|
Euro
Qualifier 2008 - 17 Oct 2007
Cyprus can
humble the Republic once more.
One thing that has become evident during this Euro 2008
Qualifying campaign is that the 'whipping boys' just aren't getting
whipped anymore. In fact, some of them are even capable of doing a
little whipping of their own, as Ireland found out to their cost
last year.
It's sad that at this stage of the campaign, all Steve Staunton's
side have left is a grudge match against little Cyprus (architects
of that infamous 5-2 whipping last year). Their hopes of qualifying
are long gone. Failure to beat Germany on Saturday pretty much
brought down the curtain. I suppose compared to the debacles in
Cyprus and San Marino, it was a good result. However, Jogi Low's
side had no intention of winning the game. A point was all they
wanted, and a point is what they comfortably acheived. It's hard to
imagine Scotland going down so tamely, should the World Cup Winners
find themselves in a similar predicament next month.
Ireland will be expected to win this, as quotes of 1.3 suggest.
The visitors are a top price 11/1, but there's a smidge of value
with Blue Square, who go 10/1 with stakes back on the draw. Cyprus
are a vastly improving side, as proved by the 3-1 victory over Wales
at the weekend. Of course, they perform better in Mediterranean
waters, but there's no reason why they can't spring a shock here
against an injury-ravaged Republic. Defensive-rock Richard Dunne is
banned, whilst rotund midfielder Andy Reid - the best player on the
pitch against Germany - is struggling with an ankle injury. Robbie
Keane meanwhile, still can't buy a goal in a green shirt. There are
other players likely to come back in, but there's not much quality
for 'Stan' to choose from. Cyprus are likely to play a containing
4-5-1 formation with Yiannis Okkas, two-goal hero against Wales,
plying a lone furrow upfront. With five goals in eight qualifiers,
the Celta Vigo striker is way overpriced to find the net once more.
Republic of Ireland v Cyprus. Wednesday 19:30
Recommendation: 2pts Yiannis
Okkas to score @ 11/2 Hills. 0.5pt Cyprus
to win @ 10/1 Draw No Bet. Blue Square.
Ilunga
|