Georgia vs Austria
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Monday; 5-September-2016
Kick-off: 17:00 UK
Venue: Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena (Tbilisi).
Austria had a disappointing Euro 2016 in which they finished bottom of the group after failing to win a single match. They were favourites to qualify for the knock-out stages from a group that includes Portugal, Hungary and Iceland but suffered a big u-turn in form at the wrong moment. That was their first ever appearance at the Euros through qualifying round, while they have made it to the World Cups on 7 occasions. But since 1998, they failed to qualify for the last four tournaments.
Georgia are currently 118th in the FIFA ranking and have never qualified for a major tournament. They finished fifth in their group during the Euro 2016 qualifiers and 4th in a 5-team group during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification. They are a hard working side capable of troubling higher ranked sides. They defeated Spain 1-0 in their last friendly and earned a surprise win against Scotland during the European qualifiers.
Georgia vs Austria: Head-to-Head
This will be the first meeting between Austria and Georgia in a competitive fixture.
Georgia vs Austria: Prediction
Austria are a much better side in terms of quality players but they underwent a sudden dip in form just before the Euros. The defeats to Hungary and Iceland in the group phase at France is the lowest point for this talented squad. They are in desperate need of a win and Georgia could be the best place to start.
Marcel Koller’s men were unbeaten during the Euro qualifiers with 9 wins from their 10 matches. They also won in all of their 5 away matches and scored 15 goals during the period. And with an average of 3 goals per game from the last 5 away games, it is worth backing Austria to score at least twice in this European World Cup Qualifier for Russia 2018.
Georgia vs Austria: Betting Tips
Austria to win at 19/20 (1.95)
Austria to score over 1.5 goals at 6/5 (2.20).
