Austria vs. North Macedonia 6/13/21 Euro Cup 2021 Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Austria and North Macedonia are meeting at National Arena in Bucharest in part of round 1 of Group C in Euro Cup 2021. Austria hasn’t won any of their last 3 games, and they failed to score a goal in each of those three games. North Macedonia has gotten to the Euro Cup through the additional qualifications, and they have had some fantastic results in their last 4 games.

Austria is a solid team, and they ended up in second place in their Euro Cup qualifications group, but their form has been bad lately, especially in the attacking end. In their last game against Slovakia at home, Austria has had 49% of ball possession, 6 shots on goal, and 8 corner kicks. As I’ve mentioned, Austria is in bad form in the attacking end, and despite having some solid chances here, Austria couldn’t score a goal. The final result was 0-0. The most notable player in Austria’s roster is definitely David Alaba who just signed a contract with Real Madrid, but that doesn’t mean he is the only good player on this team. Baumgartlinger was good in Leverkusen, Laimer and Sabitzer have had a good season in Leipzig, while Kalajdzic has had a great season in Stuttgart. As far as their group goes, I think Austria has a solid chance to end up in second place, but they will need to start scoring more goals.

North Macedonia is in great form, and in addition to winning their last friendly game, North Macedonia has beaten Germany in a World Cup qualifications 3 months ago. As I’ve mentioned, North Macedonia has qualified for the Euro Cup through the additional qualifications, and it was tight but well-deserved. When you think of North Macedonia, you immediately think of Goran Pandev, and yes, he is still playing and will be on the Euro Cup roster. Pandev is not the only known player in North Macedonia. Elmas from Napoli, Ademi, and Ristovski from Dinamo Zagreb, but I’m afraid that will not be enough for North Macedonia here. North Macedonia has only 5 defenders on their roster, and that is a problem. I think North Macedonia is the weakest team in this group, but the strangest things have happened in soccer, and with a bit of luck, and if they can play somewhat consistent on the defensive end, North Macedonia could have a solid tournament.

Austria and North Macedonia have played only 2 times against each other, and Austria has won both of those games. Austria has to start scoring soon, and North Macedonia’s defense is perfect to do so. I’m taking the goals in this one.