The Grand Finale
For a long time, it looked as if Group H would be decided on Saturday evening. After Austria confidently won 2-0 in Cyprus and Romania held on for a long time to secure a draw in Bosnia, Esmir Bajraktarevic took heart in the 79th minute. With a dream goal, he put his Bosnian team on the road to victory and crashed Ralf Rangnick’s team’s party. Now it’s all coming down to the final match at the Happel Oval on Tuesday.
The hosts go into this decisive match with a two-point lead over the Balkan team. A draw would be enough for Arnautovic and Co. to secure their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. If the bookmakers are to be believed, that should be enough. They give the visitors only a ten percent chance of winning. The betting odds reflect this, which is why a bet on a home win in Austria vs. Bosnia is hardly worthwhile.
It makes much more sense to place a bet on the goals. In Cyprus, the Austrians once again showed that they have by far the best defense in qualifying group H. In the seven games played so far, the Alpine republic’s defense has conceded just three goals. The Bosnians, who have the second-best defense, have conceded twice as many goals.
Since the games of the league leaders rarely promise to be spectacular, but are designed to control the game, the prediction for Austria vs. Bosnia is that there will be few goals – especially since the hosts can once again rely on superstar David Alaba in defense, who was suspended and missed the Cyprus game.
In contrast to the Austrians, Sergej Barbarez’s team travels to Vienna with a clear task. A win is a must if the Bosnians are to make it to the top of the table and thus qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. One man whose goals have ensured that the Balkan boys still have this chance is Edin Dzeko. The veteran star of the team is now enjoying his third or fourth spring, but at 39 he is still the most important player in his team.
Since he has scored at least once in each of the last four qualifying games, it makes sense to bet on the iconic striker to score in the final group match. Bet365 offers very attractive odds for a goal from the Fiorentina striker in Austria vs. Bosnia.
Austria – Bosnia Head-to-head record
The head-to-head record between these two teams is evenly balanced. Austria and Bosnia have each won one of the last four encounters. Two games ended in a draw.
Austria – Bosnia Tip
In front of a sold-out crowd, Qualifying Group H will get the grand finale it deserves on Tuesday. Ralf Rangnick’s favored team goes into this game with a two-point lead. Since a draw is enough for them, betting on a draw could be worthwhile in Austria vs. Bosnia, given the good betting odds.
Alternatively, you can also bet on the number of goals. In games involving the Alpine republic’s control-oriented players, there are usually few goals, with the exception of the games against San Marino. But a player bet also promises success. Edin Dzeko has scored five times in the last four World Cup qualifiers, making him a hot candidate for a goal on Tuesday as well.
