World Cup Qualifying 9th Sep

[MickeyPaul]

Well, it's the usual story for Scotland in the world cup qualifying isn't it? Must win game against a team I don't think we can beat, even though they've already made it. And even if we beat them we still might miss out on a play-off. Sigh.

Macedonia really should have scored 2 or 3 on Saturday and that has to be a major concern on top of the absolutely dire first half performance (DIRE!). At least there's something to play for but I'm already preparing for another broken heart (sniff).

Does anyone honestly think Scotland can beat them?

09 Sep 16:20 Czech Republic v San Marino 1.01 12.00 51.00
09 Sep 17:00 Armenia v Belgium 6.00 3.75 1.50
09 Sep 17:15 Faroe Islands v Lithuania 7.50 4.75 1.33
09 Sep 17:30 Malta v Sweden 13.00 7.50 1.12
09 Sep 18:00 Belarus v Ukraine 4.50 3.40 1.72
09 Sep 18:00 Norway v FYR Macedonia 1.57 3.75 5.25
09 Sep 18:30 Liechtenstein v Finland 10.00 4.75 1.28
09 Sep 18:45 Romania v Austria 1.40 4.33 6.50
09 Sep 19:00 Andorra v Kazakhstan 7.00 4.50 1.36
09 Sep 19:00 Bosnia-Herzegovina v Turkey 2.60 3.25 2.50
09 Sep 19:00 Israel v Luxembourg 1.083 7.50 21.00
09 Sep 19:15 Montenegro v Cyprus 1.72 3.50 4.33
09 Sep 19:30 Albania v Denmark 5.50 4.00 1.50
09 Sep 19:30 Latvia v Switzerland 3.50 3.30 1.95
09 Sep 19:30 Moldova v Greece 7.00 4.20 1.40
09 Sep 19:30 Scotland v Holland 2.87 3.25 2.30
09 Sep 19:45 Germany v Azerbaijan 1.02 9.50 41.00
09 Sep 19:45 Hungary v Portugal 5.25 3.75 1.57
09 Sep 19:45 Northern Ireland v Slovakia 2.50 3.25 2.60
09 Sep 19:45 Slovenia v Poland 2.50 3.25 2.60
09 Sep 19:45 Wales v Russia 5.50 3.75 1.53
09 Sep 19:50 Italy v Bulgaria 1.30 4.50 10.00
09 Sep 20:00 England v Croatia 1.61 3.40 5.50
09 Sep 20:00 Serbia v France 2.75 3.20 2.40
09 Sep 21:00 Spain v Estonia 1.03 10.00 29.00

Odds from bet365

[slick]

Nothings impossible Mickey but it will be a task and half, I think your best bet is that Holland turn up for a stroll in the park even then it will take every Scots player to give 110% to get anywhere near them, I suppose you could try booting them off the field but upsetting them may cause them to go up gear
i don't know as if that was Scotland at there best when it matters against Macedonia then 2.3's looks a good price for Holland.

I think 5.25's is also a good price for Macedonia in game which has so much riding on it for both sides.

[Bigkegman]

the 1st half was dismal and anything about evens on holland looks a steal.... i cant see scotland getting a draw tbh

[MickeyPaul]

I said to my pal today, what odds do you think Holland are @ and he said 1.50 I think realistically they're an evens shout even having qualified. It's plain to see how easily our defence is opened up and you can be sure Holland won't be skying 3 or 4 chances inside the box. Guh. I bet there's some qualifying record Holland are going for too just to make it worse.

We can't beat them. I'm taking Holland to do a Celtic v Arsenal, much as it pains me.

[poltmcm]

Holland are going for thier first ever clean sweep 100% in Qaulifying they will do it, not going to bum up Scotlands chance after what happened at the weekend, Usual story here me thinks high hopes dashed !! and this time in phenomenal style of the mighty dutch masters. here is the bets i've already placed and odds, not mentioning points as no point lol. All bets placed at Paddypower

Holland to win 4-1 500/1
Holland to win 4-0 400/1
Holland to win 3-1 100/1
Holland to win 3-0 60/1
Holland -1 FT handicap 7/2 (NB)
Holland -2 FT handicap 10/1
Holland HT handicap -1 9/1 (NAP)

With odds like those and a team like them, i need to back them to the hilt.

[trickrick]

Faroe Islands v Lithuania

Well whilst everyone is focusing on the big games on Wednesday, I am again looking at the minnows for what I hope are the best bets.. Faroe Islands languish at the bottom on their Group on 1 point. However Lithuania are not particularly flying on 5 pts. Faroe Islands are obviously included in the minnows camp that include Andorra and San Marino, but to be fair Faroe Islands are much better than the aforementioned teams..They are a stubbon team and give little away at home. They actually give nothing for themselves either but that makes a low scoring game. Historically of the 7 matches between the Faroes and Lith, they have only produced 3 goals on 2 occasions with 4 of the matches having no goals or 1 goal scored in the entire match.

Faroes really make it tough at home and only 2 of their last 9 WC Qualifiers have resulted in over 2 goals, and these 7 include 2 games against France, against Serbia and Eire.

Lithuania pull up no trees away from home either. Of the last 9 WC Qaulifiers away, only 2 have been overs. The unders matches include against the mighty San Marino

I would have thought (well actually I think) that this is definite unders match and the fact that it is Faroe Islands appears to have put the Bookies off identifying this and giving it lower odds. Therefore I am going in heavy on the 1.80 on offer for the unders..


Faroe Islands v Lithuania – Under 2.5 goals – 10pt stake @ 1.80 (Expekt)

[trickrick]

Norway v Macedonia

Well it's simple.. Both teams need to win and hope Scotland lose.. It all or nothing and therefore caution goes to the wind with this one..

Both teams play quite freely anyhow with Norway home matches (all competitions) currently stand at 10 overs out of the last 12. Macedonia away matches (all competitions) stand at 7 overs out of last 10..

Surprised to see the overs at odds against so gonna take the generous 2.10 that Stan James offer..

Norway v Macedonia - over 2.5 goals - 4 pt stake @ 2.10 (Stan James)

[trickrick]

Belarus v Ukraine

Final bet for me this Wednesday..

Ukraine must see this as an opportunity to catch Croatia in the race to second place, particularly knowing that a victory will put extra pressure on Croatia.

Ukraine warmed up for this game with a 5-0 victory over Andorra. Belarus are no push overs but their victories have all been against Andorra twice and Belarus, and they have always come unstuck against the 'bigger' teams in the group.

Ukraine should take this by a couple of goals..

Belarus v Ukraine (-0.5 asian handicap) 4 pt stake @ 1.90 (Bet365)

[trickrick]

Israel v Luxembourg

Well I did say I was done with the 3 bets I placed above, but I’ve decided to go for a FINAL quite adventurous bet (for me !)

Israel really did crash and burn on Saturday losing at home to Latvia, which resulted in a crushing blow for them.. Qualification is looking very unlikely now.. However playing Luxembourg should be the big pick me up tonic for them to bounce back and celebrate a morale boosting heavy victory over so called minnows?? Or will it..??

Israel are not great starters in matches and of their 7 games in this group only 2 have resulted in first half goals for them. Of course they have the motivation and chance – just - to qualify, but it could take them quite a while to get going in this match.

Luxembourg really could make it difficult for them. Like Faroe Islands they are a step up from the true minnows of this world. As shown on Saturday they can make it difficult when they held Moldova to a goaless draw – as per my handicap bet on Luxembourg Ok Moldova aren’t a world beating side, but Lux showed that they can frustrate and lets not forget their famous and fairly recent victory away at table topping Switzerland

I can see Israel winning, but not before a frustrating 45 minutes.. I am therefore going to gamble on a draw at half time, but I also cannot resist odds of 17.00 for Lux to take a first half lead..

Israel v Luxembourg (X) at half time – 3 pt stake @ 3.80 (Expekt)
Israel v Luxembourg (2) at half time – 0.5 stake @ 17.00 (Bet365)

[slick]

I was gonna whip through the groups again for with/nothing to play for teams but the BBC have allready done it for me..


FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group One Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Denmark 7 5 2 0 14 3 11 17
2 Hungary 7 4 1 2 9 4 5 13
3 Sweden 7 3 3 1 8 3 5 12
4 Portugal 7 2 4 1 9 5 4 10
5 Albania 8 1 3 4 4 8 -4 6
6 Malta 8 0 1 7 0 21 -21 1

Wednesday's Group 1 fixtures:
Malta v Sweden (1830 BST)
Albania v Denmark (1930 BST)
Hungary v Portugal (1945 BST)

Denmark will qualify if they beat Albania and Hungary lose and Sweden fail to win. If Hungary beat Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo et al are almost certain to miss out on the World Cup - the Hungarians will only need another point to ensure Portugal are doomed. Sweden are desperate to secure an expected win in Malta, as their next match is away to Denmark.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group Two Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Switzerland 7 5 1 1 13 6 7 16
2 Greece 7 4 1 2 12 6 6 13
3 Latvia 7 4 1 2 11 6 5 13
4 Israel 7 2 3 2 10 9 1 9
5 Luxembourg 7 1 2 4 3 13 -10 5
6 Moldova 7 0 2 5 2 11 -9 2

Wednesday's Group 2 fixtures:
Israel v Luxembourg (1900 BST)
Moldova v Greece (1930 BST)
Latvia v Switzerland (1930 BST)

No-one can qualify on Wednesday. However, Switzerland will be on the brink if they beat Latvia and Greece lose to Moldova - they will need one point from their final two matches to ensure qualification.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group Three Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Slovakia 7 5 1 1 19 8 11 16
2 Northern Ireland 8 4 2 2 13 7 6 14
3 Poland 7 3 2 2 19 8 11 11
4 Slovenia 7 3 2 2 10 4 6 11
5 Czech Republic 7 2 3 2 8 6 2 9
6 San Marino 8 0 0 8 1 37 -36 0

Wednesday's Group 3 fixtures:
Czech Rep v San Marino (1620 BST)
N Ireland v Slovakia (1945 BST)
Slovenia v Poland (1945 BST)

Slovakia will qualify if they beat Northern Ireland and Poland v Slovenia ends in a draw. A Northern Ireland win gives Nigel Worthington's side an excellent chance of a top-two finish. The Czech Republic need their expected handsome win over San Marino to retain any realistic hopes of qualifying.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group Four Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Germany 7 6 1 0 20 4 16 19
2 Russia 7 6 0 1 15 3 12 18
3 Finland 7 4 1 2 10 11 -1 13
4 Wales 7 3 0 4 5 7 -2 9
5 Azerbaijan 7 0 1 6 1 9 -8 1
6 Liechtenstein 7 0 1 6 1 18 -17 1

Wednesday's Group 4 fixtures:
Liechtenstein v Finland (1830 BST)
Wales v Russia (1945 BST)
Germany v Azerbaijan (2045 BST)

No-one can qualify outright on Wednesday. Germany and Russia are odds-on to fill the top two slots, and if either slips up, the advantage will go to the other. Wales' theoretical chance of making the play-offs will be snuffed out completely if they do not beat Russia.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group Five Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Spain 7 7 0 0 18 2 16 21
2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 7 5 0 2 20 7 13 15
3 Turkey 7 3 2 2 10 7 3 11
4 Belgium 7 2 1 4 10 16 -6 7
5 Estonia 7 1 2 4 7 19 -12 5
6 Armenia 7 0 1 6 3 17 -14 1

Wednesday's Group 5 fixtures:
Armenia v Belgium (1700 BST)
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Turkey (1900 BST)
Spain v Estonia (2100 BST)

If Spain better Bosnia's result against Turkey in their own match against Estonia they will qualify. If Bosnia win, Spain cannot qualify outright, although a victory will leave them needing just one more point from their final two games. Bosnia will guarantee at least second place with victory.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group Six Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 England 7 7 0 0 26 4 22 21
2 Croatia 8 5 2 1 16 7 9 17
3 Ukraine 7 4 2 1 14 6 8 14
4 Belarus 7 3 0 4 15 11 4 9
5 Kazakhstan 7 1 0 6 7 22 -15 3
6 Andorra 8 0 0 8 2 30 -28 0

Wednesday's Group 6 fixtures:
Belarus v Ukraine (1800 BST)
Andorra v Kazakhstan (1900 BST)
England v Croatia (2000 BST)

England will qualify if they beat Croatia. A draw will suffice if Ukraine fail to beat Belarus. Wins for England and Ukraine will put Ukraine second and make them favourites to claim a play-off spot ahead of Croatia.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group Seven Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Serbia 7 6 0 1 15 5 10 18
2 France 7 4 2 1 9 7 2 14
3 Austria 7 3 1 3 10 10 0 10
4 Lithuania 7 3 0 4 6 6 0 9
5 Romania 7 2 2 3 8 11 -3 8
6 Faroe Islands 7 0 1 6 2 11 -9 1

Wednesday's Group 7 fixtures:
Faroe Islands v Lithuania (1715 BST)
Romania v Austria (1945 BST)
Serbia v France (2000 BST)

Serbia v France is arguably the qualifier of the night. Serbia book their place at South Africa 2010 with a win. A draw will settle nothing, but will leave the Serbs as strong favourites to top the group and leave France fighting for second. If France win and Austria lose and Lithuania fail to win, France are guaranteed at least a top-two finish.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group Eight Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Italy 7 5 2 0 11 3 8 17
2 Rep of Ireland 8 4 4 0 10 6 4 16
3 Bulgaria 7 2 5 0 10 5 5 11
4 Cyprus 7 1 2 4 7 11 -4 5
5 Montenegro 7 0 4 3 6 12 -6 4
6 Georgia 8 0 3 5 4 11 -7 3

Wednesday's Group 8 fixtures:
Italy v Bulgaria (1950 BST)
Montenegro v Cyprus (2015 BST)

No-one can qualify, but Italy will go four points clear of the Republic of Ireland with two games to play if they beat Bulgaria. If they slip up, it will be a huge boost for the Republic, who are not in World Cup qualifying action again until they play Italy at home on 10 October.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying : Group Nine Table
P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Netherlands 7 7 0 0 16 2 14 21
2 Scotland 7 3 1 3 6 10 -4 10
3 Norway 7 1 4 2 7 6 1 7
4 FYR Macedonia 7 2 1 4 4 9 -5 7
5 Iceland 8 1 2 5 7 13 -6 5

Wednesday's Group 9 fixtures:
Scotland v Netherlands (1930 BST)
Norway v Macedonia (1930 BST)

This group finishes on Wednesday (the first European group to do so). The Netherlands have long since qualified. Scotland are in pole position for second place, and need a draw against the Dutch to guarantee it. If they lose, the winners of Norway v Macedonia will take second place and put Scotland out. If Norway v Macedonia is a draw, Scotland stay second regardless of their result. The Scots may need a win in any case as they are in danger of being runners-up with the poorest record in the nine groups (and thus missing out on the play-offs).

[trickrick]

Fcuk me, is there only myself and poltmcm placing a bet on the Wednesday Internationals??

[Bigkegman]

nothing jumping out but since i've had another wee look here are my fancies

I think France will get a result in Serbia. They havent been playing well but they need to get at least a point here.

Certs look like Sweden, Denmark and Greece all look naile on - accie might pay evens.

cant back portugal at odds on - no way jose

I think Slovakia need to have a second glance over although Northern Ireland have been grinding out the results.


I cant see Holland not beating Scotland and although it pains me to say it - anything above evens looks a snip albeit i wont be betting on the game (I WILL BE STRONG)

[supersquirral]

is it just me or does anyone else hate international qualifiers???? shite prices and even worse results wrecking coupons.

the only thing i fancy is scotland to get cuffed. while not giving two fcuks about scotland anyway, i'm a gambler 1st and foremost and a fan 2nd. if i think my team have no chance them i'll back against them. head over heart everytime when money (more making money!) is involved.

holland on the handicap -1, -2

[mij0sim]

Serbia-France

This is one of the biggest games for Serbia in recent history.Serbia with the win can secure trip to South Africa.Euphoria is really big for this game.Tickets for this game are solds-out long time ago and only the luckiest will go on this historic game.Last game against Austria was bad,really bad but one of the main reason for that was Zigic suspension for that game.Serbia scored early goal but Pantelic and Lazovic were weak during whole game.Serbia starting eleven should something like this:
Stojkovic - Ivanovic, Vidic, Dragutinovic, Obradovic - Krasic, Milijas, Stankovic (cap),Kacar, Jovanovic - Zigic

Few very good players like Vidic,Jovanovic,Stankovic,Ivanovic... but i think that the main advantage for this team is coach Antic.This team played everage but he gave this team new dimension and most important team spirit.
I watched France vs Romania and i wasnt impressed with France.Ok,they had the ball and few very good actions but the best chance in game had Romania.Also poor decision from coach Domenech when Gourcuff was substituted because from that moment France game fell apart.Many good individuals but that isnt enough to win some games.Henry said that tranings are boring and players dont know what they play,so is this the and for Domenech..Ribery is doubtfull for this game.

Many people will say France NEED to win ,France have great players and so on but it isnt that simple.They had to win against Romania ,infront of their fans but they failed.They tried to win that game whole 90 min so they are a little bit tired,i think.Serbia will be inspired,full stadium will be behind this players.I think players can handle the presure and i cant see Serbia loosing.I am big on Serbia DNB.

U boj,krenite junaci svi!!!!

[charly1]

It's hard to believe in number of surrprises at this stage of competition.
The stake is enormous, and I'll follow a couple of teams which realy need to win to progress, or to stay in battle at least.
All teams I'm choosing to win plays against weaker oposition.

Greece
The truth is they are not what they used to be, but who's Moldavia at the football map of the world?
Greeks still got some influence in uefa and as former European Champ, I can see them failing to do the job here.

Portugal
Almost the same question here.
Almost, because Portugal was struggling during this qualifications, still believe that they have enough power and motivation to beat Hungary.

USA
Trinidad is hopeless.
Next game USA will play vs Honduras.
Must win.

I'm taking Ukraine into consideration, although I don't trust them too much.
Montenegro is seeking for their first win at official games, when if not now against Cyprus, tradd. bad traveller?

@ cheers mij0sim,
I suppose you're from Serbia as myself...

I'm bit scared of tremendous pressure which is on our side these days.
Single point will suit both sides.
Serbia have strong team, France too, even stronger in despite of all troubles to find desired quality as team and results to follow.
I will cheer for Serbia but my money stays in pocket, even I think that strong pick for this game must be x2.

I will also like to see Scotland unbeaten tonight.