Belgium-Austria is a match on the third day of Group F of Euro 2024 qualifying and is played on Saturday at 20:45: predictions.
The only two teams with full points in Group F after two days are playing each other. The difference, however, is that while Belgium have only played one match so far, overwhelming a tough Sweden 3-0, Austria have already faced Azerbaijan and Estonia, who are hardly the biggest threats in this group.
Being on six points after two rounds and looking down on everyone is still a great result for the selection led by former Leipzig and Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick. The duel for second place, considering that the first place will probably be the prerogative of De Bruyne and his teammates, is with Sweden, who have scored three points in two matches. It would be gold at this point to avoid defeat in Brussels, pending the direct clash with the Swedes next Tuesday. Not impossible, as Austria have been in excellent health for some time now: the hand of an experienced coach like Rangnick began to be seen after the disastrous Nations League, which ended with relegation to the B League. In the last four matches, between friendlies and official competitions, Austria have won as many games, scoring a total of nine goals and conceding two. And Italy know something about this: last November they surrendered 2-0 in Vienna.
Two wins from two for Tedesco
Belgium, on the other hand, made a great start after a disappointing World Cup, which ended with the unexpected elimination in the group stage behind Morocco and Croatia.
Rangnick
The federation, having ended the Martinez era, has turned to the young coach of Calabrian origin Domenico Tedesco, fresh from a bittersweet experience at the helm of Leipzig. His debut on the bench of the Red Devils could not have been more convincing. First the bombastic victory in Sweden, then the pyrotechnic one (2-3) against Germany in the friendly match. Tedesco’s aim is to stay on a full points lead in the next two matches, making things clear from the outset. The coach has called up several new faces, as well as veterans such as Lukaku, but will have to do without captain De Bruyne, who was injured in the Champions League final with his Manchester City.
The Prediction
In the last two matches featuring these two national teams, goals have been scored in abundance, reflecting the offensive philosophy of the two technical commissioners. However, Austria have so far only had to deal with uncompetitive selections and will find it hard to counter a surging Belgium, favourites for the three points.
Belgium-Austria matchday squad
- BELGIUM (4-3-3): Courtois; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Onana, Tielemans, Mangala; Carrasco, Lukaku, Openda.
- AUSTRIA (4-4-2): Bachman; Mwene, Alaba, Danso, Wober; Laimer, Seiwald, Sabitzer, Wimmer; Arnautovic, Gregoritsch.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1