After a few laughs from the assembled media, he admitted “a number” would make the Irish side, although “how significant that number is will depend on tomorrow evening”.
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“They are talented, very talented”.
Wilmots’ team are Paddy Power’s 8/11 (1.72) favourites to claim a vital victory, while Ireland are available at a chunky 4/1 (5.0) to come out on top in a match at the European Championships for the first time in 28 years.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admits he was not happy following their defeat by Italy amid reports of a bust-up with coach Marc Wilmots.
The pitches that cut up do have bearing in matches.
“I think overall they have the players (to hurt us)”.
“Do they cause a problem?”
It would be great to see them take all three points but that might just be asking for too much.
Ireland, on the other hand, played an impressive 1-1 draw against Sweden in their Euro 2016 opener at Stade de France on Monday. Contests between these countries have traditionally been tight, with four of the last six fixtures drawn and Belgium winning the other two by a one-goal margin.
“I can certainly say we felt as disappointed about the result as the fans”.
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has urged his players to show confidence in possession when they face Belgium in Bordeaux on Saturday.
“We were desperate to get the second goal you always know 1-0 is hard to hold onto even when you’re having a good spell against Sweden”.
“Little Hazard is one of the best players playing in the world at this minute. Belgium are a totally different side in make up to Sweden and we have to look at the strengths they have”.
“They all play big-club football and they would maybe look at us and feel as if some of our players are not playing at the level that they play at every single week”.
Here is a round-up of the best offers on Friday’s Euro 2016 games, including a tempting Paddy Power enhancement on Belgium and Portugal to win.
That I don’t know, that I’m unaware of, so there’s no point in me commenting on something I have no idea about.
Ireland’s assistant manager Roy Keane did not mince his words when he saluted Eden Hazard’s undeniable talent, but questioned his attitude after he appeared to court PSG earlier this season. He’s fine, he’s fine, he really is fine.
Walters underwent tests yesterday but remains hopeful he can recover in time to play again in the tournament.
He’s caged in at this minute as his beard gets longer and uglier. “Would you agree, John?”
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