Pre-match Preview: EURO 2012 Republic of Ireland vs Croatia

Theoretically, Ireland is the underdog in the second games of group C, but it’s too early to say that Modric and teammates will get 3 points.

Group C is the second hardest after Group B with the participation of Spain, Italy,Croatia and Ireland. By looking at the name listed here, it’s not hard to recognize thatIreland is the weakest team. The big boys Spain and Italy will face off in the earlier match and that’s Croatia’s opportunity to grab an early advantage in the race to quarter-final.

Both teams bring to EURO 2012 their best squad with regrettable absence or injury.Croatia possesses a good batch of players who are at their peak of football career, namely Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Darijo Srna, or Nikica Jelavic. Ireland, on the other hand, depends on veterans who have been playing many years at English Premier League like Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Damien Duff, and Robbie Kean. This match is promised to be just as exciting as the earlier match in group C

Here is the recent form of both teams:

 

Croatia in control?

Croatia under Bilic’s reign has a flexible and well-connected playing style, depending on the midfield with skilled and creative players. Not many teams at EURO 2012 possesses such a good mid like Croatia. The ability to keep the ball and short passing at midfield will help them control the pace of the game. Indeed, Ireland will be put at situation “running after the ball” most of the time.

However, Trappattoni and his squad will not feel annoyed by that. They understand their position and they are the weakest team in group C. Passive and careful play therefore is a suitable strategy. Furthermore, Trappattoni prefers safety at the back to scoring. The EPL duo defensive midfielders Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews with their “muscle” will try to use “strength” with less massive midfield of Croatia. 

Our prediction

In the last 6 encounters, both teams drew 3 times. Plus, Ireland has very good “opportunists” like Robbie Kean and Nikica Jelavic, so Croatia needs to watch out. A draw is likely to be the end result of this match

Prediction: 2-2

Betting Tips

Take a look at offer and odds from 36BOL.com

Our pick for major market would be Ireland (+) 0.5 at odds 0.83. Croatia, however, will be the team to score first. In 1x2 market, a draw is a good pick and 3.20 (Decimal) odds is a nice number for payout.

For more odds and market, visit 36BOL Sportsbook.