Sweden V Northern Ireland
Its crunch time at the top of group F and Sweden have a great chance to guarantee qualification with a home win over Northern Ireland.
It seems like a long time ago since these two met and Northern Ireland claimed a great 2 – 1 victory. Things have changed in a big way though and Sweden can almost wrap up 1st place if they win here.
A win is essential if they intend to hold off Spain and keep top spot as a win against Northern Ireland will give them a three point cushion at the top.
With a tricky away tie yet to come in Spain, Sweden should be well focused and have enough motivation to record an easy win.
Their home form has been impressive with the only points dropped back in a 0 – 0 draw with Denmark in September.
Along the way they have recorded some excellent results, most notably the 2 – 0 defeat of Spain and the 5 – 0 thumping of Iceland.
They have scored 10 goals from the 4 home games to date and only conceded 1.
Northern Ireland still have a mathematical chance of progression but in reality need a miracle at this stage. Three regular defenders are missing for this match , M Duff, C Baird and J Evans will not be able to play, and also missing are Keith Gillespie, W Feeney and D Johnson.
Northern Irelands last away game, a 2 – 1 defeat to Iceland was the real nail in their coffin, if they had won that day then they might have came to Sweden fighting for the points but now I cant see that happening. On the flight home from Iceland a fight broke out between some of the players, which doesn’t indicate a great team spirit.
Third place in this group would have been a good achievement but taking into account that their final fixtures are away to Sweden and Spain with a home tie to Denmark between them, I think they will find it hard to pick up any more points.
Sweden are far more motivated and have Ibrahimovic back. They have too much class and finesse in their ranks and at home should have far too much firepower.
Easy home win for me, 2 or 3 – 0 .
PICK
Sweden –1.5 goals (1.76 @ canbet) 5 points
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2 comments:
Northern Ireland really surprised me, they played so well that it was impossible to think they were hammered only a few weeks back in Iceland. I dont know if Sweden approached the game to cocky or what but something was not right with them.
FT
1 - 1
-5 points
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