World Cup
2012-09-07 - Moldova vs England
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: UEFA World Cup 2014 Qualifier
Friday 6 September 2012 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Moldova
Moldova are still a developing nation in terms of their footballing ability to match some of the more established names, but they are no longer the whipping boys in Europe and can be a tough out, especially at home. There isn't the expectation of qualifying for a major international tournament, but the chance to upset one of the big boys cannot be under-estimated.
With the likes of England, Ukraine, Poland and Montenegro in this Group, Moldova will be looking to finish above San Marino and possibly one of those four nations to improve their rankings and show they are making progress.
They are 2-2-6 in their last 10 home qualifiers and that includes playing Hungary, Holland and Switzerland very tough (lost all three by a combined 0-5 tally). In that time, only Sweden have come to Moldova and comfortably picked up the three points with a 1-4 win so England need to be aware of that.
England
England surpassed some expectations at the Euro 2012 tournament under Roy Hodgson, but it was a familiar tale in the end as they were knocked out of the tournament at the Quarter Final stage on penalties no less. However, there is beginning to be a feeling in England that Hodgson is moving the team in the right way and qualification for the World Cup is the minimum of expectations.
There are some familiar opponents in their Group this time around, so surprises should be few and far between. Montenegro and Ukraine have been in the same qualifying Group as England for the World Cup in 2010 or the Euro 2012 tournament, while the latter were also in the same Group at the Euro tournament this Summer. Poland are another dangerous team in the section, but England are the right favourites to make it to Brazil by winning this Group.
Since failing to qualify for the Euro 2008 tournament, England have made easy work of their next two qualifying campaigns. That is highlighted by their 7-1-1 record away from Wembley in those campaigns, including wins in Switzerland, Bulgaria, Croatia and Belarus so this Group should hold little fear.
Ashley Cole is expected to miss out, but will be ready for the Ukraine game next week. Wayne Rooney and Andy Carroll are injured so England look a little short up front, although they won't expect that to be a problem in this game.
Head to Head
Moldova and England were placed in the same qualifying group for the World Cup in 1998.
The Moldovans were a fledgling nation back then and England recorded a 0-3 win here thanks to goals from Nick Barmby, Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer.
Prediction
This could be a tougher game for England than some may think considering their injuries up front and the improved performances of Moldova in their recent home qualifiers.
We know England have a few injury issues to contend with here and I also think Moldova have proven they are a tougher team to beat here.
However, they are still losing to the better international teams and England still qualify in that category so anything other than an away win would be a surprise.
I will back England to win 0-1 or 0-2 in this one, which pays at least 5.00 at Bet Fred if you place a unit on both scorelines. Holland, Hungary and Switzerland have only managed to win by these scorelines and England are missing their first choice front strikers in Rooney and Carroll so this looks the best way on to the game.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Moldova 0-2 England
