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'It suits us to chase the game' | Gary Breen on Ireland vs Denmark

Ireland are at their best when they have to take the game to their opponents, according to former...



'It suits us to chase the game...
Soccer

'It suits us to chase the game' | Gary Breen on Ireland vs Denmark

Ireland are at their best when they have to take the game to their opponents, according to former Republic of Ireland international Gary Breen.

Mick McCarthy’s side need a win against the Danes to secure automatic qualification for Euro 2020.

While conceding the first goal is obviously not ideal for the boys in green, the former Sunderland defender thinks it could spur the team on.

“If you think about our big results over the years under Martin O’Neill, it’s been when we’re chasing games.

“It suits our nature to throw caution to the wind and play with a little bit of devilment as such. We aren’t good enough to sit in and dictate play and rely on our defensive units and stuff like that.

“Don’t get me wrong, people will say, ‘We’re difficult to break down defensively.’ Yeah we are because we’ve got ten players on the edge of our 18-yard box. It’s pretty difficult.

“But listen, there will be no panic. We won’t be suddenly throwing tricky wingers into centre-field like we did last time against them,” Breen said.

'We don't need McClean smashing into someone'

David Sneyd, a journalist with the42.ie agreed felt that a composed start, rather than an intense start, would suit the side better.

“I don’t think you need, in this day and age, a crunching Roy Keane tackle in the first few minutes to get the crowd going.

“I think the crowd will actually react a bit better, rather than lads going a hundred miles an hour, the team actually being composed. I think that would actually settle.

“Not that you want the crowd to settle down but if you want Ireland to start well and actually look comfortable even if it is balls into McGoldrick and balls feeding into him.

“That’s what will get the crowd going more than lads going a hundred miles an hour. James McClean smashing into someone for a throw-in - that’s of no benefit in international football,” Sneyd said.

The Republic of Ireland take on Denmark at 7.45pm at the Aviva Stadium and will hope to avoid a repeat of the 5-1 loss that happened two years previous.

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David Sneyd Denmark Euro Qualifying Gary Breen Republic Of Ireland