WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS TUESDAY: The Ultra previews BOSNIA v ITALY and CZECH REPUBLIC v DENMARK with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
BOSNIA V ITALY
7.45pm The stakes couldn’t be higher on Betdaq Betting Exchange as the World Cup qualifying playoffs reach their climax on Tuesday! Unfortunately for the Home Nations, it was penalty heartbreak for Wales and Republic of Ireland on Thursday while Italy comfortably beat Northern Ireland. We kick off the night as Italy travel to Sarajevo to face Bosnia in the Path A Final – this tie was made very spicy when Italian players reacted with delight to Bosnia winning the penalty shootout against Wales. Obviously they fancy their chances here, but Italy bring a huge amount of baggage – it’s their third successive playoff appearance – they missed 2018, they missed 2022, and now they desperately need to avoid a third consecutive World Cup absence that would be genuinely unthinkable for a nation that has won the tournament four times. They come into the game as the odds on favourites at 1.61 with Bosnia 7.6 and the draw is 4.0 at the time of writing. Italy were red-hot favourites to beat Northern Ireland on Thursday but they haven’t been at their best for a while now – surely they will face a cauldron of an atmosphere, with Bosnia’s passionate home support right behind them – especially after the video of the penalty shootout – is a very different challenge to hosting Northern Ireland.
As I said in my preview on Thursday, while Bosnia are ranked quite low, they are a reasonably decent side. Obviously there is a gulf in class between the sides, but the home side will be tough to beat here. I wouldn’t be rushing to take the 1.61 on Italy – they have failed to qualify from exactly this type of scenario twice in a row. In 2018 they were beaten by Sweden. In 2022 they were stunned by North Macedonia in the semis. The pressure on this squad is immense, and that can show in the big moments. I feel this will be a quite a tight and cagey game – I can’t see Bosnia wanting to the game to be too open even with home advantage. Under 2.5 goals is trading 1.72 and in my opinion, that looks a much better option than the Italy win at more than ten ticks shorter. I’m happy with a small position here though; obviously these one off games can get crazy late on as sides push for a goal – however, I do feel we’ll see a reasonably cagey game here.
The Ultra Says:
One point win Under 2.5 goals at 1.72 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/WCBoIt
CZECH REPUBLIC V DENMARK
7.45pm Next we have Czech Republic hosting Denmark in Prague. Path D served up one of the games of the night on Thursday, with the Czech Republic’s penalty shootout win over the Republic of Ireland a cracking affair. Ireland led 2-0 inside 23 minutes and looked like they were on their way to a fairytale Dublin final – but a gifted penalty made it 2-1 and then Czech Republic scored late to force extra time. They deserved it to be fair, but even in the shootout Ireland looked like they had it when Czech Republic missed first, but it wasn’t to be for the boys in green. The drama has its consequences though. Czech Republic went through a lot there, and surely they might start to feel that in the legs here. Denmark, meanwhile, had the easiest of evenings in Copenhagen – they thrashed North Macedonia 4-0. They were excellent, clinical, and barely broke a sweat. The freshness factor is a massive consideration heading into Tuesday – Denmark arrive well-rested, legs fresh, minds clear. Czech Republic arrive having been through the wringer emotionally and physically; but is there anything better than a place at the World Cup to keep you going?
It’s no surprise that Denmark come into the game as the favourites at 2.08 with Czech Republic 4.2 and the draw is 3.4 at the time of writing. Denmark have been something of a disappointment in qualifying, it has to be said. They missed out on automatic qualification despite looking like they should have topped Group C, taking just one point from their final two games against Belarus and Scotland and ultimately finishing behind the Scots. On paper, they have a very strong squad but the performances were definitely lacking in qualifying. Czech Republic are a tough side, but they will have to grind out a result here more than blow Denmark away. Czech Republic showed incredible spirit to get through – Patrik Schick continues to be their main goal threat – but it’s hard to see past Denmark here given their quality. Czech Republic will give them chances, and I’m happy to have a small position on Denmark. I’d have them a little shorter.
The Ultra Says:
One point Denmark to beat Czech Republic at 2.08 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/WCCzDe
