A closer look at Denmark ahead of Republic of Ireland clash

The Republic of Ireland welcome Denmark to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening determined to gain revenge for their World Cup heartache.

Eleven months ago, the Danes made the same journey knowing Ireland held the upper hand in the the race to Russia after a 0-0 play-off, first leg draw in Copenhagen, but left with a thumping 5-1 victory and a ticket to this summer’s finals firmly in their grasp.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at the Republic’s Nations League rivals.

Form

Denmark made it to the second round at the World Cup finals courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Peru and draws with Australia and eventual winners France in the group stage. However, their involvement thereafter was short-lived as Croatia, who would also go on to make the final, beat them 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Nizhny Novgorod. A dispute over commercial rights saw the Danes field a team comprising largely of third division and futsal players in a 3-0 friendly defeat by Slovakia last month, but the big guns were back in harness to beat Wales 2-0 in the Nations League four days later.

Coach

Tactics

Hareide employed four and three-man defences during World Cup qualification, but has settled on a 4-3-3 formation in the last year or so. That system is designed to get the best out of playmaker Christian Eriksen and although the Tottenham midfielder is currently injured, the manager is likely to change personnel rather than formation to accommodate a replacement.

Players