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The Republic of Ireland take on Sweden in the ninth match of Euro 2016, and it will be played on June 13th at the Stade de France in Paris. Is there a finer stage in France for this match? To be honest, the Irish and the Swedish have got a great draw for this game, considering just how great the Stade de France is. It’s the first game in Group E, which also features Italy and Belgium, the two favourites for the group, so this game is huge for both Ireland and Sweden here, and no doubt both sides will be desperate to pick up the win here.
Ireland qualified for Euro 2016 by getting through the playoffs, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 on aggregate. Ireland finished third in Group D, getting there on the last round of matches. Ireland won 5 games out of their 10, drawing 3 and losing 2. Ireland didn’t lose at home, but lost to Scotland and Poland away, drawing with Germany away, and beating them 1-0 at home, which helped get them into third place. Ireland are going to relay on Robbie Keane, their captain, to bang on the crucial goals, and with an experienced side, they’ll be looking to qualifying, if not in the top 2, as one of the best 3rd-placed teams.
Sweden, like Ireland, qualified through the playoffs after finishing third in Group G behind Austria and Russia, and well ahead of Montenegro, Liechtenstein and Moldova. Sweden only lost twice, to Austria at home, and Russia away. Sweden scored 15 and conceded 9 goals in their 9 games in Group G, and beat Denmark 4-3 on aggregate in the playoffs to qualify for Euro 2016. There’s going to be a lot of focus on Zlatan Ibrahomovic to do the business for Sweden, considering he got 11 of Sweden’s 19 goals in qualifying.
Sweden and Ireland have played each other 10 times in history, and Sweden have the lead, winning 5 games, with 2 being drawn and the Irish having 2 wins. Sweden won their last meeting 2-1 in qualification for the 2014 World Cup, and the meeting prior was a draw. All of Ireland’s wins have come in friendlies, in 2006, 1999 and 1959.
Republic of Ireland vs Sweden Match Betting Odds:
Republic of Ireland: 3.2, 11/5, +220
Sweden: 2.4, 7/5. +140
Draw: 2.90, 19/10, +190
Republic of Ireland vs Sweden Match Betting Tips:
I was really impressed with how the Swedes took care of Wales on Sunday. While the games was played at a pedestrian pace at times, it was a strong Swedish XI, and they done the job well over a mid-strength Welsh side 3-0. Zlatan was the key there, and he’s without a doubt one of the top players in the world, even at his age, and he should have more than enough for what is a lacklustre Irish defence. Both sides look matches on paper, and the bookies have it tight, but the Irish don’t have anyone close to Zlatan. In a most-win game for both teams, take Sweden to win at what looks like a ridiculously generous price.
Republic of Ireland vs Sweden Prop Bets:
Sweden are going to be looking to one man and one man only to get them out of this group, and it’s going to be Zlatan. He’s carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders, and he’s odds-against to score anytime, given how weak the Irish defence is compared to that of other countries. Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score any time at around 6/4 is huge value/
