The schedule makers were not kind to Belgium, sticking them with a home match against Germany and an away match against Turkey in their first three fixtures. Despite playing well and keeping those games close, Belgium lost both and finds themselves in a situation where they must get all three points against Austria at home to keep themselves in a position where qualification is not out of reach.
Euro 2012 Qualifying Preview, Group A: An Early Must-Win for Belgium
Azerbaijan versus Turkey, 11 am Eastern, Tuesday
After their first two European qualifying matches, a 6-1 loss to Germany and a 3-0 loss to Austria, Azerbaijan will be heavy underdogs against a strong Turkey side. Despite their poor performance against Germany, Turkey’s win over Belgium strengthened their credentials as a team worthy of a spot in Euro 2012. With Arda Turan not in this side because of injury, Turkey will look to some new faces to try and create goals. Central midfielder Nuri Sahin is off to a fantastic start with his club team Borussia Dortmund this season and could be a key player for Turkey on Tuesday.
Honestly, though, Turkey should be able to get three points even if their top players don’t perform. The gap in talent between these two sides is massive and Turkey should win even with a poor performance.
Kazakhstan versus Germany, 1 pm Eastern, Tuesday
In the first three games of their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Germany has taken nine points and has a goal differential of +9. Kazakhstan is one of two teams in this group on zero points and the only team in this group with zero goals. As a result, expect Jochem Löw to experiment a big and throw out some of his more inexperienced players. Expect the likes of Kevin Großkreutz, Holger Badstuber, Christian Träsch, and Toni Kroos to get run-outs. If those guys can't get it done, the likes of Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller will be waiting on the bench to take care of business.
Belgium versus Austria, 2:45 pm Eastern, Tuesday
This match is likely to determine the team more fit to challenge Turkey for second place in the group. Austria have six points from two matches, but those two matches were against bottom-feeders Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Tuesday, they have an away match against a formidable foe.
Austria are highlighted by their lineup of gigantic target strikers. Wolverhampton's 6'8" giant Stefan Maierhofer, Twente's 6'4" in-form goal scorer Marc Janko, and Werder Bremen's 6'4" new boy Marko Arnautovic are all likely to see the field at some point in time, although it is likely that only two will start. These three players should provide a handful of problems for Belgium's defense. Balanced forward Roland Linz and the smaller, quicker Erwin Hoffer round out a dangerous group of forward players for Austria.
Outside of that position, it is difficult to find any advantages Austria hold over a much deeper and more balanced Belgium side. Young star Eden Hazard and experienced central defender Vincent Kompany did not feature against Kazakhstan and both are expected to be available for selection against Austria. Teenage sensation Romelu Lukaku has yet to find the back of the net for his country, but based on his physical talents and club form, this is bound to happen sooner rather than later. Most importantly for Belgium, their midfield group of Steven Defour, Axel Witsel, Jan Vertonghen, Marouane Fellaini, and Timmy Simons out-class anything that Austria has to offer. Their massive strikers might be able to poach a goal, but Belgium are likely to have more of the ball and more of the chances.
Picks
Azerbaijan 0, Turkey 2
Kazakhstan 0, Germany 4
Belgium 2, Austria 1
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