Copenhagen and Cardiff, here we come!
The Euro Nations League draw turned out to be rather exciting for Ireland. Of course, the draw itself wasn’t exciting. They never are and, despite being a new competition, this was never going to break from tradition.
But it was exciting in the fact that it pitted Ireland against two familiar foes: Wales and Denmark. Yes, Martin O’Neill’s side face the prospect of home and away ties against the team they beat to reach the play-offs and the team that almost made us wish we hadn’t even reached the play-offs.
Ireland will open their campaign with a trip to Cardiff on September 6, returning to the scene of one of the greatest Irish footballing nights in recent memory. However, we will face Ryan Giggs’ side knowing that the visit of the Danes to Dublin looms in the following month.
Ireland's path to Euro 2020 is simple, as long as you have a Masters from MIT https://t.co/dF6QFyYgcL
— JOE.ie (@JOEdotie) January 24, 2018
Yes, Denmark, presumably led once more by the frustratingly effective Christian Eriksen, will look to make light work of the Aviva Stadium atmosphere when they come to town on October 13.
Three days later (October 16), it’s Wales’ turn to try and silence the Irish home crowd. Then, we’ll have to wait another month before the second trip to Copenhagen in the space of a year, taking on the Danes on their home patch on November 19.
So, mark your calendars accordingly. It’s going to be a fun ride. Ah, who am I kidding, it’s just going to be a ride – I’m less optimistic about the fun part.
