The international break continues to bring out intriguing and unique encounters and we have a trio of tips on what we believe could be entertaining affairs.
Our tips focus on the first of the Netherlands’ two Euro 2024 warm-up matches, a meeting for Wales with a European minnow, and the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in qualification for duties for the next global edition of the tournament.
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Bet of the Day
Netherlands to win and Both Teams to Score v Canada @ 19/10
The Netherlands are among the favourites to win this summer’s European Championships in Germany, and they could start their preparations in winning ways when they take on Canada in Rotterdam.
The Dutch qualified comfortably in second behind France – who they will face in Group D – and have been in strong form in recent months, winning four of their last five.
Canada meanwhile have a torrid record against European nations – with their last victory over a UEFA member coming against Belarus in 2011 – while they were also beaten by Belgium (1-0) and Croatia (4-1) in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup.
The Canucks could still trouble the Dutch, having scored in five of their last six fixtures on their travels and could find the net on Thursday. However, the quality in Ronald Koeman’s squad should still prevail – having won three of their last four at home.
Special of the day
Wales to win, Under 3.5 Goals and Kieffer Moore to score anytime v Gibraltar @ 15/4
Wales go into this international break with little to play after losing their Euro 2024 play-off final on penalties to Poland. However, they will be expected to put in a dominant performance against a Gibraltar side ranked 203rd in the world.
That penalty shootout defeat is the only loss suffered by Rob Page’s side across their last eight internationals – a run that is included some notable victories over Croatia (2-1) and Finland (4-1).
Gibraltar have struggled over the past year to take many positives from their results, losing each of their last 13 – including a 14-0 humiliation at the hands of France – while they have failed to score a goal across this run, spanning over a year of internationals.
After winning 4-0 against Gibraltar in October, Wales will be confident in achieving a similar score on Thursday and Kieffer Moore could have a hand in this. The towering forward netted twice in this fixture and his physicality should prove pivotal in pulling away from Los Llanis.
Longshot of the day
Qatar to win, Both Teams to Score and Over 5.5 Goals v Afghanistan @ 14/5
Qatar have already confirmed their place in the next round of World Cup qualifying in Asia with four wins from four and they can continue their supreme dominance with an emphatic victory over Afghanistan.
The Maroons have scored 16 goals so far in Group A, eight of which came in the previous meeting between these two nations, which Qatar won 8-1.
Another goal-fest is in store on Thursday, but Afghanistan could still encounter some joy in front of goal. They netted two in a 2-1 win at India last time out and, after finding the net in Qatar, could do so in front of their own fans.
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