Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.

As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.

Republic of Ireland v Croatia
European Championships
KO 19.45, ITV 1

HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
10 Aug 2011 Friendly Ireland 0-0 Croatia
16 Nov 2004 Friendly Ireland 1-0 Croatia
15 Aug 2001 Friendly Ireland 2-2 Croatia
04 Sep 1999 Euro Championships Croatia 1-0 Ireland
05 Sep 1998 Euro Championships Ireland 2-0 Croatia
02 Jun 1996 Friendly Ireland 2-2 Croatia

PREVIEW
Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland side will travel to the Municipal Stadium in Poznan to take on Slaven Bilic’s Croatia.

Slaven Bilic is the second longest serving manager in the Championships after Denmark’s Morten Olsen and he has successfully guided Croatia up the world rankings and into another European Championship. Croatia have won 40 of Bilic’s 59 games in charge and have only lost six, this included three wins in their three group games four years ago in Austria and Switzerland. They threaten to be a major threat this time round as their main goal scorer Eduardo is fit, alongside Nikica Jelavic and Luka Modric.

However, they face a strong, well organised Irish side led by record goal scorer Robbie Keane. Ireland have continuously improved under Trapattoni’s watchful eye, and are currently unbeaten in their last 14 games, winning eight of those matches. Like most Italian managers Trapattoni puts a huge emphasis on defending and Ireland have reaped the rewards conceding just three goals in that 14 match unbeaten run.

This defensive approach has cost Ireland fire power upfront and this has been demonstrated in recent matches with only 11 goals scored in their last ten games. Captain Robbie Keane will be eager to fire Ireland through the group stage by adding to his tally of 53 international goals in what is likely to be his last major international competition.

With both teams in tremendous form and solid at the back, a low scoring game looks likely. It finished goalless when these two nations last clashed and I fancy another draw at 3.15 on BETDAQ.

RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back the draw at 3.2 on BETDAQ: 4 points

Saturday: +7.14 points
JUNE RETURN TO DATE: +36.66 points

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