Sweden vs Belgium prediction: EUROPE: Euro – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-03-23 19:45.
Having appeared in the last six European Championships, Sweden will face the toughest task Group F has to offer in their opening game when they welcome FIFAâs #4 ranked side, Belgium. Ranked 19 places below Belgium in 23rd, Sweden seemingly have their work cut-out to get their qualification campaign off to a flying start, but they should be boosted by winning nearly three-quarters of their last 22 home Euro qualifiers dating back to 2006 (W16, D5, L1).
The overriding story of this duo of qualifiers for Sweden leading into the week is that 41-year-old Zlatan IbrahimoviÄ has been recalled to the squad despite making just four appearances for AC Milan this season. With 62 international goals, IbrahimoviÄ is Swedenâs leading all-time goalscorer and his presence in these qualifiers could be a godsend given he has scored in eight of his last nine Euro qualification appearances (inc play-offs).
A new era dawns for Belgium in the wake of Roberto MartĂnezâs post-World Cup departure, with Domenico Tedesco taking over the reins. Tedesco inherited a side approaching the twilight of its âgolden generationâ and has already shown he isnât afraid to stamp his authority on a misfiring Belgian side by omitting Dries Mertens and Axel Witsel from his latest squad despite the pair holding 239 international caps between them.
The primary aim in the infancy of Tedescoâs tenure is undoubtedly to simply be at the finals in Germany in 2024, and with more than one year to knit his side together before the main event, he ought to feel well placed to make a challenge if they can navigate qualification. Theyâll have to do so without Eden Hazard after his retirement from international football, but having won seven successive Euro qualification away games, Belgium will hope his presence wonât be sorely missed.
Players to watch: Buoyed by scoring a last-gasp winner for Newcastle before the break, Swedenâs Alexander Isak has registered the second goal of the game with his last four international goals. Belgiumâs Romelu Lukaku has made himself at home in Euro qualifiers, netting in five successive games, with the last three of those seeing him assist one too.
Hot streak: Belgium have not conceded more than one goal in an away Euro qualifier since 2011.