Republic of Ireland v Croatia – Sunday 10th June, 7.45pm kick off
FIFA Rankings:
Ireland 18
Croatia 8
Match day three concludes with “Everyone’s Second Team” (© Ireland) taking on Croatia in Group C’s second game. The cruel amongst us may argue that this game is a fight to avoid the wooden spoon, but a closer look shows that qualification from the group may not be assured for both Italy and Spain and the winner of this game will be waiting to capitalise on any slip ups.
Tactics
Giovanni Trapattoni’s side built their qualification campaign on being solid and hard to score against. Familiarity has bred confidence for the Irish, “Trap” used only 21 players in starting roles throughout qualifying. No one from the British Isles has scored as many at international level as talisman and captain Robbie Keane, who will play a slightly deeper role than usual in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Keane supporting Kevin Doyle. Behind the forward line rumoured Addicks target Keith Andrews will partner Glenn Whelan in the central midfield positions, as in the second half of the qualification campaign. A solid defence sees St Ledger and Stephen Kelly flank Dunne and O’Shea. Irish fans breathed a heavy sigh of relief earlier this week when they learned that all time appearance holder Shay Given had shrugged off a knee injury to take his place between the sticks, as he has 121 times previously.
If Ireland are built on familiarity, then Slaven Bilić will look to his embarrassment of riches in attacking positions to secure victory, only two sides scored more goals and finished second in qualifying. A major blow is the injury to star striker Ivica Olić, ruled out of the tournament after going down in last weekend’s draw with Norway. Partnering Wolfsburg striker Mario Mandžukić in Olić’s place is likely to be Nikica Jelavic, on fire since joining Everton in January, although former Arsenal striker Eduardo offers Bilic an alternative solution in their 442 formation. Supporting the strikers and key to Croatia’s success will be Luka Modrić, well known to English fans for his awesome passing and creative skills, any success Croatia have is likely to be built on Modrić’s vision.
One to Watch
Ireland – Robbie Keane
Croatia – Luka Modrić
Odds:
Ireland to win 5/2 (Bet365)
Portugal 11/8 (Stan James)
Draw 11/5 (Sky Bet)
Prediction
Whilst many choose to ignore FIFA’s world rankings, Croatia are rated the 8th best team on Earth primarily based on their ability to leverage the talents of their attacking options. Despite the loss of Olić, “Jela” is an able deputy. Ireland had a fairly easy road to qualification, the “luck of the Irish” in force when they were drawn against a weak Estonian side in the play-offs. Croatia’s attacking options will provide a stiff test; however Keane will be waiting to pounce if the Croats overextend themselves.
Ireland 1 - Croatia 2
0
Comments
But as we didn't qualify (as usual) I'm going with the other half of my gene pool for this year.
Don't worry though, England are my third team.
Ireland win. 2-0 with one from Keane.
COYBIG!!! :-)
Halftime Croatia/ Fulltime Draw ( 20-1 Befair)
First card shown to Ireland ( 5-6 Betfair)
Would agree Se9, but then I saw the game in Moscow! I have to think that a defensive display and onslaught like that only come around once in a generation, but can hope that this team can do it again. That said the first half of the Dublin game, was the complete opposite!!
Want the win obviously, but those half time/full time odds look good. YNBTI :-)
Hope Croatia smash them.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18180105
Like the stat that Ireland "allowed" most shots on their goal in qualifying - 45. Pretty sure at least 30 of those were in Moscow!! ;-)
Cmon on croatia
Think Ireland have a chance of an upset, Croatia missing a couple of key players. Will need a bit of Irish luck though !
Ireland are going to need a lot of luck to keep Croatia's strikeforce from scoring whilst can't see Keane and Doyle getting many chances.