Belgium’s opening defeat to Italy was a “reality check” for some players. The team is looking to get back on track as Belgium prepares to face an Irish side looking for its first victory at the European Championship.
Belgium was dealt a huge blow to start Euro 2016 after losing to Italy in their Group E opener — a defeat forward Romelu Lukaku called a “reality check” for the national team.
The Belgians are hoping for a fresh start on Saturday when they face a hungry Irish team also seeking their first victory of the group stage.
Considered an early favorite to win the tournament, Bet365.com has Belgium pegged at +1600 to capture the championship. However, they must not look too far ahead as beating Ireland will be Belgium’s first order of business.
On paper, Belgium should have no issues defeating an Irish side that lacks offensive punch. Bovada has Belgium at +255 to open the scoring and pegs Lukaku at +260 to net the team’s first goal. Both Lukaku and fellow striker Christian Benteke are also favorites to score the game’s opening marker at +350.
Ireland’s star forwards Robbie Keane and Shane Long were virtually invisible during their opening draw against Sweden. They’ll need the pair to be better if Ireland stands any chance of coming out with three points.
Long is still the favorite at +330 to net Ireland’s first goal and is pegged at +230 to score at any point of the match.
Belgium should be able to rebound, but it won’t be easy. Expect a close match, with Belgium coming out on top by a one-goal margin.
Pick: Belgium (-141)
Iceland made a statement at Euro 2016 after earning a draw against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in their Group F opening match. Many were quick to write off the European Championship newcomers, but as they proved against Portugal, Iceland can compete with the world’s best.
They’ll attempt to build on the early success on Friday when Iceland faces Hungary, which leads the group after upsetting Austria in their opener.
The first goal will be crucial for both sides, especially for Iceland, who Bovada has pegged at +160 to win when scoring the opening marker.
Hungary also shocked the soccer world with a 2-0 victory over Austria. Adam Szalai, who scored the opening goal in Hungary’s opening win, is the favorite to accomplish the same feat as Bovada has the striker at +325 to net the team’s first marker.
For Iceland, Gylfi Thor Sigurdsson will be their best bet to net the team’s opening goal at +250.
While Iceland is considered the favorite, Hungary’s experience will carry them to the victory.
Pick: Hungary (+210)
It wasn’t exactly the start Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal had in mind after drawing Iceland in their Euro 2016 opener.
Yet, Ronaldo remains upbeat the Portuguese side can rebound Saturday with a game against Austria.
“It was a lucky night for them,” a frustrated Ronaldo told theguardian.com about Iceland’s performance. “We should have three points but we are OK.”
Portugal is favored to win by a one-goal margin at +260 according to Bovada odds, which also has Fernando Santos’ side at +170 to hold Austria off the scoreboard all together.
Bovada pegs Ronaldo at -120 to score at any point of the match and +260 to net Portugal’s opening goal.
Austria turned in a poor performance in their opening Group F match after being blanked by Hungary.
They’ll need more of an effort from striker Marc Janko, who Bovada pegs at +220 to score at any point of the match. Forward David Alaba, who was also quiet in the opener, is +450 to score a goal in the game.
Both teams got off to slow starts and will be looking to get back on track. While Portugal remain favorites, a draw seems likely in this one.
Pick: Draw
Category : News
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