Thursday sees the semi finals of the European Championship play-offs, with 12 nations looking to claim one of three spots available for this year's finals in Germany.
Wales are looking to follow fellow Home Nations England and Scotland to the main stage in the summer as they look to overcome Finland in Cardiff and a victory would see them face the winner of Poland’s meeting with Estonia - the lowest ranked country remaining in the tournament.
The other encounters see Israel face Iceland in Budapest while Ukraine will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica. The final pathway could see a shock qualifier for the tournament as Greece take on Kazakhstan - who impressed in the group stages - while the early kick-off sees Georgia host minnows Luxembourg.
- Luxembourg to win
- Both Teams to Score in Greece v Kazakhstan
- Ukraine to win
- Over 2.5 goals in Israel v Iceland
- Poland to win and over 3.5 goals
- Wales to win and Both Teams to Score
Georgia vs Luxembourg
Willy Sagnol’s Georgia side, despite the attacking talents of Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, largely underwhelmed in Group A as the Crusaders finished second bottom - above only winless Cyprus.
Their dominance in the Nations League - after finishing top of C4 with close to maximum points - allowed the Georgians to qualify for the play-offs but they could suffer a shock defeat to Luxembourg, who have seen staunch improvement in the quality of their national side over the past 15 years.
The Red Lions finished third in Group J - behind Portugal and Slovakia - and their 17 points accrued across the group stages is the highest points tally ever registered in any FIFA or UEFA qualifying campaign for Luxembourg in their history.
Luc Holtz’ side have won each of their last two competitive fixtures, including an impressive 4-1 thumping of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and could be handful for the Georgians in Tbilisi. With just one defeat across their last nine international away days, history could be made for Luxembourg as they chase a first ever major tournament.
Greece vs Kazakhstan
Nations League success for Greece and Kazakhstan has given the two countries a lifeline as they chase qualification and, despite Greece’s pedigree and ranking, this encounter may end up closer than originally expected.
Greece famously won the European Championship in 2004, defeating hosts Portugal 1-0 in the final, and finished third in their qualifying group this campaign, comfortably ahead of the Republic of Ireland in fourth and five points behind second placed Netherlands.
Kazakhstan meanwhile were a win away from their first ever major tournament, but an 86th minute winner from Benjamin Verbic secured victory and second place for Slovenia and sent the Hawks into the play-offs.
This was Kazakhstan’s greatest ever performance in a six game qualifying group and they have lost just three of their last 10 internationals, including a memorable 3-2 victory over Denmark - a nation currently 104 places above them in the world rankings.
Both teams have found the back of the net in each of their last four meetings with European sides and they could cause trouble for the Greeks in Athens. With a result difficult to call, the “Both Teams to Score” market could offer the most joy from a punting perspective.
GREECE AND KAZAKHSTAN BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Bosnia And Herzegovina vs Ukraine
Bosnia’s only major tournament appearance came in the 2014 World Cup and, after losing play-off matches in 2012, 2016 and 2020, they will be hoping advantage can come to their aid in helping them make the first European Championship.
However, the odds will be stacked against Savo Milosevic’s men after losing each of their last three qualification games in the group stages, including heavy losses to Portugal (5-0) and most notably Luxembourg (4-1).
Ukraine meanwhile were unfortunate not to make it out of Group C, with a goalless draw to Italy on the final day seeing Serhiy Rebrov’s side finish third, behind the Italians on goal difference.
That draw extended Ukraine’s unbeaten streak to eight internationals and so form looks to be on their side. Although missing top scorer Andriy Yarmolenko through injury, the likes of Roman Yaremchuk and Artem Dovbyk will be expected to show their quality in front of goal and progression for the Blue and Yellows could be on the cards.
Israel vs Iceland
Israel’s home advantage has been nullified, with the semi-final taking place in Budapest.
This makes this semi-final tie difficult to call as both sides have shown inconsistencies throughout the group stages, although Israel did enjoy more success in their qualifying campaign than Iceland.
Alon Hazan’s men finished third in Group I, two points behind second placed Switzerland, and only lost three of their 10 group stage fixtures. Meanwhile, Iceland - who famously defeated England 2-1 in the round of 16 of Euro 2016, lost six of their Group J fixtures and picked up just three victories, with two of these coming against Liechtenstein who are ranked 194th in the world.
This is poised to be a tight affair but goals could be in the offing in Hungary. Four of Israel’s last nine have seen at least three goals scored while two of Iceland’s last three meetings with European nations have seen more than four strikes find the back of the net.
ISRAEL AND ICELAND OVER 2.5 GOALS
Poland vs Estonia
A demolition is expected in Warsaw given that Poland are ranked 94 places above Estonia in the world rankings and boast one of Europe’s deadliest strikers amongst their ranks.
Captain and talisman Robert Lewandowski was one of few bright sparks in what was a poor campaign for Michal Probierz, scoring thirty percent of Poland’s goals as the Eagles finished third in Group E.
Estonia meanwhile finished rock bottom of Group F, with just one point and just two goals scored while they also conceded 22. Their last victory came in January 2023 and it is difficult to see a miracle moment for the Blueshirts on Thursday and a heavy defeat could be in store.
POLAND TO WIN AND OVER 3.5 GOALS
Wales vs Finland
Wales have a tricky task ahead of them if they wish to qualify for their third major tournament in a row as they face a Finland side that has won six of their last nine.
Finland only failed to score in two of their 10 Group H fixtures as they finished third and their 18 group stage goals show that they have enough firepower to damage the Welsh backline.
However, home advantage could well be key for Rob Page’s men, having lost just one of their last six in front of their own fans and this run includes a memorable 2-1 victory over Croatia, who were runners-up in the World Cup as recently as 2018.
The likes of Robin Lod and Teemu Pukki could break through the Welsh backline however Wales are also blessed with exciting youthful attacking talent and should have enough to see out victory and progress to the final play-off round.
WALES TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
