Euro 2024: Austria host Sweden in an Early Six-Pointer 

Austria vs Sweden

All roads lead to the Ernst-Happel Stadion in Vienna on Tuesday when Euro 2024: Austria vs Sweden is the headlining Group F clash of the week.

Ralf Rangnick’s Austria come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw away to Belgium which means they lead the group on seven points, three ahead of the Red Devils and four ahead of Sweden who both have a game in hand. So the visitors could take control of the group with a victory and, equally, Austria can pull clear if they triumph when the two teams meet in the Austrian capital.

Janne Andersson’s Sweden had the weekend off from competitive action, having already played twice, collecting three points along the way. But they did stay sharp with a warm up win over New Zealand on Friday. Sweden are currently 19^th in the FIFA World Rankings, 15 places above Austria in 34^th and both teams have serious aspirations of making it to the 2024 finals in Germany.  

Talking Points

Austria mean serious business

After beating Estonia and Azerbaijan, a trip away to Belgium was bound to be a serious test of Austria’s qualification chances and they put in a good shift to earn a vital point. SC Freiburg forward Michael Gregoritsch slotted home brilliantly in the 21^st minute to put the Austrians in front, but a long range effort from Romelu Lukaku dragged the Red Devils back into the game.

They were playing the second ranked team in the world and Austria pretty much matched their hosts, having a decent share of possession and more shots on target.

The Austria vs Sweden betting odds back Rangnick’s men to pick up another three points against Andersson’s team but they will need to be at their best again. With momentum and home advantage on their side they have every chance, but Austria face a tough and dangerous opponent in Sweden.

The new Sweden scores Goals

For many years Sweden have been known as a rock solid side; difficult to beat, fighting to the last and always happy with a 1-0 victory. But the last six games have yielded 15 goals from this free-scoring group of players. Sweden recovered from a 3-0 defeat to Belgium in their Euro 2024 opener by thumping Azerbaijan 5-0, and they warmed up for this match by beating New Zealand 4-1 in a friendly.

Captained by Manchester United centre back Victor Lindelof this is an experienced team with Red Bull Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg and Spurs’ Dejan Kulusevski in advanced midfield roles, and there is plenty of potential in a youthful attack. Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga scored against New Zealand and he and Coventry hot shot Victor Gyokeres are both pushing for a place, meanwhile striker Alexander Isak has been in sensational form since his transfer to Newcastle United and he’ll be playing Champions League football next season.

Rangnick’s Sweden can defend as well as always, but they can also play fast flowing football on the break or in possession. They will certainly test Austria.      

History

Sweden are aiming to qualify for their eighth European Championships, first qualifying in 1992 when they had their best ever performance, a semi-final appearance. Austria have only made the finals three times, but did make it through the Round of 16 at Euro 2020.

The head to head Austria vs Sweden results give the hosts a marginal advantage.  Austria have won three of their encounters with Sweden in the 21^st century, losing two and drawing two, the last meeting a 2-0 victory in a 2018 friendly as skipper David Alaba scored a brilliant second half goal after forcing a Sweden own goal after just 11 minutes.    

In terms of recent form the visitors have the slightest edge. Sweden have won five of their last six games, losing only against Belgium, while Austria have four wins, one draw and a defeat from the last six.

Betting Tip

Austria are favourites to win this tie at SBOTOP odds of 2.00, with Sweden at 3.20, and Rangnick certainly has his team well organised, focussed and picking up results. It’s a huge game with each team having a chance to put their mark on the group in the knowledge that Belgium are more than likely to take one of the top two places.

Sweden are scoring for fun and the visitors will go all out for the win; but I suspect these two teams will cancel each other out and take a point each. 

 

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