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The fourth game in Group E sees Belgium taking on the Republic of Ireland at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on June 18th, the day after Italy have taken on Sweden in the Groups other game in the second round of matches.
Belgium will be disappointed with their 2-0 defeat in their opening game against Italy. As you would expect from Belgium, they created a huge amount of chances, but were denied by a resolute Italian defence. The Belgians need to prove they are the second best team in the world for a reason, and if they failed to beat Ireland, they could be out of the tournament before they get a chance to get into their stride.
Republic of Ireland, like Belgium, will be disappointed with their result in their opening fixture in Group E. They bossed the majority of their match against Sweden, but only came out with a 1-1 draw at the end of it. Ireland will need to defend just as well, if not better, against the Belgians, but they also created a few good chances and if they decide to shut up shop and get Belgium on the counter, they might just be dangerous.
Belgium have faced Ireland 14 times, and they have won 5 of the games, Ireland have won 4 games, with 5 of them being draws. Their history goes all the way back to 1928, but their most recent matches were in 1997 during qualification for World Cup ’98. Ireland won their last meeting 2-1.
Belgium vs Republic of Ireland Match Betting Odds:
Belgium: 1.73, 4/6, -137
Republic of Ireland: 5.5, 9/2, +450
Draw: 3.8, 14/5, +280
Belgium vs Republic of Ireland Match Betting Tips:
I think Belgium look great value here. They created a host of chances against Italy, and just couldn’t get that killer final touch. That was in no small part down to the great Italian defence, and the Italian defence is much better than that of Ireland, that’s for sure. Belgium also know they need to come out and get 3 points here. Take Belgium to win, as I think the odds for this right now are huge, considering the gulf in class of the two sides. Sure, Belgium lost 2-0, but that result doesn’t tell the full story, with Belgium pushing for the equaliser, which cost them their second goal.
Belgium vs Republic of Ireland Prop Bets:
I actually think Belgium’s defence are going to have too much for Ireland, and when you look at how good Belgium’s defence was in qualifying, Ireland are not going to find this as easy they did against a poor Sweden side. Belgium to win to nil is the best here, and I think there’s a bit of value to be had. Again, there is a huge gulf in class here, and it should show in the final score.
