You can’t question the pride Irish people have for their country.
Ireland will probably never win a World Cup or a European Championship. Stranger things have happened but, let’s face it, probably not.
And, still, that lack of success doesn’t detract from the support the team gets.
As Denmark inflicted a 5-1 trashing on Martin O’Neill’s side on Tuesday night – and when you look at the lack of performances at the Aviva Stadium recently as a general point – the Irish fans still rallied behind their team right up until the final whistle.
It didn’t go unnoticed, at least not from Kasper Schmeichel anyway.
Speaking to RTÉ after the game, the Danish goalkeeper said:
“I can only have admiration for the Irish as a nation. When the fourth goal goes in, they all stand up and sing Fields of Athenry and it gives me goosebumps.
“I remember sitting in Poland in 2012 and I think they were playing Spain. They were 4-0 down as well and it gave me goosebumps and it did the same today.
“On one half I’m obviously delighted for Denmark but I’m gutted for the Irish because they’re amazing fans and great people.”
Denmark goalkeeper @kschmeichel1 feels sadness for the Irish supporters that their World Cup dream is over. #rtesoccer #irlden @corktod pic.twitter.com/SdFUA2VzHE
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2017
It was a show of class and graciousness from Schmeichel, the son of Manchester United legend Peter, and the reaction from fans was as expected.
Such a gracious and eloquent guy – Congratulations Kasper and Denmark and best of luck at the World Cup
— Grace O'Sullivan (@gosulli) November 15, 2017
Agree👌
— Neill.B (@beillnurke) November 15, 2017
The nation didn’t leave the Aviva Stadium with much to brag about on Wednesday night but maybe, just maybe, we do actually have the best fans in the world if Schmeichel’s words are anything to go by.
