YBIG 12
It’s fair to say that Ireland’s Nation’s League campaign didn’t get off to the best of starts. The defeat to Ukraine was about right, but the fixture against Armenia — a limp 1-0 defeat — highlighted how much work the team still has to do to reach their potential. Since then, things have picked up, with a 3-0 victory over Scotland a big statement of intent. However, is it too little, too late? With just two games remaining, it’s looking like the team could finish third or even last. However, the defeat of Scotland might just prompt some people to look at free bet offers on sites like oddschecker and back the Boys in Green to pip the Scots to second place. Here’s what will need to pass for that to happen.
Repeat the Scotland Drubbing
If you’ve done something once, you can do it again. Ireland’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Scotland was their first competitive victory in a few years, and it’ll hopefully lay the groundwork for future success. The two sides meet again on September 24th, and if Ireland can repeat the drubbing, they’ll be setting themselves up nicely to finish second. Scotland surely can’t be as bad as they were in the first match, but you never know…
…and Avoid Another Slip-Up Against Armenia
But let’s hope Ireland’s psychological issues don’t sit too deep. The defeat to Armenia back in June was a low moment for the side, there’s no doubt about it. They’ll take on Armenia in the final round of games on September 27th, and we’ll have to hope that they’ve moved on from the limp performance from June. This one does take place at the Aviva Stadium, so you’ll have to expect that the home advantage aspect will have an impact.
Let Ukraine Take Top-Spot
OK, we say “let” Ukraine take the top spot in the group. Ireland should hope that Ukraine can keep themselves in the top position. Scotland may have put in a couple of poor performances, but they’re only one point behind Ukraine, and the two teams have to play each other twice. If Scotland wins one or both of those games, they could well finish top of the group, and that’ll certainly mean that Ireland finish third (or worse). For two days in September, we’ll all be Ukraine fans!
