On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Northern Ireland embarked on their end-of-season international duties with a challenging friendly match against Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. This fixture marked Northern Ireland's first international friendly of the June period and came after a mixed run of form during the last international break. While Michael O'Neill's side had topped their Nations League C group, recent results had been less encouraging, including a tough 5-1 defeat to Sweden and a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
The match was broadcast live on BBC Two NI and streamed on BBC iPlayer, with coverage kicking off at 17:40 BST. Fans could also follow the action via BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, where former Northern Ireland internationals provided commentary and analysis. Online, the BBC Sport NI website offered live text updates starting from 17:00 BST, alongside in-game clips and post-match highlights.
Denmark, managed by Brian Riemer, entered the friendly fresh from a Nations League quarter-final exit against Portugal, with a close 5-3 aggregate loss. Despite the defeat, Denmark's home record was formidable, boasting six wins in their last seven matches on Danish soil, the only setback being a narrow 2-1 loss to reigning European champions Spain. The Danish squad featured notable Manchester United players including Patrick Dorgu, Christian Eriksen, and Rasmus Hojlund. Eriksen, whose contract was nearing its end, and Hojlund, who was close to a transfer away from the club, added further intrigue to the lineup.
Northern Ireland's preparations for the World Cup qualifiers starting in September 2025 were under scrutiny as they faced a Denmark side well known for their quality and home dominance. The match kicked off at 7pm local time (6pm UK time), and betting odds favored Denmark heavily at 2/7, with a draw at 15/4 and Northern Ireland considered underdogs at 15/2.
The game unfolded with intense competition. Northern Ireland's goalkeeper Conor Hazard, favored between the sticks, demonstrated good anticipation and shot-stopping ability. However, he suffered a knock in the first half and was unable to reach a fine strike from Denmark's Isaksen, leading to his substitution at halftime. Despite the setback, Hazard's early performance kept Northern Ireland in contention.
One of the standout moments for Northern Ireland came from Shea Charles, whose relentless pressure forced an own goal from Denmark's Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. This crucial contribution highlighted Charles' impact on the pitch and gave Northern Ireland a vital lifeline during the contest.
Throughout the match, Northern Ireland showed flashes of promise reminiscent of their earlier performances in March 2025, when they held Switzerland to a 1-1 draw, buoyed by Isaac Price's superb free-kick and outshooting their opponents 9-6. Yet, the defensive frailties exposed in the heavy loss to Sweden still lingered, making the task against a strong Danish side all the more daunting.
Denmark, capitalizing on their home advantage, managed to edge the match with a 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland. Their ability to maintain composure and execute key plays under pressure was evident, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable opponent on home turf.
The match also underscored the challenges Northern Ireland faces ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Michael O'Neill's squad must address defensive vulnerabilities and build on moments of attacking promise if they are to compete effectively on the international stage.
In the United States, fans could catch the friendly live via Fubo and ViX streaming services, with kickoff at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET, ensuring global audiences stayed connected to this high-profile international encounter.
Leicester City's goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was absent for Denmark due to groin surgery, but the Danish team remained strong and well-prepared. The presence of Manchester United's young talents further emphasized the quality within the Danish ranks.
As the international break concludes, Northern Ireland will reflect on a hard-fought match that showcased both their resilience and the areas needing improvement. With the World Cup qualifiers looming, the lessons learned in Copenhagen will be vital as Michael O'Neill and his squad prepare to face the challenges ahead.
For Denmark, the victory reinforced their strong home form and provided a confidence boost despite their recent Nations League exit. The match served as a valuable test ahead of future competitive fixtures, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure and maintain a high standard against determined opponents.
Overall, the friendly between Denmark and Northern Ireland was a compelling encounter that blended emerging talents, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance. While the final score stood at 2-1 in favor of Denmark, the match offered both teams critical insights as they look forward to their respective international campaigns.
