Six teams have already booked their places in Euro 2020 and the remaining 14 automatic qualifiers will be determined in the next few days. Will there be upsets and record breakers? Here are things to look out for in Euro 2020 Qualification. Bet on football here.
Czech Republic to make it seven Euros in a row?
Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Germany and, you guessed it right, the Czech Republic, have graced every European Championship since 1996. The Czechs are perfectly placed to make it seven Euro appearances since that 1996 tournament in England. Last month, they became the first side to inflict a qualifying defeat on England in a decade. A win at home to Kosovo will seal the deal for Jaroslav Silhavy’s side making it a must-win to remove any doubt.
Portugal struggles
Defending champions Portugal cannot afford to drop any points in their next two matches, which will determine their fate. The Portuguese lost to Group B winners Ukraine last month, a result that has taken them a few steps back. Six points against Lithuania and Luxembourg seal their spot in next year’s championship. If they slip up, Serbia, who are hot on their heels and on a three-game winning streak and just a point behind might capitalize. The play-offs are a real possibility for Fernando Santos’ side, a scenario he wouldn’t like his team to get involved in.
Finland on the verge of history
Finland only need to beat Liechtenstein to qualify for its first major tournament. The Finns have never graced a major tournament but Markku Kanerva’s side are on the verge of making history and becoming the 34th different national team to grace the Euros. Victory against Liechtenstein on Friday will ensure they join Group J winners Italy in the finals with a game to spare. Led by the lethal Teemu Pukki in attack, who has scored seven of their 12 qualifying goals, Euro 2020 is just 90 minutes away.
Group D almighty tussle
A single point separates the Republic of Ireland, Denmark and Switzerland at the top of Group D. The Swiss should be confident heading into their two final matches against Georgia and Gibraltar with six points enough for them to qualify. Denmark have a home match against Gibraltar, and considering they’ve only lost once at home in qualifying since 2007, getting three points against a side ranked 196th in the world shouldn’t be a problem. If they win, it sets up a mouth-watering winner-takes-all encounter with Ireland in Dublin on Monday.
Northern Ireland tough test
Northern Ireland are facing an uphill task. Two matches against giants of European football, Netherlands and Germany will determine if they get an automatic qualification to next year’s tournament. They will need to produce their best performances when they meet the Netherlands on Saturday and Germany on Tuesday. From shocking Spain on their own turf in 1982 to beating England in 1988, the Irishmen know something about upsets. Netherlands and Germany boast some of the best players on the planet and beating one of them will take something extraordinary. Can they pull it off?