France vs Ireland Prediction 26 June 2016

France were considered as the main favorite of the tournament, that’s why they should redeem themselves after rather inconsistent performance against Romania, Albania and Switzerland. However, one shouldn’t pay too much attention to this factor. Didier Deschamps surely knew his team will made it to the knock-out stage, so there’s no need to go all out in the group stage. There’s a serious reason to believe France would reach their peak at late stages.

Still France topped the group having one two of their three matches. They even allowed themselves to catch a breath and had a goalless draw against Switzerland. France allowed only 2 shots on goal in 3 matches which was the best result in the group stage. They conceded only one goal from penalty against Romania.

They are quite solid in offense. They have some problems with efficiency, but they were unlucky too as France hit post/bar 5 times. There’s still room for improvement and France are expected to find next gear in the next match or after it.

Ireland are fighters. They show impressive striving and vigor, but it’s not enough to kick out France who have already beaten similar sides in the group stage. On top of that, O’Neill’s men made it to the next round solely due to their victory over Italy in the third game. Conte relied on many bench players in that match, so one shouldn’t overestimate Ireland national team.

In fact, there’s a feeling we saw true level of Ireland against Belgium when the Green Army were thrashed 0:3. Tough victory over bench players of Italy and draw against disappointing Sweden that’s all Ireland achieved in the group stage.

We do not expect giant-killing in this match. France are the hosts, they are stronger and more skillful. In addition, Deschamps’ men had 3 days more to rest, which is crucial in so intense tournament. It seemed Ireland went all out against Ireland and it would be extremely difficult for them to pull themselves together and beat France.