Euro 2024: Rank Outsiders Ireland Aim for Paris Shock

France vs Republic of Ireland

Ahead of this Euro 2024 qualifier, I’ve been recalling the last time these nations met in France – a rainy night in Paris on the eve of the 2018 World Cup which, ultimately, would see Les Bleus go on to be crowned world champions.

At the time I remember praising the job of Irish manager Martin O’Neill and his assistant, Roy Keane, who achieved so much with a group of worthy but journeymen footballers.

I also recall saying how much I’d love to see the O’Neill-Keane axis given the opportunity to manage a more stellar group of players—similar to the national sides Keane played in and led during the 1990s and the early part of the new millennium.

Fast forward more than five years and the position has not changed, indeed it has been weakened further.

It is not being critical of the current incumbent, Stephen Kenny, who took on a thankless task when he was appointed in 2020 with his only senior experience to date being in his homeland, most notably at Dundalk where he enjoyed real success before taking the international under-21 job in late 2018.

To their credit, the Football Association of Ireland are backing their man, despite an unconvincing start, yet it does appear the boys from the Emerald Isle have plenty to do if they are to reach Euro 2024 – they currently have picked up just three points from three games and sit three points behind Greece in second place in qualifying Group B, and nine adrift of France.

Talking Points

If Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifying highlights to date have been in short supply, this already difficult journey hasn’t been helped by the fact that teenager talent Evan Ferguson has been ruled out because of injury.

Stephen Kenny's Ireland side are up to challenge the mighty France in Euro 2024 qualifiers

Republic of Ireland’s head coach Stephen Kenny shouts instructions to his players from the touchline

The in-form Brighton forward injured his knee during his club’s 3-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday.

Ferguson, 18, scored a hat-trick in that game and was expected to spearhead the Irish attack in the next two games.

The second of those is against Holland and, should Ireland lose both, they may as well kiss goodbye to taking part in next summer’s tournament.

The Netherlands, who host Greece on Thursday, are level with the Republic on points but have played a game less, with the top two qualifying for the

finals in Germany.

Without Ferguson, Kenny’s forward options consist of Norwich City’s Adam Idah, Preston’s Will Keane, Hull’s Aaron Connolly and Luton’s Chiedozie Ogbene.

Republic captain Seamus Coleman and forward Michael Obafemi were already ruled out of the trip to face last year’s World Cup finalists because of injury, while Wolves full-back Matt Doherty is suspended after his red card in defeat to Greece earlier this year.

All in all then, if Kenny’s men can pull off a shock in the Parc des Princes it will be a real triumph but, with last year’s World Cup finalists France sitting top of Group B with a perfect record from their opening four games, few are expecting such.

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History

The first of 18 contests was a friendly in the French capital in 1937 which Ireland won 2-0.

Eire have won four of their meetings in total with five draws and nine French successes.

Not since a World Cup qualifier in 1981, however, have the Irish enjoyed victory.

On that occasion, an early own goal was added to by Frank Stapleton and Michael Robinson as the Irish, managed by Eoin Hand, won 3-2 at Lansdowne Road.

Their most recent clash, a qualifier in Ireland in March, was settled by a Benjamin Pavard goal.

France edged a Euro 2016 quarter-final, thanks to the brilliance of Antoine Griezmann, while the most infamous meeting of all came in a qualifier for the 2010 World Cup when a handball by Thierry Henry was missed/overlooked, causing much consternation across the football world.

The scorers that night in 2018, incidentally, were Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

France VS Republic Of Ireland

September 08, 02:45 (GMT+8)

France First Half Asian Handicap -0.75

@ 1.96

The SBOTOP Euro 2024 qualifying betting odds are firmly stacked in favour of the hosts.

France can be backed 1X2 @ 1.21 and Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 1.90, as well as First Half 1X2 @ 1.68 and First Half Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.96.

Ireland are well adrift with odds of 1X2 @ 7.60 and Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.21.

A draw is even unexpected, priced @ 6.20, and another 1-0 French win will pay out @ 5.00 with Correct Score.

Ireland’s best option could be to keep it tight for as long as possible and you can find odds of Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.55 and Under 2.50 @ 2.17.

That has crossed my mind but, realistically, I have to go with the majority as I cannot see beyond a French success. Therefore, my *** tip is France First Half Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.96.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 07-Sep-2023 at 3:25 PM

Euro 2024: Slovaks Out to Create History Against CR7 & Co

Slovakia vs Portugal

The top two in Group J are about to face off in Euro 2024 qualifying.

In truth, both Slovakia and Portugal should make it, and the latter, former European champions, are overwhelming favourites to top the group.

But Euro 2024 qualifying highlights aren’t a cert – after all, the Selecao needed a last-gasp winner from talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to see off Iceland in their last outing three months ago so cannot afford to be complacent.

Talking Points

Now anyone who knows me knows my feeling about CR7.

At the age of 38 he is, of course, past his best but his genius still shines through.

Not only he is the greatest ever player from their shores – no mean feat when you think Portugal was also the birthplace of Eusebio and Luis Figo – but possibly the globe as well.

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Since his senior debut in 2003, the start of a long and distinguished international career, the boy from Madeira has gone onto stand alone as the record holder for most international appearances, having played more times for his country than any other man.

He also comfortably presides over another record – most international appearances and most international goals.

It may be some time before we witness such a feat again and he is a true legend of the game.

As Portugal look to cement top position in the standings and maintain their 100 per cent record since he took charge, manager Roberto Martinez can count on both Ronaldo and a host key players for Friday’s qualifier, including Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Neves.

With four wins from their four opening fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Iceland, Portugal have accumulated 12 points and 14 goals while keeping the back door bolted shut at the other end, amassing four clean sheets to boot.

Notable defensive absentees include Raphael Guerreiro, Nuno Mendes and 40-year-old centre-back Pepe, while Benfica duo Rafa Silva and Joao Mario have both called time on their international careers. Yet they still ooze quality.

As for Slovakia, their main man has now called time on his glittering career so there will be no Marek Hamsik to spearhead their midfield.

Yet one man to keep an eye on in is Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka, who has 47 caps.

Stanislav Lobotka is expected to start for Slovakia's Euro 2024 clash with Portugal

Slovakia’s Milan Skriniar and Stanislav Lobotka celebrate their first goal vs Azerbaijan

He should be joined in the staring XI by club team mate Stanislav Lobotka, while Juraj Kucka should win his 100th cap for the Falcons.

Another name to watch out for is Sydney FC winger Robert Mak who, with 15 goals to his name, represents the top goalscorer in the Slovakia ranks and should be given the nod in the left-wing position.

While a seven-game unbeaten run should stand the home side in good stead, this is a different test altogether and the gulf in quality between the sides ranked ninth and 47th in the world is a big one, as other established nations have shown in recent years.

History

In their last meeting in a competitive match, back in 2005, Portugal recorded a 2-0 win over Slovakia.

That was a World Cup qualifier in which Fernando Meira and Ronaldo were on target.

They had drawn 1-1 in Bratislava a few months earlier in their first qualifier when Miroslav Karhan’s opener was cancelled out by substitute Helder Postiga.

That remains the only time Slovakia have avoided defeat against the Portuguese.

They also met twice in qualifying for Euro 2000.

The first ever meeting, in October 1998, saw Portugal run out 3-0 winners, courtesy of goals from João Pinto (two) and Xavier.

Portugal won the return game the following June via a solitary goal from Capucho.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

Slovakia VS Portugal

September 09, 02:45 (GMT+8)

Half Time Full Time Draw Away

@ 3.60

It’s Portugal all the way with the SBOTOP Euro 2024 qualifying betting odds.

While Slovakia are priced 1X2 @ 6.00 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.21 – along with First Half 1X2 @ 5.40 and First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.25 – the visitors are deemed far more likely to return home with maximum points.

Odds include First Half 1X2 Portugal @ 2.02, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.02, 1X2 @ 1.40 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.23.

There’s never been a goalless draw and I don’t think there will be this time, although Total Goal 0-1 will earn you a tidy pay day @ 3.15, compared to 2-3 @ 1.85 and 4-6 @ 3.30.

Over 2.75 @ 2.11 caught my eye as did the 1X2 Draw @ 4.20.

A repeat of their last meeting some 18 years ago is available with Correct Score 0-2 @ 5.40.

I am going to plump for a *** tip of Half Time Full Time Draw Away @ 3.30.

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Euro 2024: Can Mitrovic Return Give Serbs the Edge in Belgrade?

Serbia vs Hungary

He may have recently left England for pastures new but when it comes to internationals, Serbia have a star man up their sleeve.

With Aleksandar Mitrovic you really can get the full package – a player who causes problems for all and is capable of a centre forward masterclass – and a player who can sometimes take his passion too far.

One thing that cannot be disputed, however, is that his return to the Serbia XI for this Euro 2024 qualifying contest gives the hosts the advantage in what is a top of the table Group G clash in the Puskas Arena.

Talking Points

I think we can justifiably expect Euro 2024 qualifying highlights for this is a meeting of two nations genuinely hopeful of being involved in next summer’s showpiece.

Both have come through their opening three qualifiers unbeaten and both will back themselves to extend those streaks in Belgrade.

Being held to a 1-1 draw in Bulgaria last time out would not have impressed their supporters, Serbia requiring a last-gasp Darko Lazovic goal to earn a share of the spoils.

Nevertheless, it is a goal that could ultimately prove decisive with Serbia having previously opened their qualifying campaign with 2-0 victories over Lithuania and Montenegro respectively.

That means manager Dragan Stojkovic will be confident that a top-two position is more than within their grasp.

As well as Mitrovic, Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is in the squad and he has made a decent start to the season at club level with two goals in his first three outings.

Mitrovic has 52 international goals to his name, half of which have been scored in Belgrade, and he is joined by another player who has recently moved to Saudi Arabia in former Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić.

Marko Grujic is in line to feature in midfield, with Sasa Lukic and Dejan Jovelijc both left out of the squad.

Hungary's Peter Gulacsi aims to keep Serbia from scoring as they clash in the Euro 2024 qualifiers

Hungary’s Peter Gulacsi in action during their match against Italy

For Hungary, although goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is back in the international fold after a year on the sidelines, Denes Dibusz should retain his spot between the sticks. Dániel Gazdag is injured and Ádám Szalai retired at the end of last year.

Martin Ádám will lead the line, after scoring his first two international goals back in March.

A goalless draw was recorded in Montenegro, either side of wins over Bulgaria and Lithuania on home territory, and Marco Rossi’s side are yet to concede a goal.

If they can keep another clean sheet it will hold them in good stead and ease them nearer to Germany next summer.

A word of warning also before you back Mitrovic, Milinković-Savić, Vlahovic et al.

In their last 13 fixtures, the Magyars have only lost twice – both times against Italy – with three victories over England and Germany during that period.

History

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This will be the fourth ever meeting between the two nations since Serbia replaced the former Yugoslavia.

The record currently stands at one win apiece and one draw.

All the clashes have come in the past three years.

In 2020, a goal from Norbert Könyves gave Hungary a 1-0 win in Belgrade in a Nations League match.

The return match in Budapest a month later was drawn as Zslot Kalmár cancelled out Nemanja Radonjić’s opener for the visitors.

The two sides met again in Budapest in the spring of last year in a friendly when an own goal decided the contest in favour of Serbia.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Serbia VS Hungary

September 8, 02:45 (GMT+8)

Half Time Full Time Draw – Home

@4.10

The home team are backed by the SBOTOP Euro 2024 qualifying betting odds.

Serbia can be tipped in a variety of ways, including First Half 1X2 @ 2.44, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.44, 1X2 @ 1.74, Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.01 and -1.00 @ 2.40.

For the Magyars, the options vary from First Half 1X2 @ 4.40 and First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 1.88 to 1X2 @ 3.90 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.11.

Another Hungary win in Budapest will pay out @ 11.00 with Correct Score 0-1.

A Serbia victory by the same scoreline is on offer @ 4.70.

If you expect goals, then it’s worth considering the usual array of bets such as over 2.50 @ 2.23, Total Goal 0-1 @ 2.50, 2-3 @ 1.83 and 4-6 @ 4.50.

I am going to opt for the hosts to emerge victorious over 90 minutes with their attacking firepower proving the difference.

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Euro 2024: England March to Germany via Poland

Ukraine vs England

England continue their Euro 2024 qualification campaign on Saturday with a testing fixture away to Ukraine.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine makes a match in their homeland impossible, Sergey Rebrov’s side will host the game in Wroclaw in Poland and it’s a clash they need to get a result from to keep their hopes of qualification alive. England top Group C with a maximum 12 points while Ukraine are in competition with Italy for the second place. They have six points from three games while Italy have three from two; North Macedonia and Malta are making up the numbers in Group C.

Gareth Southgate’s England have beaten all four of their group rivals, latterly thrashing North Macedonia 7-0 while Ukraine come into the game on the back of an edgy 1-0 victory over Malta. A win for the Three Lions would all but seal their ticket to Germany in 2024.

Talking Points

Will Southgate play Henderson?

Jordan Henderson of Al-Ettifaq will try to score goals for England squad against Ukraine in the Euro 2024 qualifiers

England midfielder Jordan Henderson during training with teammates James Maddison and Harry Kane

The Euro 2024 betting odds make England the joint favourites to win the tournament, alongside France, while hosts Germany will also be in the mix. After losing the 2021 final on penalties the Three Lions will be determined to go one step further in 2024 and they have a bright young group of players who can take on the rest of Europe. But Southgate has caused a few raised eyebrows with his selection of old boy Jordan Henderson, who recently joined his ex Liverpool mate Steven Gerrard at El- Ettifaq. Henderson was outspoken in his support of minorities when he was Liverpool captain but he managed to put those principles to one side when Stevie G came calling and the El-Ettifaq cheque book opened.

Southgate too has never been slow to take the high moral ground but he recently said it would be stupid to stop selecting Henderson since his move to Saudi, so I guess winning football matches matters more than anything else… and Hendo might even make an appearance on Saturday.

Another experienced campaigner, who does his talking on the pitch, Harry Kane, wants to add to his 58 goals from 84 games while Arsenal livewire Eddie Nketiah may be in line for his debut alongside tea-mate Bukayo Saka, who is sure to feature. And north London rival James Maddison, who has made an impressive start to his Tottenham Hotspur career could also be in line for a start as Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been withdrawn from the squad.

Their Euro 2024 results have been perfect so far, but the Three Lions face a stiff test when they meet Ukraine.

Mudryk can shine for Ukraine

After losing to England in their opener Ukraine beat both North Macedonia and Malta to move into second place and another positive result on Saturday will put them in a really strong position. And Rebrov has some very useful players to choose from, including 22 year old winger Mikhailo Mudryk. The former Shakhtar Donetsk star went to Chelsea with a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders and has, so far, struggled to deliver. He is yet to score for the Blues in 18 appearances, but new Chelsea Mauricio Pochettino has faith in his young star and has used him three times already this season. Mudryk’s lighting turn of pace can leave defenders standing and draw fouls in dangerous positions and, once Mudryk finds his feet, he can be devastating.

Dynamo Kyiv’s Andriy Yarmolenko is captain of Ukraine and he has 45 goals in 115 games, while there is more experience in the shape of Arsenal’s utility man Oleksander Zinchenko, who is a class act, and Everton wingback Vitali Mykolenko could also feature.

History

England have won five of their eight meetings with Ukraine, drawing two and losing just once. The Three Lions won 4-0 when the two teams clashed in the 2021 Euros quarter finals; and when they met in March England ran out 2-0 winners as Kane and Saka scored quick-fire goals just before half time.

In terms of recent form England have won five and lost one of the last six, while Ukraine have won three, drawn two and lost one.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Ukraine VS England

September 10, 12:00 (GMT +8)

England Asian Handicap -1.25

@ 2.00

Ukraine are at SBOTOP odds of 5.42 to win this game and 4.07 to draw, while the Three Lions are red hot favourites at a price of 1.41. The hosts are playing in neighbouring Poland but they will have plenty of support in Wroclaw and will make things difficult for England.

But I think the visitors, and particularly the likes of Saka and Maddison, will be able to cut open the Ukraine defence and the Three Lions will continue their march to Germany.

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Euro 2024: Scandinavia Showdown is Key to Qualification Hopes

Finland vs Denmark

The importance of this Euro 2024 qualifying tie in Helsinki on Sunday teatime simply cannot be underestimated.

These Nordic counterparts occupy the top two positions in Group H, and both are desperate to secure a place on Europe’s grandest stage of all next summer.

They also know the importance of Euro 2024 highlights because it’s so close in their pool and any slip-up could be pounced upon.

Talking Points

Both nations tasted victory on Thursday night.

Denmark, as you’d expect, were too strong for the minnows of San Marino, and the contest was over by the break as they opened up a three goal lead from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joakim Maehle, and Jonas Wind.

Yussuf Poulsen completed the rout in stoppage time as the Danes eventually ran out 4-0 winners.

It was a lot closer for the Finns in Kazakhstan, but Oliver Antman’s goal 12 minutes from time secured the points to keep them out in front at the top of the group.

Oliver Antman and his teammates will give their all to win against Denmark in their Euro 2024 qualifying match

Finland’s Oliver Antman celebrates with Robert Ivanov after scoring their first goal against Kazakhstan

That could prove a crucial goal too with Finland now three points above Thursday’s opponents and, if they see off the Danes (who they are currently two points above), they will be more than hopeful of securing a place at the European Championships for the second successive time and what would be only the second time in their history.

Indeed, if Finland win, Denmark may face an uphill task to qualify for the tournament.

Remember, this is a nation which actually bowed out of the World Cup at the group stages last winter.

They may have been unfortunate to lose to eventual finalists France late on in the group stages, thanks to someone I consider the best player in the world.

But failure to beat Tunisia or Australia did for the Scandinavians who need to up their game or risk missing out on the championships altogether.

The European Champions of 1992 – and that was truly wonderful – were semi-finalists at Euro 2020 (delayed and played two years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and only went out because of a very harsh decision that went against them in the semi-finals.

It would certainly be a surprise if they failed to qualify after being present at all bar two such tournaments over the past four decades.

Yet Slovenia and Kazakhstan are hot on their heels.

The two nations actually met in the group stages at the most recent European Championships just over two years ago, although that result was secondary in a match overshadowed by a collapse which thankfully did not turn out to be a tragedy.

Now they have been paired together again with two nations from the group of six – which also includes Northern Ireland and San Marino – automatically qualifying for the continental footballing jamboree in Germany.

Who can take a step closer this weekend?

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History

When they met in March, it was closely contested before two goals in the final eight minutes from new Manchester United man Rasmus Hojlund saw him score a hat-trick in a 3-1 win. Antman replied for Finland.

Despite their close proximity, Denmark and Finland have met just six times this century and, until six months ago, the countries had not competed in qualifying for a major international tournament since the build-up to the 1988 Euros, when the Danes won both matches by the same 1-0 scoreline.

Overall, Denmark have had a distinct advantage in this fixture with 39 wins compared to 12 Finland victories and nine draws.

A number of their meetings traditionally have come in the Nordic Championships, and the vast majority have been friendlies, including the very first game in 1925 which ended 3-3 in Aarhus.

The stats from that day show us Denmark took an early lead through Thorvald Schultz before a double from Verner Eklof and one from Aulis Koponen fired Finland into a 3-1 interval advantage.

Yet two goals in the second half from Pauli Jorgensen ensured the spoils were shared.

At the time of writing, the SBOTOP Euro 2024 betting odds for this match have yet to be announced.

But keep an eye on our site for there will be some tempting odds and an array of bets for such an important qualifier.

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Euro 2024: Austria Test is a Must-Win for Sweden

Sweden vs Austria

Sweden will be looking for revenge at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Tuesday, when Austria come to town, and also a vital win to get back in the hunt for a qualification place in a highly competitive Group F.

Austria won the return match in June thanks to late goals from Christoph Baumgartner earning them a 2-0 victory, and they are joint leaders of the Group, alongside the powerhouse of Belgium. Both teams have ten points from four games and Sweden are four points further back. The hosts come into the game on the back of a thumping 5-0 win in Estonia, and that makes this upcoming fixture, Euro 2024: Sweden vs Austria so much more enticing.

While Sweden were firing their way back into group contention, Austria drew a friendly against Moldova; and now the Sweden vs Austria betting odds say we are in for a battle royal in sunny Stockholm.

Talking Points

Isak can fire Sweden to Germany

Janne Anderson’s Sweden showed how much firepower they have against Estonia and they shared the goals around. Wide man Dejan Kulusevski is a key part of Tottenham Hotspur’s high flying team and he bagged a goal in the 5-0 win. Newcastle United star Alexander Isak and Sporting CP’s striker Viktor Gyokores both scored in the rout too, alongside Robin Quaison and Viktor Claessen.

Andersson has picked out Isak in particular for attention, as he believes the Premier League hot shot is ready to take another step up and become a leader for the Swedes. The 23 year old already has 41 caps for his country and Andersson believes he can improve on his goal per game ratio from ten in 41. Quaison and Gyokeres both have similar ratios but Isak is a Champions League player now and he has the most potential of the talented bunch.

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Isak has made five assists for his country too and, if he keeps firing then Sweden will start to beat the tougher sides. They also drubbed Azerbaijan 5-0, but as well as losing to Austria Andersson’s men slumped to a home defeat against Belgium.

At the other end of the pitch Aston Villa’s experienced keeper Robin Olsen has been getting game time at Villa Park, due to an injury to World Cup winner Emi Martinez, and he will start between the sticks. And the team is skippered by Manchester United centre back Victor Lindelof. They will score goals but they need to be on their game from back to front if Sweden are to prove they are not just flat track bullies.

Solid Austria will make it tough

Head coach Ralf Rangnick has transformed Austria into a solid outfit which has its sights set on a trip across to border to Germany next year. Skippered by Real Madrid’s wing back David Alaba, who has reached 102 caps for his country, Austria have beaten Estonia, Azerbaijan and Sweden at home as well as earning an impressive 1-1 draw away to group favourites Belgium.

Christoph Baumgartner of Austria will try to score goals against Sweden in Group F in the Euro 2024 qualifiers

Christoph Baumgartner scores the second goal of Austria against Sweden

The Red Bull Leipzig midfield trio of Baumbartner, Xaver Schalger and Nicolas Seiwald are ready to line up across the middle of the park and Austria have two experienced strikers to test Lindelof’s defence. Veteran striker Marko Arnautovic has joined Inter Milan on loan from Bologna this year and, with 34 goals from 109 internationals, he is a proven hitman, while SC Freiburg’s Michael Gregoritsch, five years younger at 29, is a powerful figure at 6ft 4in tall and he has a one in four goal ratio for club and country.

Where Austria may be stretched is in defence where, Alaba apart, they are a little short of international experience.

History

The Austrians have had the better of the recent head-to-head Sweden vs Austria results with six wins to Sweden’s three over the past ten meetings, including the last three encounters, and the 1-1 draw came before that sequence in 2014.

Austria are unbeaten in their last six games, winning four and drawing two, while Sweden have won four and drawn two over that period.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Sweden VS Austria

September 13, 02:45 (GMT +8)

Sweden Asian Handicap -0.25

@ 2.11

Sweden are priced at SBOTOP odds of 2.38 to win this game with Austria at 2.50 and the draw is at 3.01.

It will be a tight encounter and the visitors know that a point will put them in a very strong position to finish in the top two of Group F. A 1-0 home win is priced at 5.80 and I suspect that is where we are heading. Austria will be stubborn but Sweden will be well aware how important this game is, and they come into the clash bang in form.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 14-Sep-2023 at 4:33 PM