No more permutations, no more bullshit, just two games stand between Ireland and a place at next year's World Cup. And it's Denmark that we need to beat.
Before this afternoon's draw, Denmark was our number one target, and our wish was granted when former Spanish international (and former Dane killer) Fernando Hierro pulled the Danes out of the bowl. There is an added bonus to the draw, Ireland will play the second leg at home in the Aviva stadium.
Denmark finished second behind Poland in a group that was low on quality with the likes of Armenia, Montenegro and Romania but their campaign was not without some bumps along the way.
The most impressive result of their qualifying campaign was their 4-0 drubbing of top seeds Poland, a result which must command a lot of respect.
The one blemish however came when the Danes were defeated on their own patch by minnows Montenegro, 1-0.
Their talisman Christian Eriksen was their top goalscorer throughout qualifying and if Ireland are to progress to Russia, neutralising the playmaker will be a key factor.
If Ireland can keep it tight in the first leg to bring back to Dublin, the Aviva will be rocking for one final push to Russia.
Just checked out the #denmark football squad -confident we can beat them-especially with Home tie 2nd @FAIreland #playoffs #COYBIG 🇮🇪💚🙏🏼
— mary mary quite contrary (@Mazzaleeds) October 17, 2017
Denmark is as good as a draw we were getting there. Really looking forward to near crippling levels of tension in the coming weeks.
— John Morton (@mohnjorton) October 17, 2017
Beat Denmark after extra time in the play offs and then sort out the child care for Russia 🇷🇺
— Brendan Crossan (@CrossanBrendan) October 17, 2017
When you booked a holiday to Copenhagen months ago and now Ireland draw Denmark away first!! ⚽️💪🏼 #WorldCup2018 #playoffs #COYBIG
— Conor Wilson (@ConorGW) October 17, 2017
Denmark will be a similar standard to Wales. A couple decent players, some poor and 1 superstar. All about curtailing him for the most part
— Shane Fitzpatrick (@fitz_xoxo) October 17, 2017
Yes perfect Denmark we'll take that #COYBIG
— Keith Murray (@K_Muzzy180) October 17, 2017
Playoff draw puts us against Denmark. Best draw could have hoped for.
— DLC (@1969DLC) October 17, 2017
Ireland vs Denmark in the play offs, best draw we could have asked for... just need to perform now!#COYBIG
— Tom McGon (@T_McGon) October 17, 2017
After tha shit storm yesterday, We get good news getting Denmark
— The Champ Champ (@BoscoDunne) October 17, 2017
Denmark baby
— Ken Walsh (@EireAontaithe32) October 17, 2017
Denmark, thats a good draw for us. Its actually possible
— Seán Carey (@seanogcarey) October 17, 2017
Denmark is probably the best we could have coped for from that draw, I have a feeling we're going to do it #COYBIG
— Gary Connaughton (@gconnaughton15) October 17, 2017
GET IN, Denmark it is and it looks like Ireland are away in the first leg. Perfect draw for me. #COYBIG #WorldCupQualifiers
— padraig mcinerney ☘ (@podgemci) October 17, 2017
The gods where looking down on us😬still going to be very tough but couldn't have asked for a better draw #Ireland #Denmark #COYBIG🇮🇪🇮🇪⚽️
— jamiefield😎 (@jamieloopyfield) October 17, 2017
Surely Thomas Delaney isn't allowed play in the playoffs for Denmark?
— Johnny Cooper (@JohnnyCooper91) October 17, 2017
