Prediction: Republic of Ireland vs Estonia

14th November 2011

Republic of Ireland can finally relax after recording a 4:0 win in the first leg of the Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia, but that doesn’t mean that the Irish are not looking to celebrate the big success with yet another victory. Their opponents, on the other hand, can only hope to avoid a heavy defeat, and we are yet to see if they will succeed in their quest.

Republic of Ireland were always considered to be a side with a lot of potential, but the national team had big problems to live up to the billing in the past. It was the arrival of world-class coach Giovanni Trapattoni that helped the Irish to finally get back on track, with the narrow miss in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers only making the players more determined to reach the Euro 2012. In spite of some very impressive showings in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, Republic of Ireland couldn’t beat Russia to the first place in the group, but they managed to reach the play-offs, where they were pitted against minnows Estonia. Giovanni Trapattoni’s side were considered the favourites to go through, but the 4:0 away win over the former Soviet republic was something that not even the most optimistic fans could have predicted. The fact that their opponents ended the match with nine players on the pitch definitely helped, but Ireland would have won the game one way or the other. They now have an excellent opportunity to celebrate Euro 2012 qualification with a convincing performance at Aviva Stadium in Dublin and I have no doubts they will deliver.

Before the Euro 2012 qualifiers started, Estonia were regarded as one of the weaker national teams in Europe, although with a potential to create an odd surprise here and there. However, after beating Faroe Islands thanks to two injury-time goals in their opening game, Estonia have Italy a real run for their money, with the Azzurri ultimately winning the game after coming from a goal behind. Tarmo Ruutli’s side continued to impress and went on to beat sides like Serbia, Slovenia and Northern Ireland to the second place in the group, thus becoming a real surprise package of the Euro 2012 qualifiers. However, Estonia slipped at the final hurdle, with the team clearly breaking under pressure, with two red cards in the first leg a perfect example. The team now enter the return leg completely out of confidence and without two important players, so I really doubt they can fare any better than in the first leg.

Conclusion

Republic of Ireland are not the sort of team that would become complacent after the big win in the first leg, but they will rather give their best to clinch Euro 2012 qualification in style. Estonia will be powerless to resist their superior opponents, so I expect a big home win in Dublin.

Verdict: Republic of Ireland with -1 European handicap

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: 888Sport