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The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Michael O'Neill takes positives from Northern Ireland's narrow defeat to Denmark
But Saturday's match was not about the result for O'Neill, who wanted to give his young squad another tough test away to top-level opposition with a trip to Germany looming after they open their qualifying campaign in Luxembourg. From that point of view there was plenty for Northern Ireland to be happy with. After taking the lead through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's early own goal, O'Neill's men did not allow Denmark a shot on target until Gustav Isaksen's fine strike in first-half stoppage time. Thank you for your support here in Denmark and back at home 👏🏻💚🤍 #GAWA — Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 7, 2025 However, Northern Ireland did not do enough going the other way, and ended the match not registering a shot on target themselves. 'I thought it was a game that wasn't really played like a friendly game,' O'Neill said. 'I thought it had a little bit of an edge to it, which was good. 'We couldn't have got off to a better start. I thought we started the game very well and obviously we get ahead. I thought we thought we defended really well in the first half, we knew we'd have to defend our box well. 'It was a bit of individual brilliance from Isaksen that gives them the equaliser before half-time so half-time has a little bit of a different feel… What a start for Northern Ireland! ⚽ Shea Charles arrives at the back post to head into the net 🎯#BBCFootball — BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) June 7, 2025 'We lost the second goal but then I thought we really dug in.' Denmark, ranked 50 places above Northern Ireland, had a huge edge in quality and experience and that was what eventually told. But O'Neill recognises there is still more they can do to make themselves competitive. 'We were never going to be a dominant possession-based team against any of these teams,' O'Neill added. 'We're asking players who play their football at League One or Championship level to go out against players from the top five leagues in Europe. 'The way we have to try to close that gap is to be what we are, a team that's well-organised, well-structured, difficult to beat, that comes to frustrate the opposition, but obviously to carry a threat as well. The best no matter the result 👏🏻🟢⚪️ #GAWA — Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 7, 2025 'There's no shame in coming here and losing the game 2-1, not at all. But in terms of where we need to get to as a team, we need to be able to retain the ball a little bit better, maybe find a little bit more in terms of level of possession and that will help us carry a bigger threat.' The scoreline would have finished more strongly in Denmark's favour were it not for a number of saves made by 19-year-old goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who came on at half-time in place of Conor Hazard who was hurt in a first-half collision with Rasmus Hojlund. 'It's not an easy situation for young Pierce coming in and playing but I thought he dealt with it well,' O'Neill said. 'He's a very good young goalkeeper. You're defending your box at that point in time but the game gets a bit stretched, we're physically tired in the game. But it's important you keep the game at 2-1 because that's how you may get an opportunity.'
Morocco World
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Denmark vs Portugal: Match Preview, Team News & Score Prediction
Portugal travel to Copenhagen for the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Denmark today. The visitors aim to take an early lead before the second leg in Lisbon, while Denmark hope to end their winless streak under new boss Brian Riemer. Kick-off is at 7:45 p.m. at Parken in Copenhagen, and fans can catch the action live BeIN Sports Arabic, BeIN Sports English, and L'Équipe. Hoje é dia de Seleção! 🇵🇹💪 #FazHistória | #NationsLeague — Portugal (@selecaoportugal) March 20, 2025 Denmark are missing key players due to injuries. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Matt O'Riley, Kasper Dolberg, and Alexander Bah are all ruled out. Manchester United duo Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen are fit, while Monaco's Mika Biereth is in line for his debut after scoring 11 goals in 12 games with Monaco. Portugal will once again be led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who is looking to add to his international goal tally. Youngster Geovany Quenda, who has agreed to join Chelsea, has been called up for the first time. Nuno Tavares is out through injury, but Roberto Martinez has a strong squad to choose from. Predicted Lineups Denmark : Schmeichel; Kristiansen, Andersen, Vestergaard, Dorgu; Norgaard, Hjulmand, Eriksen; Damsgaard, Biereth, Skov Olsen. Portugal: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo. Score Prediction Denmark are struggling for form, and Portugal have enough firepower to get at least a result away from home. Expect Portugal to win or draw. Denmark 1-2 Portugal. Tags: denmarkPortugalUEFA Nations League
