Danish national team coach Riemer happy with playoff-draw: 'Wanted to avoid Sweden'

Brian Riemer was happy with the playoff-draw for the World Cup qualification matches.
Brian Riemer was happy with the playoff-draw for the World Cup qualification matches.Vagelis Georgariou / Actionplus / Profimedia

Danish national team coach Brian Riemer says that "the Scotland fog lifted" when he learned Denmark's fate for the upcoming World Cup qualifying playoffs to take place in March, where Denmark will face Northern Macedonia at home in the semi-final and the winner of the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland in the final on away ground.

"I would like to avoid Sweden, as I believe that the team with its star parade has far more quality than what the team has shown. In addition, we have a history with Sweden, which would make it a very special match."

"I have checked up on North Macedonia a bit, and we know that it is a Balkan team that plays with heart. Now we are going to do a more in-depth analysis. It will be a process over the next few months, and when the matches come in March, we will know a little bit about them", Riemer tells Ritzau.

He emphasizes that all the focus will initially be on North Macedonia, but behind the scenes, there will also be analysis on Ireland and the Czech Republic.

"We have to, as the final match will come shortly after. We already know Ireland, who play based on classic British virtues, and they have just beaten Portugal."

"The Czech Republic has previously had high class, but they are perhaps a little more down in the dumps now, but regardless, it requires a top performance to win", points out Riemer.

Denmark will play away from home if they reach the final.

"When I looked around the room, all the coaches were hoping to play at home. In that respect, everyone knew what they wanted. We didn't get it, but it is what it is."

"With the support we usually have away from home from the Danish fans, we should be able to do it too. In the European Championship qualifiers, we have also shown that playing away from home doesn't have to be a pain", says Riemer.

Denmark only mustered one point from clashes with Belarus and Scotland in the past week, but Riemer is still confident of making it to the World Cup.

"It's a draw that should secure us a World Cup ticket. That's our clear goal and expectation. We feel we're in a good place and are ready to take it on."

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