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Ireland: The Euro 2012 Gift That Kept on Giving

I struck more successful bets and have made more profit on Republic of Ireland’s games at Euro 2012 than any other nation. And to give you an idea of how much I made, only Germany are in a position to raise me more money in this competition. Thank you Ireland.

The latest was a 2-0 defeat to Italy this evening. I had originally tipped and backed Italy to win this game at 1.31 on Saturday. Before kickoff of this final group game this evening, Italy’s odds had shot up to just below halves at 1.45.

Yes, both of this large bets went against my 1/2 theory of not backing any odds that fall below this price. But when it comes to Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012, these odds could not be ignored. Particularly the 1.45.

It was another Shay Given blunder that lead to the opening goal. This time, the Aston Villa goalkeeper spilled a long range effort behind for a corner. From that, the goalkeeper had little chance in keeper out Antonio Cassano’s close range header. 1-0.

Republic of Ireland put pressure on Italy as they sat back in the second half and there were a few nervy moments. Although in the end, Giovanni Trapattoni’s side’s only two efforts on target came from Keith Andrews from a long way out and straight down the middle.

Following Keith Andrews’ late sending off, Mario Balotelli put the icing on the cake with an acrobatic stoppage-time goal from another set piece. This meant 100% of my bets on Ireland in this tournament came in, having backed Italy to win this game by 2 goals or more also.

Pre-tournament, amongst the Irish confidence I have previously blogged and Tweeted about, I backed Italy at 4/5 to beat Republic of Ireland in this game.

Republic of Ireland finish Euro 2012 with 0 points, 1 goals scored and 9 goals conceded. Sympathy can be sent their way given the tough task at hand facing defending champions Spain, an Italian side that are looking decent tactically, and an attack-minded Croatian side that don’t lose many under Slaven Bilic.  Ireland to finish bottom of group C was never in doubt.

With these prices against Ireland throughout the tournament, Ireland get my early vote as my favourite nation competing in Euro 2012.

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