Prediction: Draw
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The international break is upon us as we gear up for the first set of fixtures at this level since the World Cup last winter. The primary focus will now be on UEFA Euro 2024, with the road to qualification beginning over the course of the next few days. Today, we ll take a look at what should be an incredibly competitive encounter as Group F favourites Sweden and Belgium kickstart their campaign.
Sweden
After falling at the round of 16 stage in 2021, and failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2022, the Swedes have something to prove. They still have a nice blend of experienced stars and young talent, but they ve really struggled to showcase that on the international stage in recent tournaments. The hope, at the very least, is that their group draw should offer up a relatively stress-free route to Euro 2024.
Belgium
The Red Devils just have not been able to live up to their golden generation hype, and that s really the best way to put it. They didn t get past the group stage in Qatar and at the last two Euros, only made it to the quarter-finals. Roberto Martinez was blamed a great deal for that but in reality, this is the kind of squad that should be doing a whole lot better and now, there really are no more excuses for failure.
Factors to Consider
Belgium lead their series with Sweden 9-4 with two draws.
Sweden have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
Belgium have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
Sweden have scored 10 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
Belgium have scored four goals and conceded six in their last six games.
Conclusion
The Belgians are out of form and the Swedes look like they have something to prove. In our view, that ll largely add up to one thing above all others a competitive stalemate. Both sides know that they re capable of doing some great things on the road to Germany and at the tournament itself, and in this game, we ll see a preview of that as they play out a thrilling 2-2 draw. The only other major threat to them both qualifying from this group is Austria but in equal measure, they can t afford to let themselves get complacent at this level.
Prediction: Draw
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