Denmark vs Ireland: 5 talking points

#1 The tie remains perfectly in the balance

The Danish players rue their missed chances but an away goal would be vital

On paper most will consider Ireland to be favourites to progress now due to the fact that they managed to get a draw in the away tie and now just need to win their home game to secure a place in Russia next summer but football is rarely so straightforward.

The fact Ireland were unable to get an away goal gives Denmark a bit of an advantage as they now know that a score draw would be enough for them to progress and in fact, if they avoid defeat in Dublin the worst outcome for them would be the lottery of a penalty shootout.

Ireland have quite a good record in Dublin and rarely lose, although Serbia did beat them in this campaign. But when it comes to the big games against the stronger nations, they draw a lot more than they win so this tie is essentially still a 50-50 shootout ahead of Tuesday's second leg.

The Danes have the better technical players so if the game opens up they may be able to hurt the Irish but having said that they will have to show strong resolve to get the better of the Irish in front of a full house at the Aviva.