There were mixed fortunes for Alan Judge and Lasse Vibe, who were on international duty for their respective countries last night [Thursday], both playing Euro 2016 qualifying group matches. For Lasse’s Denmark, their hopes of qualifying automatically now lie in the balance after a 1-0 defeat in Portugal.
João Moutinho’s 66th minute goal was enough to win the match, in which Lasse failed to make the final line-up. Denmark, currently in second place, and are already guaranteed at least a Play-Off spot. However, Albania can take their current automatic promotion place with a win against bottom of the group Armenia on Sunday at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland took a giant stride towards qualification with a 1-0 victory over current world champions Germany in Dublin. Shane Long’s 70th minute goal gave the Irish three points and leaves them in third place, level on points with Poland who are ahead on goal difference.
This sets up a thrilling climax in Warsaw on Sunday as the two teams play each other. A win for either side will send them through automatically. Head to head records are used to settle qualification when sides are level on points, so a 0-0 or 1-1 draw will send Poland through, but a 2-2 draw will give the Republic of Ireland second place as they will have scored more away goals in meetings between the two sides. Alan did not make the final line-up and still awaits his first international appearance in a green jersey.