Kick Off: 1200, 01/06/2018
Stadium: St Polten NV Arena
Australia can continue their World Cup preparations by drawing with a Czech Republic side rebuilding after missing out on Russia 2018.
The Socceroos have a workmanlike squad and they showed plenty of resilience when holding Colombia to a stalemate in London in March.
We’re expecting more of the same spirit in Austria on Friday and like 9/4 for the scores to finish level in our Czech Republic vs Australia betting tips.
A Look At Czech Republic’s Betting Odds
The Czechs could only manage third place in their World Cup qualifying pool, trailing runaway table toppers Germany by 15 points and Northern Ireland by four.
Of the 17 goals they scored in 10 games, 11 came in two encounters with San Marino, so hitting the target against stronger opposition is clearly a problem.
Karel Jarolim’s side secured third spot in March’s China Cup by beating the hosts 4-1, but had previously drawn a blank up front in a 2-0 loss to Uruguay.
Derby striker Matej Vydra did have a good season in the Championship, though, netting 21 times, while 22-year-old Roma forward Patrik Schick has shown promising signs.
Looking at the Czech Republic vs Australia odds, let’s go with 23/4 for a 1-1 draw.
A Look At Australia’s Betting Odds
Australia made hard work of qualifying for Russia 2018, being forced to beat Syria and Honduras in play-offs after they were edged out by Japan and Saudi Arabia in Asia’s Group B.
Bringing in experienced Dutchman Bert van Marwijk to succeed Ange Postecoglou looked a shrewd move, though, and he will have been encouraged by the 0-0 draw with Colombia at Craven Cottage.
Having been hammered 4-1 by Norway four days earlier, the Socceroos showed much more structure and intensity to keep the South Americans at bay.
“I think you can see the players are beginning to understand more of what we want and how we want to play,” said Van Marwijk after stifling the likes of Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez.
A hard-working midfield can help them to compete again here, with 18/5 for a draw at half-time and full-time added to our Czech Republic vs Australia betting predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
China 1-4 CZECH REPUBLIC – Tomas Kalas, Patrik Schick, Michael Krmencik, Pavel Kaderabek
Colombia 0-0 AUSTRALIA
Head-to-head: Czech Republic 3-1 Australia
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