Ireland end a 12 year absence at major finals with their opening
game against Croatia today, and no matter what the result, Giovanni Trappatoni
side should do their country proud. Lifted
from 41st to 18th in the World by the much loved “wily
Italian” Giovanni Trappatoni over the past four years, Ireland have become a talented,
professional, organized side who can put the shackles (or keep out) any side in
world football that they wish if they put their minds to it, with Russia being
the most famous side they’ve restrained, keeping out Advoccat’s men despite
being battered in the corners count (12-1) and shot tally (21-3).
Their obdurate style has seen many a country win a tournament
before, although a very tough draw (World and European Champions Spain, the
much improved Italy) and their opponents Croatia, has seen them put in at long
odds onto go out at the first hurdle. They may well do so, but there’s a good
reason to think that they’ll be much harder to beat than many think. Trappatoni
hasn’t lost a competitive away game in his time with Ireland, while they’re
currently on a 14 match unbeaten run.
What of opponents Croatia? Second in their qualifying
section to Greece, Slaven Billic’s side showed flashes of their brilliance four
years ago when trashing Turkey to make the finals and should be much respected
here, something reflected in the fact that they’re favourites for today’s game,
although it’s predictable that they might struggle to break down Ireland if one
looks at the recent meetings and trends.
Croatia have beaten Ireland just once in their last 6
meetings (it should be remembered that only two of those were in competitive matches),
and drew 0-0 with Ireland the last time when they met, a scoreline that could
provide a good amount of interest from a betting perspective. Ireland – with 5
draws in their last 9 internationals – have seen 4 games go blank in that time,
while Croatia failed to score past Greece and Turkey on their own patch in the
buildup to these championships. As previously said, getting past a well-built
team can be tricky for Slaven Billic’s side at times. If they do, there’s a
good chance that one goal will do it.
Advice
1 pt no goalscorer (6/1 Boyelsports)
1 pt 1-0 Croatia (11/2 general)
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