Denmark 0 - 4 Rep. of Ireland

Ireland’s precision in front of goal left Denmark licking their wounds following a workman-like performance.

It began well for the Danes which saw them producing several chances in a one-sided opening period. Bendtner coming closest, heading against the bar after 12mins. Ireland looked sluggish and it was against the run of play when Andy Reid’s excellent through ball found Robbie Keane for Ireland’s opener on 29mins. A classy, chipped finish left Danish keeper Christiensen with no chance.

Ireland began passing the ball better as Denmark continued to plug away and get physical in a slow-tempoed first half. The second goal came on 40mins and like Ireland’s first it came out of the blue. McGeady did well down the right, sending in a great ball for Keane to meet at the front post. Fortune favoured Keane as his diving header came back off the keeper only to rebound off Keane’s shoulder and find the back of the net.

Several changes at half time and early in the second half did little to change the course of the game. Steve Staunton chose to blood another two promising youngsters, Keogh and Gibson, with Potter having started the game. All three did well, especially considering the physical nature of the Danish play, with Potter’s range of passing the highlight.

It didn’t take long for Ireland to add to their lead. On 54mins Long, on for Doyle, slotted home when Christiensen could only parry a long-range effort from Gibson. 12 minutes later Long had his second and Ireland’s fourth after finding ample room amongst the Danish defenders to easily finish.

The remaining half-hour saw Ireland sit back and but for some poor finishing Denmark would have had a consolation. Dunne too, on more than one occasion, was called into action to save Ireland from being punished for taking their foot off the gas.

All in all Ireland had their share of luck and in the end the scoreline was harsh on the embarrassed Danes.

Man of the Match: Robbie Keane – lead by example often helping out in midfield and defence. Ireland missed his leadership in the last half hour