European World Cup Qualifiers Betting Tips

European World Cup qualifiers are back with a bang as nations look to book themselves a ticket to Qatar. Let’s look at some interesting matches to bet on. 

Portugal v Turkey

Portugal face Turkey in the World Cup 2022 qualifications with both sides aiming to seal a berth to Qatar. Portugal finished in second place while Turkey fell short to the Netherlands who won the group. Portugal has qualified for all World Cup finals since 1998. Portugal has suffered one defeat at home in World Cup Qualifiers since 2008 with the loss coming against Serbia. Before that loss against Serbia in November, they had won 10 games in a row at home. 

Turkey has failed to reach the World Cup finals since their historical bronze medal success in 2002 Korea/ Japan. Portugal has met Turkey eight times and won six of those matches. Their recent fixture came in 2012 with Turkey winning 3-1. Fernando Santos’s side will be eager to record a victory at home. So put them to win in 90 minutes.

Suggested Bet: Portugal to win

Italy v North Macedonia

Italy will welcome North Macedonia hoping to put the disappointment of sealing the automatic qualification behind them. Italy has faced this opponent twice with the Azzuri claiming one win and a draw. Italy has never failed to qualify for the World Cup twice in a row, they missed out on the 1958 edition before making it into 1962. Italy has never lost a World Cup qualifying match at home and is a firm favourite for the today’s clash. 

Macedonia has three wins and one draw in the last four matches away from home in the World Cup qualifying games. North Macedonia last game away against Italy ended in a 1-1 draw during the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. Macedonia has lost one of their last seven World Cup qualifying games. 

Roberto Mancini is under pressure to give a reigning European champion a ticket to Qatar so bet a home side to win in 90 minutes.

Suggested Bet: Italy to win

Sweden v Czech Republic

Sweden squares off with the Czech Republic today with the winners facing Poland. Sweden hasn’t suffered a home loss since September 2020. Sweden has never lost to the Czech Republic before with the pair meeting three times over the years and with the home advantage, the Scandinavians are the favourites to progress through to the play-off finals

Both teams have scored in each of the three last meetings between these two nations with their last game in 2016 ending in a 1-1 draw Sweden have scored 5-goals in their last two home games combined and top scorer Isak has 4-goals in qualifying so far. The Czech Republic have scored in each of their last five international matches, including 7-goals against Kuwait back in November, so you can see why we’re backing both teams to score. A draw seems to be a good bet for the match.

Suggested Bet: Draw