Ireland Could End Wales’ World Cup Dreams

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24/03/17

Ireland Could End Wales’ World Cup Dreams

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Republic of Ireland meet Wales in Dublin for a World Cup qualifier on Friday night and a win for the Irish would see them in a great position to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Every team has played four games in UEFA World Cup Qualifying Group D and is it stands, Republic of Ireland sit top on 10 points, with Serbia in second place on 8 points. Wales start this round of fixtures in third on 6 points and a further 2 points below them are Austria. Georgia have 2 points and Moldova prop up the group with 1 point.

Since their 2-1 defeat to France in the 2016 European Championship, Republic of Ireland have been in great form. They picked up a point in a 2-2 draw at Serbia to start the group and won the three games which followed. There was a 1-0 home win over Georgia, a 3-1 win in Moldova and a 1-0 win in Austria.

Wales enjoyed a tremendous European Championship, reaching the semi-final stage. However, the Welsh have found life tough at the start of this World Cup qualifying campaign. Having started with a comfortable 4-0 win over Moldova at home, Wales were forced to settle for three straight draws, the most disappointing of which came at home to Georgia. The other two draws were at home to Serbia and away to Austria.

Republic of Ireland will see this match as a great chance to put some distance between themselves and Wales. A win for the home team would allow them to open a 7-point gap over the Welsh, which would be difficult to make up. With Serbia playing in Georgia, which is a tough place to go, Republic of Ireland could be 5 points clear at the end of this round of fixtures.

Wales need a win to kick-start their stuttering campaign. Draws at home to Georgia and Serbia have been costly, especially as the Welsh have taken the lead in both games. A failure to defend leads has been a problem in this group but Wales remain undefeated and a win at the Aviva Stadium will see them back in contention to win the group.

Republic of Ireland’s home qualifying form is excellent and they are undefeated in their last nine competitive home matches. Included in that impressive run of form is a 1-0 over Germany, which highlights just what the Irish are capable of when playing at home.

Wales have lost one of their last seven competitive away games. The defeat came in Bosnia towards the end of their successful European Championship qualifying campaign in 2015, so they will not be easy to beat.

A boost for Wales will be the injury and suspension problems Republic of Ireland are having to deal with. Robbie Brady is suspended and Wes Hoolahan, Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark and Harry Arter are all injured. James McCarthy and Daryl Murphy are also doubtful.

Wales should be at full strength following the return to fitness of Gareth Bale. With the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Ashley Williams and Joe Allen all fit and available, Chris Coleman has the upper hand in terms of personnel.

This is set to be a massive game but with Wales ability to play well on the break and the injuries suffered by Republic of Ireland, it is tough to call. Even with players injured, Republic of Ireland will be hard to beat at home and a low scoring draw is a distinct possibility.