The Republic of Ireland and Hungary get their World Cup qualifying campaign under way on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium and a cagey encounter is expected.
Republic of Ireland fans have had a long wait for World Cup qualifying action, but the Boys in Green finally take to the pitch on Saturday, facing Hungary at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland are in one of the four-team qualifying groups, so have fewer fixtures to play than the likes of England. Ireland have not qualified for the World Cup since 2002 but this group, offering one automatic qualifying spot and one play-off berth, gives them a decent chance.
Hungary will end 40 years away from the World Cup if they manage to qualify, so the emotion and intensity surrounding Saturday’s fixture is palpable.
Republic of Ireland vs Hungary Bet Builder
Under 0.5 first-half goals @ 6/4
Dominik Szoboszlai first goalscorer @ 15/2
Correct score – 1-1 @ 19/4
Pays out at 66/1
Expect cagey opening with so much at stake
Both sides are desperate to end decades of hurt by qualifying for the World Cup and not giving away easy goals will be the priority.
Expect both Ireland and Hungary to emerge from the changing rooms well organised and difficult to break down.
The chances of there being a goalless first half seem high, so odds of 6/4 appear full of juice. Ireland scored at a rate of 0.9 goals per game in their latest Nations League campaign, while Hungary penetrated at an average of just 0.6 goals per game.
Leg 1: Under 0.5 first-half goals @ 6/4
Liverpool powerhouse may break the deadlock
Perhaps the man best equipped to open the scoring at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday is the same player who brought life to a drab encounter between Liverpool and Arsenal last Sunday – Hungarian giant Dominik Szoboszlai.
The attacking midfielder has scored nine goals in his last 20 appearances for Hungary and will be bursting with confidence after his incredible free-kick was the difference between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.
In a tight clash, Szoboszlai and his power-packed shots may end up being a key factor in a low-scoring game.
Leg 2: Dominik Szoboszlai first goalscorer @ 15/2
Home team can rally to claim crucial point
Ireland are unbeaten in 2025, winning two and drawing two of their four games. The Bulgarians, relegated from Nations League B, will be able to vouch for the team spirit in the Ireland camp.
The Bet Builder could be completed by an Ireland equaliser. Hungary were unimpressive in a friendly against Sweden in June, showing some frailty which will encourage Saturday’s hosts.
Ireland are unbeaten in their last six games against Hungary and the Republic won 2-1 when the sides met in a friendly last year.
It may take a while for Ireland to hit their stride this time, with so many changes to the squad, but nicking a point with a second-half equaliser seems entirely feasible.
Leg 3: Correct score – 1-1 @ 19/4
