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Sports Blog 31/05/2016: International Friendly Preview – Republic of Ireland vs Belarus, Tuesday 31st May 2016
Although they likely don’t have particularly high hopes for the competition proper Ireland have arguably already proven their international mettle in the past year or so. Escaping from the Group of Death in qualification (including 4 points against Germany and a draw against Poland) only to be thrust into a play-off against an Edin Dzeko-led Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland very well might not have reached Euro 2016. Instead a draw in Zenica gave way to a 2-0 win in Dublin (thanks to a brace from Jonathan Walters), sending Ireland all the way to France.
And what was Ireland’s reward for such a tortuous qualification process? A Euro 2016 group that contains Belgium, Italy and Sweden; even finishing in 3rd in that group (Ireland’s most likely path to the knockouts) will be difficult. Out of frying pan and into the fire, as they say. Yet Martin O’Neill’s side have be on a decent run in their recent friendlies, beating Switzerland before drawing against Slovakia (who just beta Germany 3-1) and, most recently, the Netherlands. Not exactly world-beating form, but nothing to be sniffed at either.
Belarus, meanwhile, will have to settle for watching Euro 2016 on the TV. Finishing 4th in a qualifying group that contained Spain, Slovakia and Ukraine, Belarus ended up 8 points adrift from the play-off spot. Their weak form hasn’t improved in the last few months, with 0-0 draws against Macedonia, Armenia and Montenegro leading to a 3-0 defeat to Northern Ireland last Friday. After impressing in their recent draw against the Netherlands (especially goalscorer Shane Long) it is somewhat vital Ireland maintain their momentum going into Euro 2016 in a fortnight. Our Spreadex traders think that shouldn’t be an issue on Tuesday, offering a Republic of Ireland/Belarus Goal Supremacy spread of 0.8-1 with a Total Goal spread of 2.1-2.3.
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