Israel vs Iceland predictions for this Euro 2024 qualifying play-off. Israel faces Iceland in a Euro 2024 qualification playoff semi-final, Path B, at Szusza Ferenc Stadion in Budapest on Thursday. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Euro 2024 Qualifying | Semi-Finals | Mar 21, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Szusza Ferenc Stadion
Israel vs Iceland Predictions
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A Tactical Standoff in Budapest: Israel and Iceland’s Quest for Euro Glory
Key Stats
– Israel and Iceland have drawn their last two encounters, showcasing their evenly matched capabilities.
– Both teams have a goals per game average of 1.1 in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, highlighting their offensive challenges.
– Eran Zahavi leads Israel’s attack as their all-time top scorer, representing their primary threat upfront.
In a crucial Euro 2024 qualification playoff semi-final, Israel and Iceland are poised to battle it out at the neutral Szusza Ferenc Stadion in Budapest. This encounter promises to be a tactical showdown between two teams with a lot at stake: a chance to progress closer to securing a spot in the final tournament, potentially joining Belgium, Slovakia, and Romania in Group E. The victors will face either Bosnia-Herzegovina or Ukraine, with dreams of making it to Germany for the Euro 2024.
Tactical Outlook and Team Dynamics
Israel, under Alon Hazan’s guidance, have shown resilience and tactical flexibility, despite missing out on automatic qualification. Their gameplay is characterised by a solid defensive setup transitioning into quick counter-attacks, heavily reliant on Eran Zahavi’s prowess upfront. The absence of Manor Solomon due to injury is a significant blow to their attacking options, but the inclusion of newcomers like Ido Shahar and Tomer Yosefi could inject fresh energy into the team. The midfield battles, particularly involving Oscar Gloukh, could be decisive in controlling the game’s tempo and creating opportunities for Zahavi.
Iceland, led by Age Hareide, boasts a squad blending experience with youthful ambition. Despite a challenging qualification campaign, Iceland’s spirit remains unbroken, drawing inspiration from their memorable run in the 2016 Euros. Their approach to the game focuses on physicality, with an emphasis on utilising set-pieces and aerial threats to their advantage. The presence of Andri Gudjohnsen and Brynjolfur Willumsson in attack, supported by a solid midfield featuring Albert Gudmundsson, could pose significant challenges to Israel’s defence.
Key Match-ups and Strategic Battles
The midfield duel between Israel’s creative forces and Iceland’s robust midfielders will likely dictate the pace of the game. Israel’s ability to transition from defence to attack will test Iceland’s midfield discipline and defensive organisation. Additionally, the aerial battle, especially on set-pieces, will be crucial. Iceland’s physicality could exploit Israel’s defensive vulnerabilities, making it an area for Israel to address tactically.
Eran Zahavi’s movement and finishing against Iceland’s central defensive partnership could prove pivotal. Zahavi’s knack for finding space and his clinical nature in front of goal will be key to unlocking Iceland’s defence. On the other end, Gudjohnsen’s role in Iceland’s attack, leveraging his intelligence and technical skills, could trouble Israel’s defenders.
Tactical Suggestions for Improvement
Israel must enhance their defensive resilience against aerial threats, focusing on set-piece defence to neutralise Iceland’s advantage. Improving midfield cohesion to support Zahavi more effectively will also be vital for Israel’s offensive strategy.
Iceland needs to address their consistency in open play, ensuring their build-up play matches the effectiveness of their set-piece strategy. Implementing a more varied attacking approach could diversify their threats, making them less predictable.
Predictions
- Best Bet: Draw
The historical context, combined with the recent performances of both teams, suggests a tightly contested match. Israel and Iceland have demonstrated similar levels of competitiveness in recent fixtures, with both sides showing strengths that counterbalance the other’s strategies. The neutrality of the venue further levels the playing field, leading to a prediction of a draw in regular time.
- Correct Score Prediction: 1-1
Considering both teams’ recent form and the tactical battle expected in midfield, a 1-1 draw seems a plausible outcome. Israel’s solid but occasionally vulnerable defence against Iceland’s potent set-piece threat points to a scenario where both teams could find the back of the net.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Eran Zahavi
Zahavi’s proven track record and his role as Israel’s leading scorer make him the prime candidate to score. His ability to create chances out of minimal opportunities will be crucial, especially in a match where clear-cut chances may be at a premium.
- First Half Result: Draw
Given the high stakes and the expected tactical caution from both sides, a draw at half-time is a likely scenario. Both teams will aim to keep it tight in the early stages, gradually building into the game without risking too much too soon.
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