Prediction: Netherlands win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
It’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty at Euro 2020 as we gear up for the start of the knockout stage this weekend. After starting off with 24 teams there are now just 16 remaining in the race to become European champions with only two or three nations really planting their flag down as legitimate favourites in the group stage. One of those teams, the Netherlands, will be back in action this Sunday when they meet Group D’s surprise package – the Czech Republic.
Netherlands
It’s important to recognise that the expectations for the Netherlands and Frank de Boer weren’t exactly high at the start of the Euros. Now, though, they’re on a rocket ship to the moon after an emphatic series of wins in the group stage. They’re still underdogs and will be against many other “bigger” nations but if they can carry this momentum forward through the Round of 16 and beyond, it’s going to be really hard to stop them.
Team News
The expectation is that de Jong will be out for the remainder of the the tournament through injury, although there’s a good chance he wouldn’t have started here anyway. Elsewhere, van de Beek is still injured with de Boer likely settling on the same starting XI that got him to to the dance.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic wasn’t expected to make much noise during the Euros but, as it turns out, the antics of Patrik Schick in front of goal has turned them into something resembling dark horses. They’ve definitely struggled to maintain their strong start which leaves many to wonder what they have to offer in the last 16, but with their game being situated in the more favourable half of the draw, you never know what could happen if they can cause the upset here.
Team News
The unfancied Czechs will be forced into at least one change for this game due to Jan Boril being out through suspension, which is quite the blow at left back. Mateju may come in to replace him with Provod being ruled out via injury.
Factors to Consider
- Netherlands have moved up to sixth favourites with most bookies to win Euro 2020.
- Netherlands won all three of their group stage games and finished 1st.
- Czech Republic won one, drew one and lost one of their group stage games and finished 3rd.
- Netherlands have scored eight goals at Euro 2020, conceding two.
- Czech Republic have scored three goals at Euro 2020, conceding two.
Conclusion
The Czechs started off this tournament like a house on fire thanks to their win over Scotland but ever since then, they’ve shown us nothing to suggest they can compete with the Dutch. Sure, the Netherlands still have some fine-tuning to do and may struggle against the bigger teams, but this is the kind of game they’ve been winning with ease so far. We think the Oranje will go through and they’ll do so with a pretty convincing 2-0 win.
Prediction: Netherlands win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
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