The majority of bets have gone on the Boys In Green but a huge sum has been placed on the Danes by one punter
Denmark’s coaching staff said before their World Cup Playoff first leg that Ireland ‘Were easy to read, but difficult to beat’. How true those words proved to be as Martin O’Neill’s men defended for their lives and put in a gritty display to come out of Copenhagen unscathed and set up a return fixture in Dublin that is purely in Irish hands.
Whilst Ireland were backed well even before the first leg kicked off, it’s a trend that’s continued based on the bets seen since the final whistle blew last night.
53% of bets have gone on the Boys In Green to make their first World Cup since Japan and Korea in 2002. The days of Keane, Holland and Given might be long gone but their resolute, dogged defence evoked memories of Mick McCarthy’s side and an appearance on the worlds biggest stage has never been closer in that 15 year absence.
Despite being at home on Tuesday the Irish are underdogs at 7/5 to make it through. The Danes are 8/11 favourites.
The Red and Whites will be looking for that crucial away goal that could change the whole complexion of the tie. They’ve been backed by 47% of punters so far, but one bet in particular has backed Christian Eriksen’s countrymen more than most.
One London punter has staked £500 on Denmark to qualify and break Irish hearts, by far the largest sum that has been seen so far. Whether it happens or not remains to be seen, but it promises to be an extraordinary occasion under the lights at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.
Oddschecker Spokesman George Elek: “Ireland stuck to their game plan in Denmark and it has paid off as they will have belief that they can get the job done in front of their own supporters. Despite being betting underdogs punters just about favour the Boys In Green and we’ve seen how the famous Irish support can lift their team to new levels. Will a new Irish legend be made on Tuesday night? We’ll have to wait and see.”
