As Euro 2024 edges closer by the day, it’s now or never for a host of countries across the continent.
As the qualification process enters its final stages with just one more round of games to come after the October international break, there are some defining fixtures on the horizon. This international period could see some nations book their ticket to Germany, while it could be the death of Euro 2024 dreams for others.
Current European champions Italy are in action, alongside the likes of Portugal, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, with some of Europe’s big-hitters looking to secure qualification on matchday seven.
Let’s look at how matchday seven could play out in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Matchday seven commences on Thursday evening, with eight games across four different groups. In Group A, there is a pivotal top of the table clash between Spain and Scotland, with the latter knowing they will qualify for Euro 2024 if they avoid defeat. Spain will likely prove too strong, but Scotland could still qualify should Norway fail to beat Cyprus, however unlikely that may appear.
Croatia face a similarly definitive clash in Group D when they host Turkey, knowing a victory would see them move three points clear of Thursday’s opponents. Elsewhere, Armenia know they need a positive result against Latvia to keep pace, with a win putting them in a great position to qualify, especially if Turkey lose.
There is yet another top of the table encounter in Group E between Albania and visiting Czechia, while Poland will be aiming to take advantage of one or both of those sides dropping points when they take on minnows Faroe Islands.
Romania could top Group I come Thursday evening if they can beat strugglers Belarus on the road, a game they can ill-afford not to win if they want to qualify. Andorra host Kosovo in the other match in the group, although that one has nothing but pride riding on it.
The tie of matchday seven is undoubtedly France‘s visit to the Netherlands on Friday night, with the Dutch side looking to spoil Didier Deschamps’ perfect record in Group B, while France know a win gets them to Euro 2024. Greece will keep a keen eye on that one as they hope for a slip-up from Ronald Koeman’s men, but they will have their own encounter with struggling Ireland to worry about. The Irish will be unable to qualify should they lose on Friday.
|
Date & time (BST) |
Group |
Fixture |
Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/10/23 – 19:45 |
A |
Cyprus vs Norway |
0-2 |
|
12/10/23 – 19:45 |
A |
Spain vs Scotland |
2-0 |
|
12/10/23 – 17:00 |
D |
Latvia vs Armenia |
0-1 |
|
12/10/23 – 19:45 |
D |
Croatia vs Turkey |
3-1 |
|
12/10/23 – 19:45 |
E |
Albania vs Czechia |
1-1 |
|
12/10/23 – 19:45 |
E |
Faroe Islands vs Poland |
0-2 |
|
12/10/23 – 19:45 |
I |
Andorra vs Kosovo |
0-1 |
|
12/10/23 – 19:45 |
I |
Belarus vs Romania |
1-2 |
|
13/10/23 – 19:45 |
B |
Ireland vs Greece |
1-1 |
|
13/10/23 – 19:45 |
B |
Netherlands vs France |
0-2 |
|
13/10/23 – 17:00 |
F |
Estonia vs Azerbaijan |
0-0 |
|
13/10/23 – 19:45 |
F |
Austria vs Belgium |
2-2 |
|
13/10/23 – 19:45 |
J |
Iceland vs Luxembourg |
1-1 |
|
13/10/23 – 19:45 |
J |
Liechtenstein vs Bosnia & Herzegovina |
0-2 |
|
13/10/23 – 19:45 |
J |
Portugal vs Slovakia |
3-1 |
|
13/10/23 – 14:00 |
C |
Ukraine vs North Macedonia |
2-1 |
|
14/10/23 – 19:45 |
C |
Italy vs Malta |
3-0 |
|
14/10/23 – 17:00 |
G |
Bulgaria vs Lithuania |
1-0 |
|
14/10/23 – 19:45 |
G |
Hungary vs Serbia |
1-1 |
|
14/10/23 – 14:00 |
H |
Northern Ireland vs San Marino |
2-0 |
|
14/10/23 – 17:00 |
H |
Slovenia vs Finland |
2-1 |
|
14/10/23 – 19:45 |
H |
Denmark vs Kazakhstan |
3-0 |
Belgium sit atop Group F at present, but they are level on 13 points with Friday’s opponents Austria. Both sides are well placed to qualify given Sweden’s poor form, but a victory for either team would guarantee qualification on Friday. Estonia and Azerbaijan are simply playing to avoid the wooden spoon.
Portugal will guarantee qualification with a win over Slovakia, having scored 24 goals and conceded none in Group J so far. Luxembourg still have a chance of qualifying, especially if Slovakia are beaten, but they will need a result away in Iceland. Both Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina have a very, very slim chance of qualifying as well, but the latter will need to beat pointless Liechtenstein on Friday.
England won’t play on matchday seven, but they will be eager to see how Italy get on in their clash with Malta. It should be straightforward for the Italians, but any upset would be much appreciated by Gareth Southgate. Ukraine and North Macedonia will also be eager for a shock Malta result, no matter how unlikely. The two sides face one another earlier in the day, sitting on seven points apiece along with Italy.
Nothing can be decided on matchday seven in Group G, although both Hungary and Serbia will be desperate to all but secure their place at Euro 2024 with a win when they face one another on Saturday. Bulgaria also take on fellow strugglers Lithuania in a bottom of the group clash that will be of little consequence.
Northern Ireland‘s fate is not officially confirmed, but they are almost certain to miss out on Euro 2024. Their clash with San Marino on Saturday is fairly meaningless, therefore. However, the top of Group H is hectic, with Slovenia‘s game against Finland on Saturday crucial. Denmark will want to take advantage of dropped points there by beating Kazakhstan later in the day.
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