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With just over a year to go until the winter World Cup in the desert we smash head first into the final round of qualification games for Qatar 2022 on Thursday. For some teams it’s the end of the line, for others it could be the start of something special.
For Liechtenstein it’s a chance to try and possibly register a shot off target against Germany if they’re really, really lucky. Hope springs eternal, eh?
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As usual with the European World Cup qualifiers we’ve got some of the biggest footballing nations on the planet in action as well as service stations and far-flung islands that battle it out with the UK in Eurovision to finish last.
So with all the fun of the fair on offer for the last time until March, here’s a fab Thursday four-fold for the European World Cup qualifiers. Let’s see what value is about to kick off another international week in the 7.45pm games.
* An acca with these bets pays at approximately 36/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Germany v Liechtenstein – Germany to Win and Under 4.5 Goals
For what it’s worth, I do think there’s a chance Liechtenstein will register a shot off target against Germany on Thursday night. They managed two against their prestigious opponents back in September in a, oh look at this, narrow 2-0 win for Die Mannschaft. Paddy’s benchmark for goals in this one is in the 5.5 region.
Germany have only passed that barrier once in this qualification campaign (against Armenia) while the visitors have conceded five on one occasion (against North Macedonia). Sure, Germany could probably put 15 past Liechtenstein if they really needed to but, the thing is, they really don’t.
They’re already qualified and will just be looking to get through this with the minimum of fuss. Liechtenstein’s recent goals conceded reads like an over in the T20 World Cup (trust me) with 4, 4, 1, 2, 2 and 4 in their last six. They seem to defend for their lives when the dreaded fifth is on the horizon and, with a certain amount of lethargy surely in the home camp, it’s worth siding with Germany to Win and Under 4.5 Goals.
Greece v Spain – Spain to Win to Nil
It’s squeaky bum time for Luis Enrique’s improving Spain as they head to Greece looking to topple Sweden at the summit of Group B. The Swedes hold a precious two-point lead over the Spaniards who could still be overhauled by Greece and miss out on a playoff spot.
A Greek tragedy for Spain would potentially end their hopes of a 1st place finish and put the hosts to within one point of their visitors. To add some extra spice into the mix, Sweden head to Spain on the final matchday.
But in this game I think Spain’s quality, combined with their desperate for the points, will see them through. Greece score just over a goal a game and Enrique’s side have improved no end at the back, keeping a clean sheet in their last two qualifiers. I’m backing them to make it three and for Spain to Win to Nil.
Romania v Iceland – Romania to Win to Nil
Romania host Iceland in Group J looking to keep their slender grip on 2nd and a playoff place. The home side here are just a point clear of North Macedonia and Armenia with two to play. It’s important to mention that Iceland are no longer the stubborn giant-killers they once were.
Arnar Viðarsson’s side have lost four of their eight games, winning just two against whipping boys Liechtenstein. By all accounts Romania should be winning this one fairly comfortably at home.
We can bolt on value by adding a Romanian clean sheet onto our bet slip. Iceland have scored 11 goals in eight games with eight of them coming against Liechtenstein. Romania to Win to Nil came in when these two met earlier in the campaign and with the home side conceding just a goal a game so far I’m backing their good form at the back to continue against the toothless Icelanders.
Slovakia v Slovenia – Over 2.5 Goals
To Group H and a dead rubber where Slovakia take on Slovenia with both sides tied on 10 points in 3rd and 4th. Neither can qualify or make the playoffs as Croatia in 2nd have a seven-point cushion over the pair with two to play.
It’s been a real slog of a campaign for both sides with both scoring just nine times in their eight games, with Slovenia conceding nine and Slovakia eight. Thrilling stuff. However, I’m going to go against the grain in this one.
I’m hoping for an end-of-term feel with both sides deciding to enjoy themselves a little bit with nothing to play for other than Slov pride. As such, I’m going to take a punt on Over 2.5 Goals with value a little tricky in this encounter. Come on lads, let your hair down.
Thursday football acca
Germany v Liechtenstein – Germany to Win and Under 4.5 Goals
Greece v Spain – Spain to Win to Nil
Romania v Iceland – Romania to Win to Nil
Slovakia v Slovenia – Over 2.5 Goals
* An acca with these bets pays at approximately 36/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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