Iceland start the qualifications with two defeats from Denmark and Norway. Probably the bad start is the main reason why coach Olafur Johannesson decide to seven players (four of them very important) to play for U-21 team against Scotland on Monday. Here are the main players that will miss here: Aron Einar Gunnarsson, Eggert Jonsson, Gylfi Sigurosson and R. Gislason. They were all starters against Denmark and You realize how important they are.
Good start for the new coach
Portugal finally won in this qualifications. After the draw against Cyprus and defeat from Norway, coach Queiroz was fired. The new coach is Paulo Bento and his debut was successful. Portugal managed to beat Denmark with 3:1. The good news is that Ronaldo finally scored a goal for the national team. Now they are going to Iceland with much more confidence. The atmosphere in the squad is very good and anything else then a victory here will be a catastrophe.
Portugal is better
The quality is on Portugal side. Even Iceland was complete I think Portugal is closer to victory, but in situation like this, when seven players will not be in the team, even more. That is why I think Portugal will win with more then one goal. With players like Ronaldo and Nani back in the form (they both scored against Denmark) it is more then clear who is the favorite at Laugardalsvollur in Reykjavik. Iceland will probably defend, but Portugal will score soon or later. Then Iceland will must open the game and it will be lot easier to Ronaldo and Nani. They are very fast and will be very dangerous through fast counterattacks. So, Portugal should win by more then one goal.
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: 2 AH (-1.5)
Odd: 2.28
Bookie: 188bet
Scotland sitting on the second place after 3 games played it’s a blasphemy, considering the way they are currently playing. A dull draw in Lithuania, a forced home win after a 97th minute goal against Liechtenstein and an expected 0-1 loss against Czech Republic are their results. Most worrying is the fact they are getting worse and worse as the time passes by. They lack quality and only their ancestral determination is helping them from time to time. They are playing the same kick and run, they rely too much on dead ball situation and that’s about it. “Bombing” the ball on the strikers is their main tactic…
World champions
Spain is 2 out of 2 after two easy games, against Liechtenstein and Lithuania, without putting too much effort in none of these games. They are without a number of important players for the games against Lithuania and Scotland, including: Fabregas, Xavi, Fernando Torres, Pedro, Navas and Albiol, some new faces being called instead: Aduriz, Pablo Hernandez, Borja Valero or Bruno Soriano. Llorente played the lone striker role instead of Torres and he did a good job, scoring two goals. Also, Xabi Alonso missed the game against Lithuania due to a small injury but he is fit for tomorrow’s game, only concern for Del Bosque being Sergio Ramos, who trained separate in the past few days.
Away win
I believe Scotland will have a hard time tomorrow and they will run a lot after the ball. Spain enjoys possession football and this could hurt the Scotts pretty bad since this their main problem. Even without those missing players, Spain still has much more quality than their opponents and it will be up to them whether they will win by one goal or more. The AH line is set at 1,25 but I will go for the safer -1, having the money back insurance in case of a narrow win.
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: 2 AH (-1)
Odd: 1.69
Bookie: 188Bet
After frustrating the Azzuri for more than an hour, the Estonians have recorded one of the biggest surprises on weekend, defeating Serbia away from home. Estonia showed great character to come from behind and score three goals and now they sit second on the standings. Tarmo Ruutli’s side has an average of two goals scored per game and they did surprisingly well at the back, as both Italian goals came after set-pieces, while the Serbs needed a deflected shot to defeat Estonian goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko. Captain Raio Piiroja is suspended, while striker Sergei Zenjov is struggling with a leg injury.
Good training against the Feroes
Slovenia recorded the first qualifying win at the espense of Feroe Island (5-1) and it was a good training for Matjaz Kek`s lads before the real test against in-form Estonians. Groningen striker Tim Matavz was a hattrick hero on Friday, while Valter Birsa and Miso Brecko, both regulars, picked up some minor injuries and are doubtful. Andraž Kirm could retain a first-eleven shirt in a more defensive oriented Kek`s line-up.
Close affair
The Estonians are one level bellow their opponents, but they have the momentum and the home ground advantage. The guests have failed to impress so far, losing at home against Northern Ireland and drawing against out-of-form Serbia and coach Kek could be cautious against a team with a great morale after the historic win from Serbia.
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: 1X
Odd: 1.84
Bookie: Unibet
Holland is undefeated in any match during the regular 90 minutes over their past 30 games they’ve played, last time losing back in 2008. if we of course exclude the loss to Spain in the extra time. They’re a great team, quite young, playing aggressive and attractive football and they’re very hard to beat especially at home, and that’s why I think Sweden will have a very tough time here. Some of them are injured but this team has great players such are Robben, Sneijder, and many outstanding players who all compose this squad that is again the main candidate to end as the first-placed side in their qualifying group. I believe they can record a new, 4th win in a row.
Is the crisis over?
The Swedes have been struggling for a long time now, and they have to rise somehow and start playing good footie. For a while, the entire focus in their squad was on Larsson, now it’s the same story with Ibrahimovic, and they simply have to become a much better team as a whole if they want to record better results. They’re coming to this match as outsiders even though we all know they are not that, but right now they are still playing in a way that they’ll be treated as underdogs against all big teams. I believe they don’t stand too many chances at this road match but the ball is round and anything’s always possible.
Excellent game ahead
This should be a very interesting match. Holland is one of the better sides in the world that’s been undefeated for a very long time now, more precisely they don’t remember the last time they’ve lost a match within regular 90 minutes. But anyhow, this should be a good match as Sweden is slowly coming back to the football map and their desire is to qualify for the EURO and show their real face while the Dutchmen are always eager to justify their role of favorites and World Champion runner-ups. My advice is HW. Good luck!
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: 1 AH (-1)
Odd: 2.31
Bookie: TheGreek
They have the momentum
Russia played a breathtaking game in Ireland on Friday, winning 3-2 after being 3-0 up and proposing a new player to the world stage: the hot youngster Dzagoev. They bounced back after last month’s surprising home defeat against Slovakia, and they are now topping the table, at equal points with them and Ireland. Advocaat is looking to set things back on track after taking over this summer and his decision to recall Kerzhakov already paid, with the striker scoring the opener at Dublin. They are the main favorites to win this group and any more wrong steps aren’t welcome.
Away win
It is hard to believe Macedonia will manage to put a dent in Russia’s qualification dreams tomorrow. They are a limited team and without those important players I don’t see them getting anything from this game. Russia has the momentum after the win from Dublin and I am willing to back them here early, since I doubt I will get the same odds tomorrow. Good luck!
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: 2
Odd: 1.70
Bookie: Canbet
Belarus is undefeated so far in these qualifiers, gathering 5 points from 3 games so far. They managed a surprising win against France in Paris and a hard fought draw against Romania, while drawing against Luxembourg on Friday. This was a shocking result but it’s once again proved they don’t have the necessary quality to overcome crowded defenses. They managed to create scoring chances but not enough of them, as it’s reflected by the final score. They will be without their main striker Kornilenko who was sent off against Luxembourg, but Vyacheslav Hleb could take his place, or even Rodionov.
Some key missing
Albania is also undefeated, after a lucky late draw in Romania and another lucky draw against Bosnia, last Friday. They also won 1-0 against Luxembourg but this was a normal result, while their performance there wasn’t great. Against Bosnia, they managed an equalizer after a free kick by Duro, but they were outplayed for most of the game, only Bosnia’s players inefficiency and lack of focus keeping the scoreline as it is now. Key defender Curri missed that game and he will miss against Belarus too. Also, captain Cana picked an injury and his missing will not go unnoticed since he’s the most influential Albanian player and also the guy who’s performing key defensive issues. The towering striker Bogdani is suspended for this game and this is another blow, since most of the Albanian’s attacking game consisted in long balls on him.
Narrow home win
This was a very balanced game at the first sight but after the late news from Albanian’s camp, the balance is going on Belarus’s side. I believe Belarus will have the edge here and Albania will just sit and defend, while looking for some lucky counter at the same time. Since both teams had extremely tight results so far, I believe Belarus will record a hard fought narrow win. The odds for a home win aren’t satisfactory but I see some value in Belarus to win by exactly one goal. Good luck!
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: X EH (-1)
Odd: 3.40
Bookie: Expekt
Latvia is coming home after a difficult game against Greece, where they did nothing but defending for the entire 90 minutes. Even so, Greece managed to create many scoring chances and finally took profit of one defensive mistake and managed to score a deserved winner. The Latvian glory days when they managed to qualify for Euro are long gone and the team came back to its average to bad condition. They managed a 2-0 win against Malta so far, losing as expected to Greece and Croatia. One of their best players and their main marksman, Maris Verpakovskis, will miss this game due to suspension and this is a big blow for Latvia’s already blunt offense.
Defensive minded
Georgia is coming after a late winner against Malta, but they are unbeaten so far after two draws against Israel and Greece. Coach Ketsbaia put his mark on the team and developed a very good defensive side, who could be lethal on counters. They have many experienced players and they could put a lot of problems to the bug names from this group. As seen against Malta, they have troubles when their opponents are playing crowded defense but when they are the ones to defend, surprisingly the things become much easier. Reading’s defender Zurab Khizanishvili will miss the game due to suspension.
The value is on the away side
This is a game between two very even squads and I will add a slight plus on quality to Georgia team. Most of their players are playing in the Russian League, but they still have some playing in the Western Europe. Compared to Latvia’s core who’s playing in the domestic league, it is a difference. Georgia will probably go to defend and snatch a win on the counters and I really can’t see Latvia winning here. The AH line is set at 0,5 and, considering the aforementioned facts, the value lies on Georgia to cover it.
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: 2 AH (+0.5)
Odd: 1.76
Bookie: 12bet
Finland started this campaign in a horrible manner and, despite losing to Netherlands was expected, the loss from Moldova and more over the manner they played, wasn’t. Coach Baxter managed to ruin everything so far, especially by calling some veteran players like Litmanen or Jonathan Johansson who, despite still having the quality to play in the domestic league, they should have gone long time ago from the International stage. Now another questionable call up is the one of Tromso’s Koppinen, a 32 years old defender, who will make his return after almost 5 years.
Young and promising team
Hungary is changing lines at the moment, them being in a reconstruction process. Many veterans were dropped and many young players from the team who impressed at the U20 WC two years ago were called. Playmaker Vladimir Koman is a rising star already and the new team will probably be build around him in the following years. Due to the suspension of defenders Pal Lazar and Zoltan Liptek, coach Egervari called another youngster, new Zaragoza’s signing Adam Pinter. They are coming after a goal galore against San Marino and a home win against Moldova and they are looking favorit.
Hungary not to lose
It’s obvious none of those two teams has qualifying dreams since it’s hard to believe Sweden and Netherlands will fail to achieve this goal. I am very surprised by the odds to be honest, since I don’t think Finland should be such a favorite. It’s true, Hungary has a young squad but they have some certain quality there and they could have too much for the geriatric Finland side. I Think slow defenders like Hyppia, Koppinen or Pasanen will have a really hard time trying to stop the likes of Szalai, Rudolf and especially Dzsudzsak and I will take profit of these unrealistic (in my opinion) odds and take a bet on Hungary not to lose this game.
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: 2 AH (+0.5)
Odd: 1.73
Bookie: 188Bet
Probable starting eleven: Mikkelsen; Tor Naes, Bo, Frederikberg, Davidsen; Hansen, Benjaminsen, Lokin, Petersen, Samuelsen; Holst. Faroe Islands coach Brian Kerr has a big problem on goalkeepere position. He was forced to call veteran goalkeeper Jakkup Mikkelsen because his first choice keeper Gunnar Neilsen is injured. By the way, Neilsen is excellent keeper and he play in Manchester City. Coach Kerr has also recalled defender Frederiksen and midfielder Larsen for this game. And the form of Faroe Islands is really bad. They lost four games so far, from Estonia, Serbia, Italy and Slovenia.
A victory and a draw in first two matches
Probable starting eleven: Taylor; Baird, Hughes, Craigan, Evans; Brunt, Davis, Clingan, McCann; Lafferty Healy. Northern Ireland coach Nigel Worthington has two injured players – Craig Cathcart and Paddy McCourt. This is a handicap for him, but the opponent is poor team of Faroe Island. No question about the quality here, the visitors are much better. And Northern Ireland start in excellent way, a victory over Slovenia on road and a draw against Italy at home. I am sure he players confidence is very high at the moment.
Visitors are better
Faroe Islands played four games so far and lost all of them. It is interesting that all four games anded with Over 2.5 goals. They lost 1:2 from Estonia, 0:3 from Serbia, 0:5 from Italy and 1:5 from Slovenia. Now the situation is even worse as first goalkeeper Gunnar Neilsen is injured. Without him it will be more difficult for Faroe Islands defense. And I think Northern Ireland will take some advantage from that. If Faroe Island received so many goals with Neilsen, then it is natural they will receive at least four without him. So, I think there will be at least four goals here.
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: Over 3.5
Odd: 3.30
Bookie: Interwetten
Azerbaijan is one of the lowest rated teams of this group along with Kazakhstan and so. They are surely searching for experience in this qualification phase as they dont possess the strength to qualify and their results so far against Germany and Belgium also shows this.
Time to bounce back
Turkey suffered a heavy loss against Germany which was totally deserved and now they can not afford to drop anymore points here. Arda`s absence has struck the team very badly and moreover, as a result of the other absences Guus Hiddink had to rotate the team against Germany. Mehmet Aurelio also joined the missing list and won`t be available against Azerbaijan.
Not an easy game for visitors
Turkey has been touted as heavy favourite for this game but i don`t expect an easy win for them here. Morale of the team is very down. Also i expect Azerbijan to park the bus and look for counters which will not make things easier for Turkey and in the past we have seen Turkish team fail many times against defensive minded opponents. Altough Azerbaijan conceded 9 goals in just 2 games, i expect them to be much tougher against Turkey and therefore i will go for under 2.5 goals for this game.
———————————————————————————————-
Prediction:
Tip: Under 2.5
Odd: 2.10
Bookie: Skybet
Recent Comments