The number of spots remaining in the World Cup are starting to dwindle. Europe has just four of its 14 spots left for the taking, and teams have been drawn together for the home-and-home playoffs that will take place over the course of the next several days. These are the most crucial events in these countries, and they're can't miss betting events for those with a rooting interest and neutrals around the world.
These World Cup Qualifiers will go down from Thursday, November 9 through Saturday, November 11, 2017. Matches can be seen on the ESPN and FOX family of networks.
Croatia vs. Greece Odds at BookMaker.eu
Croatia -222
Greece +700
Draw +300
Over/Under 2.5
The Croats canned manager Ante Cacic right in the middle of the last round of qualifying in UEFA. Zlatko Dalic got the job done and got this team into the playoff for the World Cup where it will now be a solid favorite to get past Greece. The Greeks played in a poor group that included Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Cyprus and Gibraltar, and it managed just three draws and a loss in the four games against the two sides of any consequence.
Greece will try to park the bus at the back for the full 90 minutes on Thursday leg and get back to Athens with a shot of at least stealing a goal. If these 180 minutes feature more than three or four goals in totality, the Greeks are in a lot of trouble.
Northern Ireland vs. Switzerland Odds at BookMaker.eu
Northern Ireland +225
Switzerland +135
Draw +205
Over/Under 2
Northern Ireland picked up an unfortunate draw here against Switzerland. The Swiss were perfect in their first nine qualifying matches before losing to Portugal in Lisbon. It was a result that was seemingly inevitable, but it won't stop burning unless Vladimir Petkovic's team ultimately gets into the World Cup.
This Northern Ireland team has a shot at home in Belfast, but the Swiss do an excellent job protecting their net. Stephan Lichtsteiner, Ricardo Rodriguez and Fabian Schar do an exceptional job in defense, and if they can keep Kyle Lafferty away from goal, they'll probably be ahead going back to St. Jakob Park on Sunday.
Sweden vs. Italy Odds at BookMaker.eu
Sweden +200
Italy +140
Draw +220
Over/Under 2.5
We're not sure which one of these teams we feel more sorry for in regards to this draw. Italy was given the butt of the draw in the first place, getting stuck in a qualifying group with Spain that it was probably never going to win. The Italians were good against the rest of the group, but there was never a chance to keep La Roja down.
Still, there were much easier draws for Gigi Buffon and the gang than this one against Sweden. The Swedes beat France here in Stockholm, and they're going to be live against Italy in this match as well. Sweden has had its moments against Italy historically, going 6-6-11 against one of the best teams in the world. We suspect Friday's encounter will quietly be one of the best matches in UEFA's qualifying.
Denmark vs. Ireland Odds at BookMaker.eu
Denmark -120
Ireland +350
Draw +240
Over/Under 2.5
This might be the tightest of all of the playoff series in Europe in this World Cup qualifying cycle. The Danes are going to be expected to win their match at home, but the Irish are surely going to be right around odds-on favorites when they play the second leg of this home-and-home tussle next week.
This Denmark side got a big qualifying effort from Christian Eriksen and Thomas Delaney, the two of which combined to score 12 goals. Ireland lived to tell about Group D by narrowly beating out Wales and Austria. James McClean's goal in the 58th minute in Cardiff proved to be the difference in reaching the playoff and ultimately sitting at home for the summer.
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