Estonia vs Austria
European Championship Qualifying
Thursday
16th November 2023
A. Le Coq Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the European Championship Qualifying fixture between Estonia and Austria.
Estonia vs Austria: Preview
Estonia form analysis
Estonia’s recent run of European Championship Qualifying games has highlighted their limitations against superior opposition. They started solidly by grinding out a 1-1 away draw with Azerbaijan thanks to Sappinen’s goal after going behind. However, problems surfaced in their next game with an expected heavy 0-3 home loss to Belgium, unable to cope with the visitor’s lethal attack led by a Lukaku double. Things got worse next match as Estonia were thrashed 0-5 at home by Sweden, totally outplayed from start to finish and ripped apart on the break.
As expected, they suffered another thrashing in their next game, well beaten 0-5 away in Belgium courtesy of goals from Vertonghen, Trossard, a Lukaku double and De Ketelaere. Most recently, familiar issues struck in a disappointing 0-2 home loss to Azerbaijan, caught out twice by avoidable goals to come away empty handed. Overall, Estonia have looked limited in attack while also extremely vulnerable defensively against quality opposition. Significant improvement is needed across the board.
Austria form analysis
Austria’s recent run of European Championship Qualifying games has showcased their sporadic goal threat but also defensive issues holding them back. They started impressively by grinding out a 1-1 away draw with Belgium thanks to Gregoritsch’s opener before Lukaku equalized. Building on this, Austria then beat Sweden 2-0 at home courtesy of two late Baumgartner goals in an assured performance.
However, problems surfaced at the back in their next game despite beating Sweden 3-1 away – going three up through Gregoritsch, Arnautovic and a penalty before conceding late. This continued next match as they lost a six goal thriller 2-3 at home to Belgium, rallying from three down before running out of time. Most recently they returned to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 away victory over Azerbaijan thanks to Sabitzer’s penalty. Overall, Austria boast a threat in attack through Arnautovic and Sabitzer but their porous defense prevents them from getting results against elite teams.
