Event of the Day: Republic of Ireland v Denmark

Our event of the day 

is the 2018 FIFA World Cup play-off match between the Republic of Ireland and Denmark at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. A goalless first-leg draw in Copenhagen, saw a cautious, tight and disciplined display from both teams with few opportunities. Denmark created some good chances in search of a winning goal, but the Irish goalkeeper Darren Randolph was hard to beat and the Irish defence stood up to the test. This result leaves both sides in with a great chance to win the play-off, ahead of the second-leg game. Ireland will rely on the full-hearted support of their home fans to help them win and reach the World Cup for the first time since 2002, while any draw with goals scored means Denmark will book their place in Russia, by virtue of the away goals rule. Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we were to witness another stalemate and more drama with this deciding game going to extra time and maybe even penalties. 

The Irish will certainly stick to their game plan and try to nullify the threat of Denmark’s playmaker Christian Eriksen, their most creative player. Denmark will need to keep an eye on James McClean who scored the winner in Wales within the group stage, that secured the Republic of Ireland their play-off phase spot. The Irish are unbeaten in their last five encounters with Denmark (two wins and three draws), keeping clean sheets in the previous three meetings. The Danes come into the decider with a fully fit squad and also a lot of confidence as they haven’t lost a match in 2017. They have won four and drawn three games, conceding just three goals in the process. It is all set up for an entertaining battle for a World Cup spot.

 

Honourable mentions 

around the globe go to the NBA game between the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors at the Toyota Center in Houston. Houston, the leaders of the Western Conference, aim to continue their six-game winning streak; while Toronto look to get back on the winning track after a narrow 95-94 defeat away to the Boston Celtics. England face Brazil at Wembley Stadium in a friendly international, as they both continue their preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In the NHL, the Los Angeles Kings host the Vancouver Canucks at the Staples Center. In rugby, a France XV plays against New Zealand at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon. At the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals at the O2 Arena in London, the focus is on the singles matches between Marin Čilić and Jack Sock, and later on, Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev. In field hockey, it is the second game between Germany and Great Britain in Mannheim, Germany won the first game 5-3.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by FIFA World Cup