France vs Republic of Ireland Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

France’s supremely talented side managed to predictably top their Euro 2016 group as they look for a pathway to Paris and another host nation triumph. However, they weren’t as dominant as many expected in a group consisting of Romania, Albania, and Switzerland.

Despite enjoying the vast majority of possession in all three matches they were never comfortably ahead. Against Romania they managed to break them down and get a goal, only for Patrice Evra to give away a silly penalty that allowed Romania to equalise. It then took until the 89th minute for star player Dimitri Payet to come up with the good as he lashed in a left footed winner.

They left it even later against Albania, with Antoine Griezmann breaking Albanian hearts with a 90th minute winner before Payet netted again in the 96th minute as Albania pushed for an equaliser. Switzerland saw France make a multitude of changes, and they continued to dominate possession but failed to create any openings against a Swiss side who were happy to hold out for a draw. They started to push when the likes of Payet and Blaise Matuidi came on, but the only talking point was a sensation volleyed effort from Payet that narrowly missed. The best part about this clash was the Switzerland shirts that fell apart as soon as they were touched.

Republic of Ireland earned a draw against Sweden in the opening group match, dominating the first half but failing to produce in the second half. Their game against Belgium was less fruitful as the talents of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Eden Hazard tore them apart in a 3-0 win.

This meant they went into the final group game against Italy needing a win to stand any chance of qualifying. Italy had already won the group at this point, so Antonio Conte name an almost unrecognisable starting line up from the two previous group games. Central defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci remained though, and they made it a tough task for Republic of Ireland. Martin O’Neill brought in an extra striker to try and improve on their one shot on target in the opening two group games, and while they did look bright Italy were proving very difficult to break down. The Italians starting exerting control in the second half, but an 85th minute winner from Robbie Brady sent to Irish players and fans into raptures.

This sent Republic of Ireland into 3rd position in their group and guaranteed them a spot in the knockout stages, but they have been handed the tougher side of the draw and will need some incredibly performances to progress much further.

Euro 2016 is becoming a tournament based around late goals, and both of these teams are evident in that. Whilst it does make for some dramatic endings to games, it often results in much of the match being cagey and defensive. This leads to low scoring first halves, and not one of France and Republic of Ireland’s combined six group games has had a goal at half-time.

I don’t predict that this will change in the knockout stages either, as the stakes are even higher. Republic of Ireland will go back to the defensive set up they utilised in their opening two matches. Considering neither team has scored or conceded a first half goal this tournament, odds of 11/8 for Under 0.5 First Half Goals look incredibly good value. I think France will eventually get the win though, and my correct score predictions suggest this as I’m going for 1-0 to France at 15/4.