Friday internationals acca: Patrik Schick statement, Hungary face tough Turkey test, Spain goal-fest
- Seb Sternik
- 22 March 2024
Friday’s fixture list might not offer much in way of excitement, though we have managed to find four matches which may tickle your fancy.
International friendlies are never worth getting excited over, but with the European Championships just around the corner, a number of teams will be looking to nail down their preferred squads and tactics.
Picking up victories is also important as nations look to build momentum before making their way to Germany for the European football extravaganza.
We have picked out four matches to follow on Friday night, including a tip for each clash.
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Norway vs Czech Republic (1700 GMT)
Friday’s clash in Oslo should’ve been an intriguing battle between two top strikers.
Erling Haaland is six goals away from becoming Norway’s leading all-time goalscorer though the Man City man is a doubt after limping off in training.
Instead, Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick will look to steal the headlines as his team warm up for the Euros.
The 28-year-old will be looking to make a statement as the summer tournament draws closer and we’re backing him to score against Norway.
TIP: Patrik Schick to score anytime
Hungary vs Turkey (1945 GMT)
There are few fixtures on Friday night which catch the eye, though one match which has the potential to entertain is this one.
Hungary and Turkey have both qualified for Euro 2024 and are both in the midst of solid form ahead of the tournament.
Hungary are unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions while Turkey have won three of their last four – including a 3-2 win over Euro hosts Germany.
There’s a pleasant smell of goals around this fixture and we’re backing over 2.5 goals in Budapest.
Romania vs Northern Ireland (1945 GMT)
Romania not only qualified for Euro 2024 but they did it without losing a single match.
Edward Iordanescu’s side are unbeaten in 11 matches and are on the lookout for their fourth straight win.
On paper, getting the better of Northern Ireland shouldn’t be much of a problem. Michael O’Neill’s side have suffered seven defeats from nine games, though they did pick up a surprise 2-0 success over Denmark last time out.
Nevertheless, Romania are gearing up for a big summer and we’re backing them to start their preparations with a win on home soil.
Spain vs Colombia (2030 GMT)
Arguably the match of the day takes place at the London Stadium as Spain clash with Colombia.
Spain are on an eight-match winning run, scoring 24 goals along the way. Colombia, meanwhile, are unbeaten in 19 and are in the midst of a four-match winning run.
With both teams in good form and both boasting a wealth of quality, there is potential for goals-galore.
Bearing that in mind, we’re backing both nations to get on the scoresheet.
Argentina vs El Salvador (0000 GMT Sat)
Argentina will be without Lionel Messi on Friday night, but that won't stop them from beating El Salvador in Philadelphia.
They have more than enough weapons to extend their 16-game unbeaten run in friendlies, including Lautaro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho and Angel Di Maria.
The 'hosts' have won their last eight friendlies by a combined score of 29-0 having played against teams of a similar level to their Stateside opponents.
