UEFA Euro 2012 Betting: Spain v Rep. Of Ireland betting

History proves that Spain v Ireland is one of many fixtures not to be missed, so you can bet that this also applies to the upcoming Group C clash in Gdansk on June 14th.

The last time the two teams met was in the 2002 World Cup where Spain beat the Republic on penalties, after 120 minutes tied at 1-1, whereas a Spain v Ireland match 20 years earlier produced another stalemate, this time ending 3-3 as the two nations sought qualification for Euro 84.

Euro 2012 betting has Spain listed, unsurprisingly, as favourites and standard odds seem to be 5/2 with most UK online bookmakers, as well as 8/15 (odds taken from leading online bookmaker 888sport) to top the standings and win group C outright – ahead of Ireland, Italy & Croatia.
With their host of galacticos, it's no surprise people are betting on the defending champions by the dozen, but Spain vs Ireland is one of the more difficult fixtures for any predictor to bet on, as well as being one of the highlights of the group schedule. Internet football betting experts recommend 'methodical wagering', as opposed to 'frivolous punting' and, when it comes to making your predictions for the Spain vs Ireland match, use a free bet if possible, as free bets can often 'make a punt feel like more of a legitimate wager, i.e. one which you'd have placed anyway' and can bring about lucrative results.

'The Spanish certainly have the tools to reach the final and win it. We're under no illusions but there's no point in being pessimistic' said one Irish journalist. Indeed Ireland are rank outsiders in terms of Euro 2012 betting (100/1 to win the cup, 18/1 to top Group C standings) but only time and results can truly tell. Ireland must learn from the Herculean Greek effort in 2004 and believe that they too can feature in the Kiev final on July 1st, bring the trophy home and send a Republic into rapture.

Ireland's strikers will be pleased to not have to face the gritty Carles Puyol, who is missing the tournament through injury, but they still have to contend with the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Villa, so the defenders in green will have to be on their guard at all times.

Place your bets on this and every other match at 888sport.com – the home of football betting