On Tuesday night, the Republic of Ireland and Denmark clash in their World Cup play-off second leg. The first leg produced a goalless draw, so it is winner takes it all in this one.
The Republic of Ireland will have been pleased to earn a goalless draw in the first leg, as Denmark have been in good form on home soil.
However, the draw should not have surprised anybody, as Ireland have lost just one of their last 12 games in World Cup qualifying. Their recent World Cup qualifiers have been tight affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last eight outings.
Martin O’Neill’s side have a mixed record on home soil in World Cup qualifying. The home side have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six qualifiers at the Aviva Stadium.
Like their recent qualifiers in general, their recent home World Cup qualifiers have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last five games.
Denmark heads into this crucial clash unbeaten in their last eight World Cup qualifiers. However, the Scandinavian side have now drawn their last two games in qualifying.
Their last three qualifiers have produced 2.5 goals. On paper that looks like a safe bet in this clash.
The visitors have a decent recent away record in qualifying, winning six of their last eight qualifiers, including their last three games in Kazakhstan, Armenia and Montenegro.
Denmark have also been relatively prolific in that eight-game run, scoring at least two goals in five of their last eight away qualifiers. The visitors have a decent defensive record too, as they have conceded just five goals in their last six away games in qualifying.
This game is unlikely to be high scoring and Ireland’s games tend to be tight. However, Forebet predicts that Denmark will have enough quality to win in Dublin and seal their place at World Cup 2018.