Republic of Ireland v Sweden: Thomas Giles’ betting tip

I said in my Sweden preview, they could do very well in this tournament if results go their way, both in their group and out of it. However, a lot of that depends on them winning this first game against Republic of Ireland. Martin O’Neill’s Irish side are the favourites to go home out of the four teams in the group and will have to improve dramatically on their disappointing Euro 2012 performance to ensure that does not happen.

Ireland know that this game is really a must win for them if they’re to have any chance of escaping from the group. Of course the situation is similar for Sweden but you feel that they are more likely to cause an upset against either Belgium or Italy than Martin O’Neill’s side. The Irish squad doesn’t have too many players who’re used to European football and many of their players ply their trade in England’s second tier so Sweden’s forward players will be relishing this match.

Furthermore, Sweden have a superstar striker in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and, like Wales and Gareth Bale, the fact that a seemingly ordinary side have a world class player improves their chances a lot. Having Ibrahimovic means that the entire team will want to make sure they are up to their captain’s level. Unfortunately, Ireland do not have such a talismanic figure.

Although the Swedes are a force going forward, Erik Hamren’s team are not the best defensively  and I can see Ireland causing them a few problems.

Despite this, I can only see one outcome here with Zlatan likely to put Ireland to the sword. With all of this in mind I would go with Sweden to win and both teams to score at a very generous 5/1.