Europe UEFA Nations League, 1-4 June
- Thread starter spkutano
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Scotland @2.30
Over 2 @1.91
Scotland
Scotland managed just one win in their first four World Cup qualifiers but won their final six to finish in second spot in Group F, behind Denmark, and since then they have played out two friendly draws with quality opponents in the shape of Poland (2-2 at home) and Austria (1-1 away).
Ukraine
Ukraine finished in second place behind France in Group D and managed to come through qualification unbeaten - but they did draw six of their eight games. Given the situation in Ukraine, I would imagine most neutrals will be supporting the away side in this match-up but that will count for very little at Hampden Park on Wednesday.
Over 2 @1.91
Analysis:
The match between Scotland vs Ukraine for the Europe - World Cup Qualifying competition is scheduled to be played on 01 June, 2022. The match kicks off at 19:45 UK time. It will take place at the Hampden Park, in Glasgow.Scotland
Scotland managed just one win in their first four World Cup qualifiers but won their final six to finish in second spot in Group F, behind Denmark, and since then they have played out two friendly draws with quality opponents in the shape of Poland (2-2 at home) and Austria (1-1 away).
Ukraine
Ukraine finished in second place behind France in Group D and managed to come through qualification unbeaten - but they did draw six of their eight games. Given the situation in Ukraine, I would imagine most neutrals will be supporting the away side in this match-up but that will count for very little at Hampden Park on Wednesday.
Croatia vs Austria Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Croatia:
Livakovic; Vida, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Juranovic, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Barisic; Kramaric, Brekalo
Austria:
Lindner; Lainer, Lienhart, Posch, Alaba; Schlager, Laimer, Baumgartner; Arnautovic, Kalajdzic, Sabitzer
Croatia welcome Austria in Osijek as both national teams are looking for first points in the new edition of UEFA Nations League. They are part of the League A Group 1 alongside France and Denmark. World Cup 2018 vice-champions Croatia failed to impress in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League, picking up just three points from their six matches. However, the Blazers were excellent in the qualifications for World Cup and secured a ticket for Qatar. Zlatko Dalic's men finished top of Group H, picking up 23 points from their 10 matches courtesy of a record of seven wins, two draws and just one defeat. But the change of generations and the absence of many players from the previous tournament complicate the matters and it would be a big surprise if they were able to repeat the success in Qatar. About this match, the veteran midfielder player Luka Modric is rated as doubtful following his involvement for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Liverpool. Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and Marcelo Brozovic from Inter will surely start in midfield. About the attack, Andrej Kramaric will probably lead the line together with Josip Brekalo.
Austria were promoted to League's top flight after topped their group in League B in the previous edition of UEFA Nations League. They are class below the other three national teams in the group (France, Croatia and Denmark), so it will be very hard to avoid the fourth place. Nevertheless, their ambitions are higher with the new coach. Ralf Rangnick, who had a disappointing period in Manchester United, is the new boss. He was unable to secure Top-4 finish for United and had to leave Old Trafford. However, the German coach find a new job quickly and took charge of the Austrian national team. This will be Rangnick's debut and the result from this match is very important. A defeat in Osijek will instantly produce a big pressure from the Austrian public. A poor display is equally bad, so Rengnick needs good result and solid performance of his players at the same time. Knowing Austria have a good attack, I think they are able to find the back of the net. After all, they have scored 11 goals on the last four matches. Plus, they failed to keep a single clean sheet on the mentioned games. Marko Arnautovic is in fine form, he is the leading goalscorer in the squad with 32 goals and should lead the line together with Marcel Sabitzer and Sasa Kalajdzic. David Alaba has recently struggled with injury problems, so he is rated as doubtful.
Croatia vs Austria Prediction:
Croatia are big favorites against Austria, particularly because the match will be played at Stadion Gradski vrt in Osijek. The fans will give a maximal support to their players. Nevertheless, the Austrians should not be underestimated. They will start with an offensive 4-3-3 formation and I believe they are able to score. Four of Croatia's last 6 games have witnessed both teams score, while each of Austria's last 4 fixtures have ended with both teams scoring. I expect an efficient match in Osijek.
Croatia vs Austria Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.90 with Everygame
