Denmark and Switzerland confirmed their qualification for Euro 2020 this Monday, a result that knocked the Republic of Ireland out of the competition, as Italy cruised through with an impressive nine-goal finish. Ireland's path to the 24-team European Championship finals required a victory over Denmark in Dublin, but the game ended in a 1-1 stalemate at the Aviva Stadium thanks to a late header by Matt Doherty.
Denmark and Switzerland verified spots at Euro 2020 to the detriment of the Republic of Ireland on Monday as Roberto Mancini’s Italy finished the game perfectly and qualified by scoring nine. Ireland needed to defeat Denmark in Dublin to clinch qualifier round for next year’s 24 team European Championship finals, but Matt Doherty’s late header was more than enough to earn Mick McCarthy’s men a 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium.
The game was more of a battle than a display of skill, and it looked like the visitors would take it when Martin Braithwaite poked in a cross from Henrik Dalsgaard in the 73rd minute.
Ireland had previously snatched a 1-1 draw against Copenhagen in June with a late strike, and they did the same here when Wolverhampton's Matt Doherty headed home a cross from Enda Stevens with only five minutes remaining.
With a win being their only option, the home team pushed everything forward in the final seconds, but Denmark held firm to secure second place in Group D behind Switzerland. This ensures the Danish team can compete in the finals in their own capital.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Michael Joseph McCarthy stated, \"We had opportunities but I am not going to criticise the lads.\" He further noted, \"They have been brilliant. We lost only one match out of eight, and I am incredibly proud of them. I believe we can take down any opponent in the play-offs.\"