How they qualified: Finished 2nd in European Qualifying Group B; defeated Estonia 5-1 on aggregate in playoff.

Team Base: Sopot 

We all know about the luck of the Irish, but Giovanni Trapattoni may need more then just luck to get his Republic of Ireland side out of a difficult group C and into the competitions quarterfinals.

Talisman Robbie Keane has had an indifferent start to the MLS season but he always seems to be able to produce the goods when pulling on the colours of his national side. The LA Galaxy striker scored seven goals in the 11 qualifying games he played in which was almost half the total goal tally of the team.

Alongside him up front will be either Kevin Doyle, of Wolverhampton Wanderers, or West Bromwich Albion’s Shane Long.  Long has had a positive first season in the Premiership with the Baggies but injuries and the form of Peter Odewingie and Mark Antoine-Fortune have prevented the former Reading player from securing a place in the starting eleven, while Doyle has struggled to find goals or service in a very shoddy Wolves side.

The reliance on Keane to be the goal provider could hinder an ageing Irish squad while veterans Shay Given and Richard Dunne will be called on heavily to hold the defensive line.

A win in their opening game against Croatia will give them a fighting chance, but Ireland more then likely be on the first plane home after the group stages.

WFD Predicted Starting XI: 4-4-2

Given

O’Shea - Dunne - St Ledger - Ward

McGready - Whelan - Andrews - Duff

Doyle - Keane

WFD predicted group finish: 4th

Match 1: June 10 v Croatia - Municipal Stadium, Poznan (20:45)

Match 2: June 14 v Spain - PGE Arena, Gdansk (20:45)

Match 3: June 18 v Italy - Municipal Stadium, Poznan (20:45)