Kazakhstan and Finland are set to face each other in a crucial match in the Euro 2024 qualifiers on Thursday, September 7, 2023. The game will be played at the Astana Arena in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. Both teams are tied on nine points at the top of Group H, with Finland having a better goal difference. The winner of this match will have a clear advantage in the race for the automatic qualification spot.
Kazakhstan have surprised everyone with their impressive form
Kazakhstan have been one of the surprise packages of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, having won three of their four games so far. The Hawks started their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Slovenia, but bounced back with a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Denmark, who are considered one of the favourites to win the group. Kazakhstan then beat San Marino 3-0 and Northern Ireland 1-0, thanks to late goals from Abat Aymbetov, who has scored three times in his last four appearances for his country.
Kazakhstan have shown great resilience and determination under coach Magomed Adiyev, who took charge of the team in 2021. The Hawks have also been solid defensively, conceding only four goals in four games. Their main strength lies in their midfield, where they have players like Islambek Kuat, Bauyrzhan Islamkhan and Serikzhan Muzhikov, who can control the tempo and create chances for their teammates.
Finland are aiming to repeat their historic feat of reaching the Euros
Finland are also enjoying a remarkable run of form in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, having won three consecutive games without conceding a goal. The Eagle-Owls began their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Denmark, but recovered with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland, a 2-0 win over Slovenia and a 6-0 thrashing of San Marino. Daniel Hakans was the star of the show in the last game, scoring a hat-trick in nine minutes.
Finland are hoping to emulate their success of qualifying for the Euro 2020, which was their first ever appearance at a major tournament. Coach Markku Kanerva has built a well-organized and disciplined team, with a strong defensive unit led by captain Tim Sparv and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky. Finland also have some talented attackers, such as Teemu Pukki, Joel Pohjanpalo and Jasse Tuominen, who can pose a threat to any defense.
What to expect from the match
The match between Kazakhstan and Finland promises to be an exciting and competitive affair, as both teams have shown great form and confidence in their recent games. The game could be decided by fine margins, as both teams are well-matched in terms of quality and style. The key factors that could influence the outcome are:
- The home advantage: Kazakhstan will have the support of their fans at the Astana Arena, which could give them an extra boost of energy and motivation. The Hawks have won their last two home games in the qualifiers, scoring four goals and conceding none.
- The goal difference: Finland have a superior goal difference than Kazakhstan, which could prove to be crucial if the game ends in a draw or if both teams finish with the same points at the end of the group stage. The Eagle-Owls have scored 10 goals and conceded three in their four games so far.
- The form and fitness: Both teams have been in good form lately, but they will also have to deal with the fatigue and injuries that come with playing multiple games in a short span of time. Kazakhstan will have to cope with the absence of defender Sergiy Maliy, who is suspended for this game. Finland will hope that their key players like Pukki and Sparv are fit and ready to play.
The match between Kazakhstan and Finland will kick off at 3 pm UK time on Thursday, September 7, 2023. You can watch it live on Viaplay Sports.
