Euro 2012 betting preview - Group C - Ireland 1/2

This Euro 2012 Betting preview is focusing on the Republic of Ireland. The Irish has qualified for their 1st finals since 2002. We find them in a very tough and competitive group C. Italy, Spain and Croatia will for sure give Giovanni Trappatoni, who turned out to be an inspired choice by the Irish FA a tough time.

Qualification

Ireland was placed in a difficult qualifying group, alongside Russia and Slovakia. The lower ranking sides were tough too with Armenia and Macedonia being no pushovers. However Republic of Ireland fought hard and were defeated only once, a 3-2 home loss to Russia. They would qualify with ease for the playoffs were they would face suprise package Estonia over two legs. In Tallinn Republic of Ireland played a high tempo game which destroyed the ill-disciplined Estonians and Ireland ran out 4-0 winners, they drew the 2^nd leg 1-1 back in Dublin.

Euro 2012 betting odds

If you think the Irish can win the whole thing 100/1 (over 100 in odds) can be found several places online. If you look for them to win the group 17/1 (18) can easily be found as well. Betting odds on Ireland to go through from the group is from 3/1 (4) to 9/2 (5.5). If you have a more pessimistic view you can find 1/5 (1.20) on the Irish not to qualify from the group. These odds, at the moment don’t look very attractive to us.

Odds on the Fixtures can also be found:

Republic of Ireland v Croatia (Poznan)  Best Odds      4.00 3.40 2.25
Spain v Republic of Ireland (Gdansk)    Best Odds      1.36 5.00 11.0
Italy v Republic of Ireland (Poznan)       Best Odds      1.90 3.70 5.25

4.00 vs Croatia might look like some tempting early odds, but we advise you to wait closer to match start to have more information. The game against Italy might also yield some value should the Italians somehow already be through, or need only 1 point. Again, hold your horses and wait.
 

Republic of Ireland Euro 2012 team sheet

Now we want to put focus on some of the stars that will help Ireland shine in the Euro 2012 betting spectacle.

Key Men

Goalkeeper: Shay Given (Aston Villa) 121 caps 0 goals. Wonderful reflexes and shot stopping ability. His small frame does not stop him being one of the best goalkeepers around. Good with the ball and makes very few mistakes. He has been consistently one of the best goalkeepers in world football over the past decade. Given has been instrumental in Republic of Ireland's qualification with some important saves.  He will have to be on the very top of his game if they are to have any hope of progression.

Defenders: Richard Dunne (Aston Villa) 71 caps,8 goals. Excellent aerial ability and superb positional awareness. Richard Dunne is deceptively fast for a big man. Very capable defender with plenty of experience. Is a real danger in the opposition box, regularly scoring for club and country.

Sean St Ledger(Leicester) 25 caps,2 goals. Steady if unspectacular defender, who forms a good partnership with Dunne. Lost form dramatically before the new year, but has fought hard and regained his place in January and has performed very well since. Confident and composed ball player, strong in the air too. A typical old school defender who can defend with his teeth need be.

Stephen Ward (Wolves) 10 caps,2 goals. Very versatile player, Stephen Ward was originally a striker.  Throughout his career he has performed well in every role he has been asked to play. Most often played as a left winger but was recently converted again to a left back. He has excelled for both Wolves and Republic of Ireland, good offensively with great delivery and a danger from free kicks and from distance with a good shot.

The other players in the squad are obviously good players as well, but the ones mentioned here are the ones you want to be on the teamsheet if you plan on any Euro 2012 betting on Ireland. John O'Shea of Sunderland and Stephen Kelly of Fulham should also be mentioned as capable players, but they don't make the cut for a key man upgrade for us.

Conclusion so far

Defensive analysis: Republic of Ireland's defensive strength is in their experience and collective understanding. Their fortitude in the 0-0 draw in Russia during qualification was impressive. Richard Dunne was singled out in that match, which was rated as one of the best defensive performances of recent times. They may struggle to contain Spain but are capable of holding Italy on a good day, and possibly beating Croatia.

Now we turn the attention to the Irish midfield and their attacking play. If you want to get your Euro 2012 betting right, we suggest you read our article on this subject HERE