Wednesday's Euro Qualifying Matches: Group A
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by Foolsgold
Portugal vs. Serbia, José Alvalade - Lisbon
Portugal did themselves no favors when they gifted Poland the 2-2 draw on Saturday. Though that doesn't make this game a must-win since the remaining of their schedule is quite easy, they could save themselves a lot of unwanted pressure by going ahead and getting the home win here. They suffered no major injuries, but will be without defender Marco Caneira and striker Hélder Postiga for this tie.
Serbia could give themselves a monumental boost if they could somehow pull off the upset. They currently sit in fourth, a point behind Portugal, and three and five behind Finland and leaders Poland respectively, though they have a game-in-hand on both of them. Their remaining schedule is also quite unchallenging so any points from this fixture puts them in a decent position to qualify.
I don't think Portugal will take Serbia as lightly as they did Poland and will be going for the kill here. If they do approach it lethargically, they don't deserve to qualify. Despite the two aforementioned injuries, they are relatively healthy, and being in Lisbon should give them enough edge. Serbia will probably try to get the draw and playing not to lose will probably end up costing them. Portugal, 2-1.
Finland vs. Poland, Olympiastadion - Helsinki
This is it for Finland. If they don't want to rely on miracle upsets in their group, they need to win against Poland. A win here puts them in ridiculously good shape. Their remaining ties are at Belgium, home against Azerbaijan, and then at Portugal. If they win tomorrow, that last match becomes almost irrelevant, depending on whether or not Portugal gets it's act together.
The Polish are in a similar situation themselves, though a draw would be sufficient. One point here gives them 21 in the group and with home matches against Kazakhstan and Belgium coming up, they could easily go into Serbia on the last day of qualifying only needing a tie, if that, to advance.
Poland seem to be losing steam as the group stage goes on and a heady team like Finland will show them little mercy in that regard. It's hard to tell which Polish side will show up, but Finland rarely underestimates opponents. I'll call a draw, 1-1.
Kazakhstan vs. Belgium, Tcentralny - Almaty
If Kazakhstan beats Belgium and no one's there to see it, did it really happen? Who cares. Just for kicks, I'll take Belgium, 2-1.
Originally posted here
