| On Sunday, the Austrians, who continue their flawless performance in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, visit the team of Romania. A high stakes are high for both teams in the match between group winners and third-place finishers. While an away win could see the visitors take a huge step toward their first finals appearance since 1998, the Eastern Europeans also desperately need something to show for their playoff spot. Due to Bosnia's blunder in Cyprus, the race for second place is wide open again. Less open, if the bookmakers are to be believed, is the battle for first place in the group. With three matchdays remaining, the Red-White-Reds almost have a match point in their hand. An away win in Romania would mean a single point in the final two qualifying matches against Cyprus and Bosnia would be enough to book their ticket to North America. Mircea Lucescu's men won't make it easy for them, though. Even though the 2024 European Championship round of 16 contenders have disappointed in qualifying so far, they boast the best squad in Group H after the Alpine republic. While a win over the in-form group winners is unlikely, a bet on a draw in Romania's game against Austria could be worthwhile. This would put the Eastern Europeans in a good position in the fight for a playoff spot. |
