Big European World Cup Qualifying Games this Weekend
The World Cup qualifying games are starting again this weekend and there are some big games that will determine if some European teams are heading to South Africa and if some are staying home next summer. Here are some of the big games this weekend and their approximate odds from a few sportsbooks.
Sweden (5.5) at Portugal (1.6) Draw 3.5
Both of these teams have 5 points in Group 1, but the Swedes have played one less game. They are tied for 3rd place in the group, which is a surprise, trailing Denmark, Hungary, and even Albania. Both teams need to win this game, as the loser may miss next year’s World Club. This would be a major blow to Portugal, who reached the semi-finals in 2006.
Hungary (2.5) at Albania (2.7) Draw 3.3
Hungary has 7 points and leads Group 1, while Albania is a surprising second with 6 points. The Hungarians really need to win, as they are co-leaders with Denmark, who will play, and will win, against Malta in their next game. Albania can keep their World Cup hopes alive with a home win.
Greece (2.8) at Israel (2.35) Draw 3.10
Greece leads Group 2 with 9 points and Israel is right behind with 8 points. The winner of this game should play next summer, while the loser will battle with Switzerland for the last spot in, perhaps, the weakest group.
Poland (2.10) at Northern Ireland (3.55) Draw – 3.20 and Czech Republic (2.oo) at Slovenia (3.60) Draw 3.30
All of these teams have 7 points in Group 3 and trail surprising Slovakia by 2 points. Poland and Czech Republic are the favorites in this group and need to win their away games this weekend.
Turkey (8.5) at Spain (1.4) Draw 4.5
Spain can, pretty much, punch their ticket to South Africa with a home win. Spain has 12 points and Turkey has 8 points and leads 3rd place Belgium by 1 point. Belgium plays Bosnia-Herzegovina this weekend and they need to win if they want to keep their World Cup hopes alive. If they lose it looks as if Turkey will go through regardless if they win or lose.
France (1.55) at Lithuania (5.5) Draw – 3.5 and Serbia (3.20) at Romania (2.10) Draw 3.10
In the surprising Group 7 favorites France and Romania only have 4 points while Serbia and major shock Lithuania have 9 points. This game is a must win for the French and Serbs. If Lithuania or Serbia can upset their opponents they will be in a good position to play in next summer’s World Cup.
Scotland (9.00) at Holland (1.33) Draw 5.5
The Dutch are running away with Group 9 with 9 points, while Scotland is tied with Iceland with 4 points. The Scots really could use at least a tie in this game or they will battle with Iceland, Macedonia, and Norway for 2nd place in the group.
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