Ireland - Croatia

CROATIA TO WIN AT ODDS 2.25

The run on the underdog and value in this matchup is underway. Even better as the odds on Croatia rise exponentially.

I've already written entire books about various teams competing at this EURO, this two sides here included. To recap some facts about both teams here.

The Irish team is coached by Italian legend Giovanni Trappatoni. With that said, we already discovered the strong points in this team. A well-organized, defensive-minded fighting troop build around Irish football legend Robbie Keane. The squad is very experienced to say so instead of old (36,33,32,32,31,30 etc). The team consists mainly of Premier league (lower level like Stoke, Fulham or WBA) and various Championship players. So, not really a team to be afraid of, with all the sympathies I have for the Irish people. The Irish surprise backers out there may have to ask them how this team wants to get on the scoreboard without hoping that a corner or indirect free kick may be reflected or a lucky shot finds his way into the opponents net. That will remain Ireland's main creativity, without any doubts. The will try to find their way to success with a steady and good organized defense. Some obscure stats. The Republic of Ireland never lost an opening match at major tournaments (WC or EURO).

If you judge Croatia by their performance in the friendly match against Norway (1-1), you'll most probably back Ireland. Norway was extremely dangerous in one point; the health for our first team members. For the rest of the game, Croatia's player didn't fight for any ball and avoided risking any injuries, however, Ivica Olic was hit and may miss the EURO. We will have more information about his injury in about two days after he returns from Dr. Muller Wohlfart at Munich. The rest of the first team members is healthy and hugely motivated to give all they have during the month of football on the old continent. In this crucial first group game, Croatia will have to dictate the tempo and try to crack a defensive-minded team. That's everything else than our players like to do. They looked way better playing against the big nations, as you will soon find out against Italy and Spain. So, Slaven Bilic has to field and offensive formation, with two very tall central defenders to matchup well with Ireland's high flanks into the 16m room tactic. If he finds the right mix, and Croatia scores the first game, the 3 points will go to Croatia. Most probable lineup without further injuries should look like this:

4-4-2
Pletikosa -
Corluka, Vida, Simunic, Strinic -
Srna, Dujmovic, Modric, Illicevic -
Jelavic, Eduardo -

I'm well aware that this first group match will be the most difficult match for Croatia's national team. It's the opening game, its crucial for the ambitions of both teams (considering just the paper; Spain, Italy) and they simply don't like to run against the wall for 90 or more minutes. However, don't forget that this team is experienced playing such major tournaments as also the entire coaching staff is. At the EURO 2008 Croatia was in a similar situation, starting against co-hosts Austria (and I rate Ireland much stronger than Austria). Luka Modric opened and closed the scoreline already in the 4th minute converting a penalty. I wouldn't mind if the scoreline on June 10th around 22:50 CET remains the same as back then. It was the begin of a great tournament of the Croatian team, defeating Germany 2-1 and Poland 2-0 afterwards, before facing an unlucky 1/4 elimination in an epic penalty drama against Turkey with two goals in the 120 minute of extra time. Good thing is, Croatia already eliminated Turkey in the play-offs for this EURO tournament with 3-0, 0-0. Furthermore, the times when Croatia had physical problems to go for a fast tempo over 90 minutes are definetely behind them. This is a modern team with 11 beasts on the field which can run for the entire day if it has to be, they're all together high professionals playing at the best European leagues or clubs.

I'm covering a win of Croatia a draw here. The simple math behind this is the following:

Croatia wins (6 x 2.25 = 7.50 - 3 = 4.50 net profit)
Draw (3 x 3.25 = 9.75 - 6 = 3.75 net profit)
Ireland wins (-6 -3 = -9 net loss and a death tipster)

Medium stakes 6/10 on Croatia to win.
Good luck!

1

Supporters

1. poglavica

Posted on: 04.06.2012, 00.13 CET (Viewed: 603 times)
Last edited: 04.06.2012, 00.19 CET
Match starts on: June 10, 2012

6/10 on Croatia at 2.25 with 12bet (Fixed Odds)

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