Denmark and Republic of Ireland contrived to play out another dismal goalless draw in a Nations League dead rubber on Monday.
With Age Hareide s men already assured of progression to League A and Ireland condemned to League C, two usually conservative sides were especially unimaginative in Aarhus.
The teams had served up a drab stalemate in Ireland when points and places were on the
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line earlier in the campaign, so it perhaps came as no surprise that there was little to thrill here.
Ireland barely threatened to end a scoreless run that now spans four matches, while Nicolai Jorgensen squandered a huge chance to break the deadlock at the other end.
played 45 minutes for Denmark this evening as they drew with Ireland to finish unbeaten in their UEFA Nations League group.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial)
The two defences dominated from the off, with Mathias Jorgensen s timely challenge intervening when a loose ball did threaten to run for Seamus Coleman in front of goal.
Darren Randolph was belatedly tested at the other end when he turned away a teasing cross-cum-shot from Peter Ankersen, before Nicolai Jorgensen failed to turn the rebound goalwards.
Christian Eriksen s half-time withdrawal unsurprisingly did little to improve matters and Yussuf Poulsen somehow lashed over from close range shortly after the restart.
Then came Nicolai Jorgensen s big moment as the forward stole possession from Richard Keogh but shot against the post with the goal at his mercy, capping a dreary evening for both outfits.
What does it mean? O Neill s methods ineffective
Ireland have become a turgid side to watch, their cautious tactics contributing to consistently low-scoring matches. And while this set-up almost got them to the World Cup, the Nations League has been a tough experience. The plan does not seem to be working any more.
Eriksen the sole bright spot
There was little opportunity or, indeed, motivation for Eriksen to impress, but he still looked a class apart in the first 45 minutes. In League A, where opponents will attack Denmark, the Tottenham star might have more space and thus more joy.
46: Second half underway. One change at the break for Denmark as Christian Eriksen is replaced by Jens Stryger Larsen. Ireland remain unchanged. (0-0)
— FAIreland (@FAIreland)
O Neill sells Christie short again
The reverse fixture saw Ireland experiment with full-back Cyrus Christie in the middle of midfield and he reprised that role here. On both occasions, the Fulham man has looked ill-suited to the position and completely out of his depth, yet Martin O Neill persists with the tactic.
Key Opta Facts
Republic of Ireland are winless in each of their last six matches in all competitions (D4 L2) for the first time since June 2014 (also a run of six).
Denmark are unbeaten in their last four matches against Ireland, winning one and drawing the other three.
Ireland have not scored in any of their last four matches in all competitions for the first time since May 1996 (a run of five in total).
Denmark have not lost any of their last 11 matches at home across all competitions (W6 D5), since a 1-0 defeat to Montenegro back in October 2016.
Ireland failed to direct a single shot on target for the first time in their last 18 competitive games, since June 2016 v Belgium.
At 18 years and 135 days old, Michael Obafemi became the first player to play for Ireland born in the 2000s.
What s next?
Euro 2020 qualification gets under way next year, with Denmark already assured of at least a play-off place. Ireland have much more work to do if they are to reach the finals.
