Republic of Ireland vs Serbia
I love the Republic of Ireland and their followers.
They, like no other nation, ensure any major tournament is a true celebration and the impromptu parties – win, lose, or draw – are a sight to behold.
Yes, I have Irish connections in that my father is from Drogheda – about 50 kilometres from Dublin – but it’s more than just that.
It’s the magic, the colour and the atmosphere Eire and their supporters bring to a championship.
Unfortunately, this World Cup 2022 qualifying encounter is won handsomely, it’s clear the ‘green and white army’ will not be present in Qatar next year for the 2022 World Cup.
In fact, when you think of some of the players who graced the national team in the 1980s, 90s and early 2000s, you can see this is a far from a vintage Irish side with players largely made up from lower league clubs. Indeed, it seems it will be some time before they reach a major championship again,
Yet what a lift it would be now if manager Stephen Kenny – whose only win from his 15 games in charge came in June with a 4-1 friendly victory over Andorra – could guide his side to success against the Group A leaders as they welcome Serbia to Lansdowne Road with Kenny in search of his first competitive win at the 12th attempt.
Talking Points
Serbia, incidentally, failed to qualify for Euro 2020 and their coach paid the price with his job.
They are not intent on making the same mistake twice and, barring a collapse, should be among the nations competing in Qatar, spearheaded by the goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic who took his tally to seven in four games for the Serbs on Saturday night as they eased beyond Luxembourg 4-1, opponents who embarrassed Ireland earlier in qualifying.
It was another effervescent performance from Fulham striker Mitrovic in what is shaping up to be a neck-to-neck race with fellow group opponents Portugal for an automatic berth at next year’s tournament.
If only Ireland had some World Cup qualifying highlights of their own to talk about.
Last week, I did feel sorry for them – although the sympathy I had for the heroic Irish defensive display in Portugal was almost as much as the admiration I had for the scorer.
On Saturday night it was very different as they failed to kickstart their campaign against Azerbaijan.
While Shane Duffy’s late header earned the Irish a point in Dublin after the minnows had taken a shock lead, the Republic created more than enough chances to win the game comfortably.
However, a lack of composure in the final third resulted in a draw against a side ranked 112th in the world and Ireland are now without a win in 27 games in World Cup and European Championship qualifying.
While they avoided a repeat of the home loss to Luxembourg in March, it meant the Republic – playing in front of home fans for the first time since November 2019 – extend their record winless competitive run to 15 games.
That needs to change quickly. It may be too late to salvage World Cup qualification but it would sure give the nation a boost.
History
Ireland have never beaten Serbia so now would be a pretty good time to start! The two nations have met six times, all since 2008, with three draws and three Serbia victories – the most recent was in March when two goals from Mitrovic and one from Dusan Vlahovic earned them a 3-2 success.
Alan Browne and James Collins replied for the battling Republic in Belgrade.
Serbia also beat Ireland in 2017 in Dublin thanks to an Aleksandar Kolarov goal in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Ireland should take some heart from a World Cup qualifier in 2016 when Daryl Murphy’s first international goal earned the Republic a draw in a rain-lashed Belgrade.
Jeff Hendrick’s deflected effort gave the Republic the perfect start as they held out until half-time, despite almost constant Serbian pressure.
Filip Kostic levelled on 62 minutes and Dusan Tadic scored a controversial penalty seven minutes later.
The Irish looked beaten but Murphy headed the equaliser on 81 minutes.
It ended his long drought for the Republic as he broke his international duck in his 24th appearance.
Betting Tip
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Republic of Ireland vs Serbia | 1X2 Serbia @ 2.24 |
| September 8, 2:45 (GMT+8) |
Serbia are favourites with the SBOTOP World Cup qualifying betting odds.
They are available to back with Asian Handicap odds -0.25 @ 1.95 in contrast to the Republic +0.25 @ 1.95.
Likewise, Eire 1X2 will earn you a pay day of @ 3.00 with Serbia @ 2.20.
There were five goals the last time these nations met and plenty of goals again are expected given the odds of Over 2.25 goals @ 1.94.
The 1X2 draw @ 3.20 is appealing but I just feel the visitors will have too much.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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