FIFA World Cup 2010 Betting - Punters Have Given up on Ireland it Seems

According to bookmaker Paddy Power Irish punters are waking up to the belief that their World Cup dream is well and truly over with the bookie reporting less than €200 wagered on the Boys in Green successfully qualifying for next years Finals since their defeat at the hands of the French in Dublin's Croke Park stadium.

In an effort to entice patriotic punters into backing Ireland the bookie pushed Ireland's qualification odds from 7/1 to 8/1 but this move resulted in only one bet of €20. Paddy Power have also pledged to refund a variety of losing bets on Wednesday's match should Ireland win the game in normal time.

A spokesperson of the company commented: "We literally cannot give Ireland away at the moment. Punters seem to believe it’s the end of the line for the boys but we all know the impact an early Irish goal would have on Wednesday so I wouldn’t be inclined to throw in the towel so fast."

As the ongoing dispute between the French Football Federation and Irish broadcasters intensifies Paddy Power have slashed the odds on Wednesday's game not being televised from 6/1 to 2/1 second-favourite.

Latest Betting Odds - To Qualify for the World Cup

1/25 France, 8/1 Ireland

Betting on Wednesday's Return Leg in Paris

8/15 France, 11/4 Draw, 6/1 Ireland