Most punters would go for an easy win for the Irish, based on the fact the hosts have no real history in the game. They have never qualified for any major tournament and never really came even close. They did however offer some improved displays towards the end of the last WC qualifying campaign, losing -for example- by 1-2 to Spain, but overall would still be ranked amongst the likes of San Marino, Liechtenstein and Andorra.

The Republic of Ireland of course are only slightly better in terms of qualifying to the finals, having done so only once for Europe (Euro ’88) and once for the World Cup (US ’94). They however did go neck-to-neck with France in the WC 2010 last stage and only the ‘hand of Henry’ kept them from making their only 2nd appearance in the finals.

Trapattoni seems to have brought in some of the ‘traditional Italian flavour’ to their game, with their defense being the most affected. They no longer concede too many goals and it may help them compete with Russia and/or Slovakia for a place in the finals.

However, this seems to be such an easy start for the Irish, but in the same time it is a must win game for them if they are to seriously compete for a place in Poland/Ukraine 2012, and we think they are well capable of winning both tactically and psychologically.