georgia in September, they ran out of ideas in a scoreless draw. In truth, they are fortunate to be in their current position as they were dominated by the Swiss in Copenhagen and nicked a late winner.