Euro Qualifiers 2016 Previews, Predictions: Where to Watch: Spain vs. Belarus, Italy vs. Croatia, Belgium vs. Wales Among Headlines of Weekend
Qualifiers for the Euro 2016 get underway this weekend with a number of high profile games taking place. Here is a look at some of the more intriguing matchups on display.
Netherlands vs. Latvia
The Dutch are coming off a big loss to the U.S. that proved that this team is still in the midst of a crisis. Since the World Cup, Guus Hiddink's troops have a woeful record of three wins, one draw and five defeats.
The team needs a huge boost against Latvia as it currently sits third in Group A with just seven points and trails Iceland and the Czech Republic by five points in the standings. This is about the Dutch overcoming adversity. Will they?
Prediction: The Dutch win 2-0.
Wales vs. Belgium
Belgium is widely seen as one of the best teams on the planet. Wales has one of the top players on the planet. Both teams are tied for first in Group B. Which team will come out victorious?
It will be interesting to see if Gareth Bale, who has essentially carried Wales to 11 points in five games will be able to overcome as formidable an opponent as Belgium, which boasts another top player in the world in Eden Hazard.
However, while the Welsh rely heavily on Bale, Hazard has a lot of other top players around him including Kevin De Bruyne, who had a phenomenal season for Wolfsburg of the Bundesliga.
Prediction: Belgium has too much quality. Expect a 4-1 win for the Belgian side.
Croatia vs. Italy
The Italians and Croatians will duke it out for first place in Group H, with neither side having registered a loss to this point. Both sides are filled with tremendous talents, making this a match of superstars.
Prediction; A tie feels about right in this game, but Croatia might edge away with a 1-0 win.
Armenia vs. Portugal
This game really comes down to Cristiano Ronaldo and how he responds on the international stage to Lionel Messi's fantastic season. Ronaldo could lose ground to his rival this summer in the Copa America, so Ronaldo will likely be looking for a big turn against Armenia in this qualifier.
Prediction: Ronaldo is not going to shy from the spotlight and will score two in a 2-0 win for Portugal.
Russia vs. Austria
The Russians have had a tough qualifier thus far, sitting third behind Austria and Sweden. This game will be key to getting the team back into the top of the group as a win would put the team at 11 points, two behind Austria.
Meanwhile the Austrian side sits atop Group A four wins and one draw. Look for this team to continue its fine form and give Russia a tough time.
Prediction: Austria continues its ascension and wins 1-0.
Belarus vs. Spain
What form will Spain be in when they take on Belarus? Is Vicente del Bosque's side finally ready to turn a corner? Or is mediocrity still in the team's current DNA? These storylines will make for compelling viewing when these two sides meet on Sunday. Spain showed its thrilling abilities in a recent 2-1 win over Costa Rica that could have ended up being a 5-1 win if not for some stellar saves from Keylor Navas. This is the Spain that must show up for this qualifier.
Prediction: Spain wins 3-0.
Most of these games will be available to stream on Fox Soccer 2Go or ESPN 3.
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