Will the Irish show the World Cup participants their limits?
Less than three weeks to go until the World Cup kicks off in Mexico, Canada, and the USA. For the participating nations, it’s now time for the final touches to ensure they’re in the best possible shape when the tournament begins. The “Al-Anabbi” are putting their form to the test on the Emerald Isle. In the match between Ireland and Qatar, a bet on the hosts is rewarded with odds of 1.68 at bookmakers licensed in Germany. At the Arab Cup, it became clear that the visitors still have a lot of work to do.
The Qataris qualified for a World Cup on their own merits for the first time, but they are certainly only underdogs here. The final tests will take place in Ireland and against El Salvador before the title race kicks off against the Swiss.
The “Boys in Green” did not reach the final round this year. As group runners-up, the British team competed in the playoffs for the last starting spots. Despite a 2-0 lead in the Czech Republic, they were eliminated in the semifinals. After 90 minutes, the score was 2-2, and no winner was found in extra time either. From the penalty spot, the Irish then lost their nerve. Thus, head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad remains at three World Cup appearances.
After the Qataris had already qualified as hosts for the 2022 World Cup, they secured their first qualification on the field this year. After navigating several qualifying rounds, they ultimately secured their spot in the final tournament with a victory over the United Arab Emirates. Certainly a success for the team led by head coach Julen Lopetegui and star player Akram Afif.
Ireland – Qatar Head-to-Head Record
The two nations have faced each other in two friendly matches so far. The match in Debrecen, Hungary, ended in a 1-1 draw, and just six months later, the Irish won convincingly 4-0 in Dublin. Will there be more goal celebrations on Thursday?
Ireland – Qatar Prediction
The hosts competed in Qualifying Group F against Portugal, Hungary, and Armenia. With three wins and one draw, they ultimately finished in second place behind the Portuguese and ahead of the Hungarians. Thanks to three consecutive wins to close out the group stage, they secured the crucial spot that qualified them for the playoffs.
The final group match was as dramatic as it gets. It wasn’t until the sixth minute of stoppage time that Parrott scored the crucial winning goal against Hungary. Then the journey continued to Prague, where the “Boys in Green” were eliminated by the Czech Republic. This year, the Irish have played two more friendly matches. In addition to a 5-0 win over Grenada, Hallgrimsson’s squad drew 0-0 with North Macedonia.
Last May, Spaniard Julen Lopetegui took over as head coach of the Qatar national team. In the fourth and decisive qualifying round, the Red-and-Whites faced Oman and the United Arab Emirates for a spot in the final tournament. Following a 0-0 draw in Oman, the decisive match against the UAE took place.
Qatar prevailed 2-1 and booked their spot in the final tournament. In Group B, the visitors are certainly entering the competition as major underdogs. Against Switzerland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Canada, we give the “Al-Anabbi” the slimmest of chances of advancing. At the Arab Cup late last year, the Red-and-Whites failed to secure a single victory.
After a rough run in the last Nations League, where relegation was narrowly avoided, the hosts have certainly impressed with solid results in World Cup qualifying. The “Boys in Green” are now unbeaten in eight home games and even put Portugal in their place with a 2-0 win.
The home team has been in a scoring mood in recent matches, so we expect a few goals on Thursday as well. Therefore, with odds of 1.98, betting on over 2.5 goals in the match between Ireland and Qatar is a good choice.
