Belgium v Ireland Predictions & Betting Odds – Euro 2016

Irish to scrap out maximum points?

Belgium v Ireland Euro 2016

Belgium v Ireland Betting Preview – Euro 2016, 18th June

Belgium failed to get out of the starting blocks in their big showdown against Italy in their group opener. It was a major misfire from the Red Devils who really didn’t string much together and didn’t know how to handle the work rate and tactics of the Italians. Perhaps the Irish can take a lot of heart from the way Italy handled Belgium and come up with their own plan. The Irish have a point from their first game against Sweden to build on and if they could take three points from the Belgians, it would be massive for them.

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Belgium v Ireland Euro 2016 Infographic

Belgium v Ireland Betting Tips

Do Belgium have a response in them? They looked out of it against Italy and barely raised a fist in anger against their opponents. Was it the class and experience and tracheal brilliant of the Italians or did Belgium just not show up again in a major tournament. You would have to think that a big part of it is the latter. Belgium just got worse and worse as the game went on against Italy and they never had a single answer to the questions that Italy were asking of them. It was such a poor performance that it should instill a lot of confidence in Ireland ahead of this game. You can’t argue with the talent that the Red Devils have in their ranks at all, it’s immense, but they aren’t clicking. Two years ago at the World Cup they didn’t deliver at all after having produced such a good qualification campaign. Is the same going to happen for them at Euro 2016?

Belgium are going to have to win this one because if they lose and Italy earn at least a point against Sweden, then the Belgians would only have third place to play for and no guarantees of making it to the next round. For the side who had been favourites to win this group, they have some ground to make up. They have gone W3 D1 L2 in their last six only and they have to put their finger on what didn’t work against Italy. You have Romelu Lukaku at 5/4 in the anytime goalscorer market, but he did very little against Italy. Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Kevin De Bruyne at the 2/1 mark in the market. If they click, Belgium have the potential for goals, but they will face another good defensive side. Under 2.5 goals is a 4/5 option on the game here.

Ireland earned a point out of their opener against Sweden. It could be an important point for them at the end of the day if they take the win in this one. They have to target three points because they have a tough final game against Italy. Ireland played a good game, a fairly open and positive one at that too, which was  surprise. Shane Long is a big 3/1 price in the anytime goalscorer market for the game though and they have not beaten Belgium in a competitive match before. This will be the twelfth meeting between the two sides, Belgium holding a 5-3 head to head record against competitive and friendly meetings. Ireland lost the last meeting between them, but that was a long time ago in at World Cup 98 qualifiers. You can have a crack at both teams to score for a price of 5/6 on this one.

Belgium v Ireland Betting Odds

Belgium 8/11, Draw 14/5, Ireland 9/2

Belgium v Ireland Predictions

Belgium have to come out and try something different against because they have another tough defence to try and break down. There is nothing for Ireland to fear in this one and the price on the men in green is pretty appealing to see them scrap out the maximum points in this one. Look for a low scoring game, but for Ireland to take the win against a Belgium side lacking confidence at the moment.