Austria vs Belgium
The venue is the striking Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna; the prize is a big one.
Put simply, when Austria and Belgium meet on Friday night, the winner will take it all.
Qualification for Euro 2024 awaits the victors as the two runaway leaders in European Championship qualifying Group F go head-to-head.
Belgium may be ranked second in the world but have only won three of their last seven outings, while Austria (ranked 33rd) are on a four-match winning streak in all competitions.
So, could we be in for a home party?
Talking Points
When these two met in Brussels in June, the contest ended 1-1.
They remain the only points that either nation have dropped in a pool that also comprises Sweden and the minnows of Azerbaijan and Estonia.
On that occasion Eden Hazard received a farewell ceremony on the field together with his former team-mates.
The Belgian playmaker also enjoyed an honorary lap around the field when Austria’s supporters, sportingly, stayed behind to applaud.
There is an irony then, in the week Hazard officially retired from football, that one of the pin-up boys of their ‘golden generation’ – one which produced magic moments but, ultimately no silverware (a third place finish at the 2018 World Cup represents their best achievement) – this fixture presents with an opportunity to complete the first chapter in their evolution.
For Belgium are very much needing to rediscover their mojo following a disappointing outing at last year’s World Cup when they were knocked out in the group stage itself, despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites.
The Red Devils of international football are certainly eager to put that behind them and, with Roberto Martinez resigning in the wake of Qatar 2022, Domenico Tedesco was handed the reins of the national team.
Austria also have a fairly new man at the helm, although Ralf Rangnick has been there since last summer, appointed as his interim role as manager of Manchester United was drawing to a close.
His task is to ensure the Austrians reach a major tournament for only the fourth time in a quarter of a century.
There is room for optimism for Austrians for, while the nation has not reached a World Cup Finals since 1998, they have made the Euros twice since their maiden appearance in 2008.
Three years ago they reached the last 16 and pushed eventual winners Italy all the way in extra-time.
During his six months in charge at Old Trafford, Rangnick became the first United manager in 20 years to appoint a full-time sports psychologist as he vowed to “get into the hearts, brains and blood” of his players.
Throughout his career, his methods have reportedly not been to everyone’s liking but he has carried out a steady job since taking charge and has not lost a game since a Nations League defeat to Croatia just over a year ago.
That period has included impressive successes over reigning European champions Italy, and European Championship qualifying highlights via a double success over Sweden.
Overall, I do expect both Austria and Belgium to qualify for next summer’s showpiece – the winner on Friday night will be first past the post.
History
Austria last defeated Belgium in 1959.
Since then, the two teams have met six times with two Belgian victories and four draws, including that 1-1 sharing of the spoils in June.
On that occasion, Romelu Lukaku cancelled out Michael Gregoritsch’s first half opener for the visitors.
When they last met in Austria in a Euro 2012 qualifying tie in March 2011, an Axel Witsel double sealed a 2-0 Belgium victory,
The earlier fixture, five months earlier, had remarkably ended 4-4 with both nations scoring goals in the 90th minute.
Overall, Belgium have actually only defeated the Austrians twice with four draws and nine Austrian triumphs.
Their very first meeting came in a friendly in December 1925 in Ougree.
It was a seven goal thriller won by the Austrians with Gustav Wieser, Johann Horvath, Wilhelm Cutti and Viktor Hierlander their marksmen as they raced into a 3-0 lead inside 10 minutes.
Yvan Thys, Maurice Gillis and Raymond Braine replied for Belgium.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP European Championship qualifying betting odds give a slight edge to Belgium.
They are on offer 1X2 @ 2.43 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.21.
Austria are priced slightly away from that, 1X2 @ 2.64 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.42.
Another 1-1 draw will pay out @ 5.20 with Correct Score.
If you think there will be a fair few goals, over 2.75 is priced @ 2.25, total goal 0-1 @ 3.85, 2-3 @ 1.81 and 4-6 @ 3.50.
I think these two are closely matched and both will have to wait to seal their place at Euro 2024 as my *** tip is 1X2 Draw @ 3.20.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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