The European World Cup Playoffs

How have they done so far?

Without doubt Switzerland had the best qualifying campaign out of the 8. With 27 points from 10 games, it was their best points haul from a qualifying campaign but unfortunately, they were second in the end behind Portugal. Northern Ireland will be delighted with their campaign and how far they came, sitting placed behind Germany in their group. They will find this playoff tough however against the Swiss. Croatia were favourites in their group but only managed to scrape second place on the last day. Ireland also sealed second place on the last day, defeating and knocking out neighbours Wales. Italy were unlucky to draw with Spain, as well as Greece who were drawn with unstoppable Belgium.

Can the North of Ireland find some luck against the Swiss?

Both teams would be very proud of their campaigns so far, but the Swiss will feel that they deserve to be qualified by now. And they are right to feel that, as they finished with a higher total than five of the nine group winners. Northern will know that Switzerland will think they were handed the easiest the draw and could get ahead of themselves. This could benefit the Irish and the underdogs could triumph. With Vladimir Petkovic in their side, they have the highest FIFA ranking of the eight teams. Norther Ireland have Jonny Evans for experience in their back four. They kept seven clean sheets in the first eight games, so they are hard to break down with a great defence. They have only las once at home in four years, so we are expecting two tight games between the sides.

Bet on Switzerland to win at 2.30 with Betfred

The Croatians or the Greeks?

Croatia will be disappointed with their campaign so far, having been seeded first in their group amd missing out on first place by Iceland. Their 2-0 win against Ukraine was their place in the playoffs. Greece must be proud of their performance this year. After having a disastrous Euro 2016 campaign, which Greece finished level with the Faroe Islands, they were seeded third in their group. They only lost one game to leaders Belgium. Croatia have the best individual quality, but Greece have strong defensive options to frustrate Croatia. This will be a tough one to call. The first leg takes place on Thursday 9th November, the second leg in Greece on Sunday.

Bet on Croatia to win at 1.44 with Betway

Can the lucky Irish get more luck against the Danes?

Ireland had a very strong start in the campaign, being very close to take top spot until they drew to Wales, Georgia and lost to Serbia. Denmark had the opposite, with a very strong finish. The Danes also have a much more skilled squad, namely Christian Eriksen and Kasper Schmeichel in goal. Ireland are the last 4th seeded team to still be in a chance of qualifying. Their defence however is brilliant. Their resilience will be their greatest hope. James McClean will be a dangerous match winner. Denmark will host Ireland on Saturday 11th and the final will be in Dublin on Tuesday 14th.

Bet on Ireland to win at 6.00 with Bet365

Can Sweden do it without Zlatan?

The answer is yes. They had a great campaign, only just behind France and knocking out The Netherlands. They will be facing seeded favourites Italy. Sweden scored 26 goals, not only the most of any side in the playoffs but eight more than favourites France, five more than Italy. Italy’s campaign was predictable and expected, finishing behind Spain, with the rest of the teams being relatively easy to beat. Italy have the squad to beat the Swedes, having Lorenzo Insigne up front. It would be a catastrophe. Can Sweden produce an upset?

Bet on Italy to win at 2.38 with Betway