28th March 2016 Kickoff: 1945hrs Republic of Ireland v Iceland Football – International – Friendly Match Following the events of Friday night in their match against Wales, the last thing that the Republic of Ireland players probably want is a friendly game before returning to the clubs but that’s the situation that awaits them. Martin O’Neill’s men secured a hard fought draw to ensure they remain joint top of the section but the horrific tackle from Neil Taylor on Seamus Coleman which left the Everton defender with a double leg break overshadowed the game or result itself. There has been some fallout since the game and will ensure that the return game in October will be one not to be missed. On to more pressing matters and Ireland take on everybody’s favourite national team after their own – Iceland. As alluded to above, the motivation for this game amongst the Irish squad must surely be question when you consider most of them have important games for their club teams to come this weekend and were visibly shaken by the injury to their teammate only a matter of days ago.
Iceland surprised European football by topping their qualification section for the European Championships before making it to the quarter finals of that tournament, knocking England out on their way. The big challenge for them following that campaign was to prove it was not a fluke and attempt to push on again in World Cup qualification. Their challenge was made very difficult having been drawn with Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey – three nations well accustomed at competing in major tournaments over the last 20 years. Halfway through the section and it’s been another positive on thus far as Iceland sit in second spot, three points behind leaders Croatia and two ahead of Ukraine and Turkey. There remains a lot of football to be played, of course, but despite a change in head coach it’s obvious that Iceland are continuing down the same path and have the foundations of a competitive team to go to war with. They also have the advantage of playing two of their three rivals at home between now and the end of the campaign, where they have not lost a competitive game since 2013.
Republic of Ireland v Iceland Betting Tip
The Republic have done every so well in competitive matches under O’Neill and remain in good position to make the World Cup next summer, but they’ve also performed very well in friendly games and have lost just one of the last eight non competitive games. The sole defeat came 10 months ago in a surprise 2-1 defeat against Belarus but ordinarily they are as difficult to beat in friendly games as they are in any other sphere. Iceland will certainly present them a challenge, though, who play more than their fair share of these types of games as they continue to develop their younger players.
It’s hard to play at the same intensity in these sort of games as you would in competitive matches and that is even more apparent coming towards the end of the domestic season for the majority of European clubs. With that in mind I’m inclined to think that a draw is the most likely outcome here in a game where neither team will be all that bothered about the result and will likely field many of their fringe players.
Draw 23/10 @ Marathon Bet
