After one matchday, the Republic of Ireland is somewhat surprisingly ahead of group favorites Belgium in Group E of Euro 2016. The Red Devils got rocked by Italy in their tournament opener, while the Irish were a bit unlucky to come away with just a point against Sweden. The Belgians now need to pick up points quickly or risk a humiliating exit.
Read on below for our preview of Belgium’s crucial matchup with Ireland. Meanwhile, check out our preview of the Mexico vs. Chile Copa America Centenario quarterfinal.
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Belgium vs. Republic of Ireland Preview
Where: Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux – Bordeaux, France
When: Saturday, June 18, 9:00 AM ET
Line: Belgium -185 vs. Rep. of Ireland +410, tie +275; total: 2.5 – view all Euro 2016 lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on Belgium (-185)
Belgium woke up too late its 2-0 opening game loss to Italy. The incredibly talented team tipped by many to win Group E – and by some to win the tournament – didn’t look too much like a team to start. The English Premier League-based front three of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Eden Hazard failed to display their undoubted quality, while midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Axel Witsel also disappointed.
However, it would be foolish to overreact after just one bad result. Much like people were wrong to count out Italy, it would be equally wrong to write off a tremendously talented Belgium team.
Belgium boss Marc Wilmots isn’t the greatest manager in the world, but he doesn’t have to be to see that he needs to mix his starting XI up. He has a wealth of options from his bench, and the likes of Dries Mertens and Divock Origi made quite the impact when they came on in the second half against Italy.
And with options like Mertens and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Belgium has the speed factor that Sweden didn’t have, and can better exploit a slow Irish defense.
A little shake-up in personnel, coupled with the disappointment of the Italy performance and the very real possibility of failing to qualify, should light a fire under the Belgians, who are still the much more talented team than Ireland.
Betting on the Republic of Ireland (+410)
Ireland should really be heading into this matchup with Belgium with three points in the bank. The Irish dominated much of their opening group game against Sweden, but failed to capitalize on their chances to pull further than one goal ahead. Zlatan Ibrahimovic eventually produced a moment of magic, and the Irish are left to rue a 1-1 draw.
Regardless, the Irish should still take some positives following that performance. Aside from being the more aggressive attacking team, the Irish should also be proud of their defensive job on Zlatan, who was mostly kept quiet until his part in the Sweden equalizer.
That opening game performance should give the team a lot of confidence heading into their matchup against a very underwhelming Belgium side. What the Irish lack in talent, they more than make up for in hard work and teamwork, two qualities that seem to be missing in the Red Devils.
However, one of the team’s hardest workers, Jonathan Walters, is set to miss out due to an Achilles injury. His industry in attack and willingness to track back and defend will be sorely missed in an Irish squad that doesn’t have the greatest depth.
Writer’s Prediction
Belgium bounces back with a much better performance and gets a 1-0 win (-185).
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