March European Championship Qualifying: Games You Should Watch

Thursday, March 21st: Belgium hosts Russia
After a well-fought run in the 2018 World Cup, Belgium have become a popular team to watch. The attacking trio of Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, and Romelu Lukaku share 88 all time goals in international play, and currently they look like they don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Belgium is also known for their strong center-backs with the likings of Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, and Vincent Kompany, as well as many other up and coming defensive stars. Along with Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel typically holding the midfield, The Red Devils can control the center of the field against the other football giants around the world. However, their weakness lies on the wings where their fullback situation is poor. Despite Thomas Meunier's success, Belgium don't have much talent that can play on the left or right side of the pitch. They are forced to use a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation, causing Meunier and other fullbacks to play high and run both ends of the field. Russia, who are rebuilding and exposing young players to professional play, will most likely be using Denis Cheryshev and maybe Anton Miranchuk as wingers in order to take advantage of the free space Belgium is offering. But Belgium's strong presence and armory of world-class skill should be enough to dominate the Russians and send them back home.


Sunday, March 24th: Dutchmen Welcome Back Germany
If you followed the UEFA Nations League that last occurred during the end of last year, you would know that Netherlands were the surprise winners of their challenging group while Germany was relegated to League B. The Dutch, after not qualifying for the World Cup, have spent time rebuilding and now look like favorites to finish on top in their group. Center-backs Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt are currently performing in high-form, while other playmakers like Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay are building confidence and taking on large roles for their country. Meanwhile, Germany have been struggling to keep up and maintain their champion status. Recent reports have announced that long-time manager Joachim Low has decided to leave out Bayern stars Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng, and Mats Hummels from his future plans. Some may believe that this will hurt the Germans' international success, but this is more of an opportunity for players like Thilo Kehrer, Niklas Sule, and Kai Havertz to build their careers and bring fresh blood to the side. Netherlands could finish this match victorious, but expect a close-fought game between the two powerhouses.



Monday, March 25th: Ronaldo and co. Face Serbia
Portugal, who were the 2016 UEFA European Champions, are hungry for another international trophy and they have the squad to prove it. Along with the older Portugal legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho, they also have young-guns Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves that are making a name for themselves and looking to fill the shoes of these greats. Their World Cup run wasn't as successful as expected, but the Portugese can fuel a drive and determination that many other European countries lack. Serbia will be their toughest opponent during this international break with Nemanja Matic and Aleksandar Kolarov holding a strong defensive line, but when you have a Ronaldo on your team, scoring goals shouldn't be a problem.



Tuesday, March 26th: Underrated Teams Switzerland and Denmark Take the Pitch
In the past, both these countries have never really made a name for themselves as a top European squad, but as the times are changing, we have seen some sparks and flames being fueled from these talents. Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri has led this new side with the help of Granit Xhaka and Yann Sommer. Recently, they surprised Belgium in the UEFA Nations League by handing them a humiliating defeat and securing the top spot in their group to move on to the knockout rounds. Denmark have also been on the rise and producing quality football against the other European Giants. Christian Eriksen has been their best player by far with Kasper Schmeichel not too far behind, along with many other young players that are really kickstarting their careers. This will be a fun game to watch these two up and coming countries face off and see who is improving the most. Switzerland looks to have the power to win this match, but without their starting striker Haris Seferovic, a draw between the two seems more likely.