Thursday’s Football Bet of the Day see’s me focus on the World Cup Qualifiers and in particular in Wales, where I fancy the hosts to knockout their opponents.
Wales vs Austria
?? European World Cup Qualifier
⏰ Thursday 24th March, 19:45
Wales will look to take a massive step to qualifying for their first World Cup in 64 years, as they host Austria in their semi-final playoff at the Cardiff City Stadium.
After being drawn in the same group as Belgium, realistically the best that Wales could’ve hoped for was 2nd-place and that’s exactly what they achieved, finishing one point above the Czech Republic. Wales were defeated 3-1 in Brussels by group-winners in their opening group man, but that was Rob Page’s side only defeat in qualifying, winning four and drawing their of their next seven. Wales have not lost a competitive match at home since November 2018, a 1-2 loss against Denmark in the Nations League, a run of 11 matches (W8-D3-L0).
Austria had an absolutely shocking qualifying campaign and only reached the playoffs due to their performances in the Nations League. Whilst they may not have expected to compete with runaway group-winners Denmark, Austria would’ve expected to challenge for second-spot, but Franco Foda’s side finished in fourth, below Scotland and even Israel. Austria collected 16 points from their 10 group-stage matches (W5-D1-L4), with 12 of those points coming against minnows Moldova and the Faroe Islands.
Bet of the Day
Wales know a win here and a win over the winner of Scotland and Ukraine in June will see them qualify for their first World Cup since 1958. The Dragons finished second in their group behind Belgium, whilst their opponents could only finish fourth, behind Denmark, Scotland and Israel. Rob Page’s side are unbeaten in their last 11 competitive matches at home, winning eight of those and with both Gareth Bale and Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsey set to start, I fancy them to knockout the Austrians. Given the pricing of the match, I’m more than happy to play it safe and take Wales to qualify, meaning should they win in extra time or on penalties, we’ll still get paid out.
- Wales to Qualify
- Pays 19/20 (Unibet)
Tonight games all kick off at pm 7.45
Italy vs North Macedonia ( over 2.5 goals)
Portugal vs Turkey (Portugal won both teams to score)
Sweden vs Czech Republic. (both team to score)
Wales vs Austria ( Austria won)
Good luck all
Wales to Qualify ✅ (2-1)
Pays 19/20 ✅✅