Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland team will long be remebered for their negative headline grabbing in the 2002 World Cup following the infamous public row that developed between the then manager, Mick McCarthy and their high profile Captain, Roy Keane. It enede with Keane catching a private plane home but luckliy enough for McCarthy and his team it was not the end of the world. The Republic held the pre-tournament favourites, Germany to a 1-1 draw and as such advanced into the knock out phase of the tournament. It was the third successive time that they had achieved this feat and hold the distinction of never being knocked out of the group stages at the finals.

Unfortunately things did not go so well after that time. They failed to qualify for Euro 2004 which ultimately cost McCarthy his job and the same fate awaited his successor, Brian Kerr, who failed to guide the team to the World Cup 2006 finals. Kerr was subsequently replaced by Steve Staunton who led them into a disastrous EURO 2008 qualifying campaign and he too lost his job.

Giovanni Trappatoni is now at the helm and great things are expected. The Republic have made a good start in their European qualifying Group 8, winning one and drawing one so far. They are in fact second favourites to win the Group behind current World Champions Italy. They have 2010 World Cup betting odds of 6/1 to win the Group but are odds on at around 1/2 to qualify in the top two.

With players like Shay Given, John O'Shea, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane at his disposal, Trappatoni has every reason to believe he can take the side to South Africa. A 2010 World Cup Free bet is available for any aspect of the Republic’s World cup campaign, including all matches played.