Euro qualifiers take centre stage this weekend
Euro 2024 qualifiers takes centre stage this weekend with the Netherlands, within a whisker of qualifying, hosting Ireland at the Johan Cruyff stadium, while Euro 2024 host Germany will take on Turkey in a mouth-watering friendly international as they continue their build-up to the tournament.
Event # 1 – EURO Qual – Netherlands vs Ireland – 2:45 PM
Netherlands are very close to qualifying for the Euro 2024 championship, as they sit third in their group, level on points with Greece, having played a game less than the Greeks. Indeed, victory for the Netherlands on Saturday against Ireland would see them booking their ticket for the tournament next year. They enter this crucial game having won three of their last four matches, including a 1-0 victory over these opponents in their last match, scoring deep into stoppage time to put themselves on the brink of qualification. Once the Netherlands avoid defeat on home soil, they will be guaranteed of finishing second in the group, behind winners France who have already qualified for the finals.
Ireland, on the other hand, cannot finish in the top two and will be playing for pride, having won just two of their six games played so far, both against Gibraltar. Indeed, Ireland have lost three of their previous four games with their sole victory coming against Gibraltar, a 4-0 win. With that said, beating the Netherlands away from home will prove to be a difficult task for Ireland as they have lost nine of their last 13 away matches in all competitions.
Key Stats
Netherlands – Netherlands have scored 39 goals in their last 41 matches and have scored a goal or more in their last 18 home matches. There have been over 2.5 goals in nine of the Netherlands last 10 matches.
Ireland – Ireland have lost five of their last seven matches in all competitions but they have scored in eight of their last 10 away matches. Ireland have won just two of their previous 10 Euro Qualification away matches (both against Gibraltar).
Both sides – Netherlands defeated Ireland 2-1 two months ago in their last meeting and nine of their last 10 matches have seen over 2.5 goals being scored.
The betting Tip. Netherlands win.
Event # 2 INT Friendly – Germany vs Turkey – 12:00 PM
Germany will host Turkey on Saturday as they continue their round of international friendlies in their build-up to the Euro 2024 tournament for which they are the host.
However, it has been a rocky last 12 months for the Germans, as they seek a second win in their last three matches under new Coach Julian Nagelsmann. Indeed, it has hardly been the ideal preparation to host the Euro 2024 for Germany, as they have already moved on to their second coach this year after dismissing Hansi Flick.
Confidence around the German team is at an all-time low for the past recent months, but performances have improved significantly following the appointment of new Coach Julian Nagelsmann. Yes indeed, they enter this match unbeaten in their three international friendlies, which has been the perfect response to the 4-1 battering dished out on them by Japan in September.
Meanwhile, Turkey appears to be on track to book their spot at the Euro’s next summer, as they sit top of their group. The Turks have won five of their last seven Euro qualifiers and enter this friendly in excellent form after winning four of their last five matches in all competitions. Indeed, Turkey were impressive in the last international break, as they defeated Croatia 1-0 away from home, before brushing aside Latvia 4-0 in another dominant display. Based on current form, Turkey could be among the dark horses to win the Euro 2024 tournament next summer. With that said, Turkey, having already qualified for Euro 2024 will be using this game to fine-tune their squad for their final qualifier against Wales next week.
Key Stats
Germany – Germany are unbeaten under new Coach Julian Nagelsmann (3 matches). However, they have won two, drawn one, and lost two of their last five matches.
Turkey – Turkey have lost just one of their last six matches and have scored in each of those six matches.
Both sides – Germany are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Turkey.
The betting Tip. Turkey win or draw.