After the first few rounds of matches in the European football 2021/22 season, it is time for the first international break of the season, and the players will be back representing their various national teams as the qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup enter matchday four among the European countries.
Here is a few matches to watch out for on the first day of the international matches in Europe;
Portugal vs Ireland: Fresh from their disappointing Round of 16 exit at the Euro 2020 tournament, Fernando Santos’ Portugal will line up against the Republic of Ireland in their first Group A match of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The Selecao are clear favourites with their star-studded roster, which includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota, among others. They have been given 1.14 odds of winning the match, with their opponents getting 18.00 odds. A draw has been set at 7.50 odds.
Turkey vs Montenegro: After a disastrous outing at Euro 2020 in which they lost all three matches en route to a group stage exit, Turkey will take on Montenegro in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Group G opener.
Turkey are favourites to pick up all three points at home to Montenegro and have been given 1.62 odds of winning the match, with Montenegro getting 5.50 odds of winning. A draw has been set at 3.75 odds.
Denmark vs Scotland: After an eventful Euro 2020 that started with a near-disaster and ended in the semifinals, Denmark return to international action with a crucial World Cup qualifiers opener against Scotland.
The Danes are favourites to pick up all three points from the Group F match following their stellar performance over the summer in Euro 2020, and have been given 1.41 odds of winning the game. Scotland, who were eliminated in the group stage of Euro 2020, have been given 8.75 odds of emerging victorious away from home.
A draw has been set at 4.60 odds.
France vs Bosnia: World champions France will start their process of defending the title they won in 2018 when they face Bosnia & Herzegovina in their opening Group D World Cup qualifying match.
The French had a summer to forget as they were knocked out of Euro 2020 in the round of 16 by Switzerland. They would be looking to get their title defence off to a good start, and are favourites to pick up the opening day win at home.
They have been given 1.16 odds of picking up all three points from the match, with their opponents getting 16.00 odds. A draw had been pegged at 7.75 odds.
Norway vs Netherlands: After their disappointing Euro 2020 campaign, Netherlands will be looking to start their qualifying process for the 2022 World Cup on a good note when they face Norway in their Group G encounter.
Having missed out on the last edition of the World Cup in 2018, they would travel to Norway in the hopes of picking up all three points in Louis Van Gaal’s first match back as Netherlands manager.
An interesting battle from a personal angle would be between Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland and Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk.
The match is expected to be tough, and Norway have been given 3.90 odds of picking up the win. Netherlands have been given 1.95 odds of picking up the win, and a draw has been set at 3.75 odds.
