EURO 2024 Qualifiers, Play-Off Matches (26.03)

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Qualifiers

 

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Georgia vs Greece Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Georgia:
Mamardashvili; Kvirkvelia, Dvali, Kashia; Kakabadze, Kiteishvili, Chakvetadze, Kochorashvili, Shengelia; Zivzivadze, Kvaratskhelia

Greece:
Vlachodimos; Baldock, Mavropanos, Hatzidiakos, Tsimikas; Bakasetas, Kourbelis, Mantalos; Masouras, Ioannidis, Pelkas

Georgia will welcome Greece to Tbilisi in Euro 2024 qualifying playoff on Tuesday night. Willy Sagnol's men managed to beat the 10-man Luxembourg in the semi-final three days ago. Georgia, who missed out their key player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia due to suspension, scored two unanswered goals and won 2:0. Striker Budu Zivzivadze, a member of Germany Second Bundesliga side Karlsruhe, was the nation's hero having netted either side of the half-time whistle. The Crusaders now need only one more victory to secure a ticket for Germany and to complete Euro 2024 Group F, where Portugal, Turkey and the Czech Republic are waiting the fourth national team. The fact Georgia have the home advantage in this match should not be underestimated. They are very strong hosts and only Spain managed to celebrate in Tbilisi in the qualifications. Kvaratskhelia is now available for selection and should start from the first minute, although his deputy Zivzivadze impressed against Luxembourg. It won't be a big surprise if Sagnol decide to begin the match with both of them.

Greece were fantastic in the semifinal, winning 5:0 against Kazakhstan. The match was decided in the first half when Gustavo Poyet's men have scored four goals through Anastasios Bakasetas, Dimitrios Pelkas, Fotis Ioannidis and Dimitrios Kourbelis. The second half wasn't efficient and produced just one goal. The goal was scored by Kazakhstan's Erkin Tapalov, but went on Greece account as it was an own goal. The Pirates Crew controlled the game and tried to avoid injuries and suspensions. I believe the players confidence is very big after the high victory. The overall form is also good, they have just one defeat in the last six matches - the narrow 1:0 loss to the Netherlands. Poyet was happy with the fact none of his men sustained injury or pick up suspension against Kazakhstan on Thursday. The centre-back Pantelis Hatzidiakos was taken off at the half-time as a precaution. He has already received a yellow card, so Poyet decided to avoid any risk. Another yellow card would mean sending-off and subsequent suspension for the Tuesday's final. Odysseas Vlachodimos remains Greece first-choice goalkeeper despite the fact he is reserve in Nottingham Forest.

Georgia vs Greece Prediction:

I expect a tight match. Georgia have suffered just a single defeat in their 11 appearances in Tbilisi. It is true the defeat was very painful as they lost 7:1 to Spain, but the Red Fury are different level, they are class above the other. Greece are not that strong, however, they are experienced side with good individuals. Georgia have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, a player able to make a difference in any game. But good defense is a trademark for Greece since the Euro 2004 when they lifted the trophy. Greece are celebrating the 20th anniversary of that astonishing continental success. Poyet's men are in good form, with just one loss on their their last six games. Considering the previously mentioned reasons, I think both coaches will be very careful. This match could go into extra-time, maybe even we will see penalties.

Georgia vs Greece Pick: Draw @ 2.90 with Everygame

 

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Ukraine vs Iceland Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Ukraine:
Lunin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Zinchenko, Brazhko; Zubkov, Sudakov, Mudryk; Dovbyk

Iceland:
Valdimarsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Thorarinsson; Thorsteinsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson, Willumsson; Gudmundsson, Oskarsson

Ukraine host Iceland in the Euro 2024 qualifying playoff on Tuesday evening. Due to the war with Russia, this match will be played on neutral venue, in the Polish city of Wroclaw. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian fans will be the big majority at Tarczynski Arena. Sergiy Rebrov's men were far from impressive in the semifinal, but two late goals were enough to register a 2:1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and to advance to the final match. The Blue and Yellow were on the brink of elimination after Mykola Matvienko's unfortunate own goal, but two moments of inspiration of Roman Yaremchuk changed the course of the match inside three minutes. First he equalized in the 85th minute, while three minutes later assisted Girona striker Artem Dovbyk to head home the winner. The home fans left the stadium heavily disappointed, while the Ukrainians celebrated the success. Rebrov was also happy with the fact none of his men sustained injury or pick up suspension on Thursday. However, Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov was absent from the squad entirely due to injury. He is now training again, but the last word is on the medical team. Should Tsygankov not be deemed fit enough for a starting role on Tuesday, then Yaremchuk is a natural option after his impressive performance against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Of course, Yaremchuk could play the role of super substitute again.

Iceland managed to beat Israel 4:1 in the semi-final played in the Hungarian capital Budapest. I believe the players confidence is very big after the high victory. The start of the match wasn't as expected and Eran Zahavi gave the Israelis a lead from a penalty on the half-hour mark. However, Iceland equalized less than 10 minutes later through Gudmundsson's fine free-kick and Arnor Traustason's strike turned the match around just three minutes before half-time. Israel’s Roy Revivo was sent off in the 73rd minute but his team was then handed a golden opportunity to equalize when Gudmundur Thorarinsson was penalized for handball. However, this time Zahavi missed and Iceland soon made him pay. In the 83rd minute, Gudmundsson grabbed his second goal of the night after a surging run and then completed his hat-trick as the clock ran down. Nevertheless, Iceland paid a high prize for the victory. Two important players - goalscorer Traustason and Blackburn Rovers winger Arnor Sigurdsson - were both withdrawn through injury. They are rated as doubtful and it is clear that's a big problem for the coach Hareide, particularly because Johann Berg Gudmundsson is struggling with a thigh injury which is more serious than first thought.

Ukraine vs Iceland Prediction:

Coach Rebrov has most of his key players ready for this clash, including the Premier League stars Mykhaylo Mudrik from Chelsea, Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal, Vitalii Mykolenko from Everton and Artem Dovbyk, from La Liga surprise Girona. On contrary, Hareide has three injured players - Arnor Ingvi Traustason, Arnor Sigurdsson and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are all rated as highly doubtful. Ukraine will have a huge support from the fans, despite the fact this match will be played in Poland. Finally, it is not impossible some referee's decision to be on their side. I am well aware that Turpin from France is between the best European referees, but "conspiracy theories" are always part of the football.

Ukraine vs Iceland Pick: Ukraine to win @ 1.50 with Pinnacle