Estonia vs Sweden

The stakes are at an all-time high for Estonia and Sweden as they go head-to-head in a must-win Euro 2024 qualifier at A. Le Coq Arena.

The math is simple for Estonia – they must take three points here to bolster their dwindling hopes of qualifying for a first-ever major international tournament as an independent country. A dismal 1-1 away draw against Azerbaijan on matchday two, sandwiched by high-scoring defeats to Austria and Belgium, sees the Baltic minnows nailed to the bottom of Group F alongside Azerbaijan, already six points off second-placed Belgium. However, their sorrow qualifying campaign faces another stern challenge as they take on neighbors Sweden, a side they’ve never beaten across their 17 previous H2Hs (D2, L15). If there’s any comfort, the ‘Blueshirts’ have claimed two identical 2-2 draws in their last three meetings with the more heavily fancied Swedes (L1).

On the other hand, Sweden cannot afford a slip-up here if they’re to maintain an impressive record of qualifying for all European Championship editions in the 21st century. Except for a 5-0 demolition of lowly Azerbaijan on matchday two, Janne Andersson’s men have lost their remaining two Group F fixtures by 2+ goals ‘to nil,’ falling four points behind runners-up Belgium in the process. Playing away from home doesn’t suit ‘Blagult,’ as evidenced by their dismal run of two wins on ten international travels since June 2021 (D1, L7). Sweden’s defensive woes have seen them concede multiple goals in six of those seven defeats, which was the case in their most recent visit to Estonia in 1997 (3-2).