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Hitzfeld's Switzerland team have failed to qualify for Euro 2012. Kerstin Joensson/AP/Press Association Images
conjecture

Legendary German coach Hitzfeld tips Ireland to overcome Estonia

The Switzerland coach believes Ireland have “more quality” than their Estonian opponents.

EX-BAYERN MUNICH and Borussia Dortmund coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes Ireland will prevail in their upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier against Estonia.

Speaking to UEFA.com, Hitzfeld, who famously oversaw Dortmund’s surprise Champions League triumph in 1997, claims Ireland have “more quality” than their Estonian opponents.

The two-time Champions League winner, who succeeded Trapattoni as Bayern Munich coach in 1998, says the match is “on a knife edge,” and outlined the Irish team’s qualities:

“I think Ireland are the favourites because they have more quality. They are very robust at the back, and when it comes to set pieces they have many players who are great in the air.”

The first-leg of the encounter kicks off at 7.45pm (Irish time) tomorrow, with the return leg taking pace at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.

For more information, visit UEFA.com>

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