Euro 2016: Will Ireland frustrate underachieving Belgium?

Ireland vs. Belgium, Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Saturday, 9 a.m. ET

Ireland +360
Belgium -110
Draw +235
Total 2.5 (Under -125)

A sense of entitlement belongs to athletes with on-field accomplishments. Well, that's unless you're the golden generation of Belgium: Laden with extraordinary talent minus the actual hardware on an international stage.

The Red Devils, billed by many as tournament semifinalists before play began, need a good result to prevent fans and pundits from spraining ankles jumping off the bandwagon.

Eighteen shots, three on target. That was the stat line for Belgium in their 2-0 defeat to Italy. Normally, a loss to the Italians wouldn't be a big deal, but this was hardly an Italian side loaded with offensive firepower.

Italy absorbed Belgian pressure early before countering in the 32nd minute with a highlight-reel goal. Belgium never recovered and the absence of leadership reared its ugly head. Regular captain and Manchester City defensive fixture Vincent Kompany was sorely missed given the countless miscues in the defensive third, with a number of fullbacks playing out of position. If it wasn't for Thibault Courtois, the score could have been worse.

Ireland doesn't boast a backline dotted with household names but the Irish bring a defensive tenacity very few other nations match. It was Wes Hoolahan's tidy finish to start the second half against Sweden that had Irish faithful believing they could grab three points.

Unfortunately, an own goal cost them the full complement of points. That was even more troublesome when the final stat line revealed Sweden without an actual shot on target in the match. If Ireland can find that one moment of individual brilliance against a compromised Belgium defense, asking the underdog to grab a result isn't a reach.

Defense wins championships or, at least in the group stage, it earns results. Ireland's commitment to the defensive end will frustrate a Belgian side that appeared more focused on in-fighting than beating Italy.

It's always difficult to effectively quantify chemistry in the handicap. But in a tournament where jelling quickly is the name of the game, I need to back the defensive dog. I'd love to call for an outright Irish victory; I'm just not that bold, given Belgium's tournament lives are on the line.

Asking Martin O'Neil's side to pick up a point feels right at this price.

The Play: Ireland +.5 (risking 1.1 unit to win 1 unit)

Euro 2016 YTD: 1-3 (-3.4 units)