Recent entries on Betfair Ireland
World Cup 2010 betting
Joe Dyer / 15 November 2009 Free Bet View Market
Alou Diarra contests a header with Keith Andrews during France's tight victory at Croke Park
"To get the win they need, the Irish will have to buck the odds in unlikely style. They go to Paris as [8.0] underdogs to get the victory they need with their hosts strong favourites at [1.55]."
A Nicolas Anelka goal was all that separated the teams after 90 minutes but it gives les Bleus a huge advantage ahead of the return leg at Stade de France next Wednesday. France can be backed at [1.11] to make the finals.
Ireland have not given up hope yet however, man of the match Kevin Doyle said: "It's half-time and we have another game to go in Paris.
"We have gone to Italy against the world champions and we got a goal so why not in France?"
But to get that win, the Irish will have to buck the odds in unlikely style. They go to Paris as [8.0] underdogs to get the victory they need with their hosts strong favourites at [1.55].
Results were similarly tight across all four European qualifiers with no team winning by more than one goal.
Portugal, playing without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, overcame Bosnia thanks to a first half Bruno Alves strike but were unable to add to their tally. Betfair punters are clearly expecting an easy ride for the Portuguese, they trade at [1.24] to go through despite holding such a slender advantage and are [2.42] favourites to win on Wednesday night. Bosnia are [3.35] to pull off a famous victory with the draw trading at the same price.
Russia have traded as low as [1.08] to qualify but now stand at [1.33] after conceding an 88th minute goal when two up at home to Slovenia. Everton's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's scored both Russia goals to establish a comfortable position but the Euro 2008 semi-finalists now face potential heartbreak in the return leg.
Slovenia are [3.35] outsiders to claim a second leg win with Bilyaletdinov's boys [2.44] favourites. The draw is [3.4].
The fourth game in Europe brought Greece and the Ukraine together but the two could not be separated, the match ending goalless. Ukraine stand as [1.66] favourites to reach the finals, with Greece backable at [2.26].
Ukraine are even money favourites to claim a win on Wednesday with the draw next in the betting at [3.4] and Greece out at [4.5].
