One of the games of the round takes place today as two heavyweight sides in Belgium and Portugal take on each other. Portugal will be aiming to defend their crown while Belgium will be eager to show just why they are the top ranked side in the world.
Nothing is predictable at this stage but you can still count on our betting tips and predictions to go with as we boast a decent record so far, since the start of the tournament.
Netherlands vs Czech Republic Betting Predictions
Netherlands to win
The Netherlands don’t have the best of records against the Czech Republic but at Euro 2020, they have shown themselves to be genuine contenders to win the competition. De Boer’s side had a 100% record in the group stage and always played on the front foot, scoring 8-goals and conceding two. The Czech Republic lost their last game against England and have now lost three of their last six international matches, including a 4-0 defeat against Italy. Bet365 have 1.66 odds, Bet9ja have 1.70 and 1xbet have 1.71.
Both teams to score
Five of the last seven meetings between these two countries have ended with both teams getting on the scoreboard, and that is just what we are predicting will happen this weekend as well. The Netherlands are in great goal-scoring form, scoring eight times in the group stage, while Schick has netted 3-goals in this tournament for the Czech Republic and will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes the Dutch defence offer up. Bet9ja have 1.80, Bet365 have 1.83 and 1xbet have 1.87.
Over 2.5 goals
Games between these two nations tend to produce plenty of goals and we’re expecting more of the same on Sunday. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in four of the last six encounters between the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, with their last head-to-head witnessing a total of 5-goals. Five of the Netherlands ‘ last six outings have produced at least three goals, while two of the Czech Republic’s last five fixtures have seen 4-goals scored.
Belgium vs Portugal Betting Predictions
Belgium to win
Belgium might not have the best of recent records against Portugal but we’re backing Roberto Martinez’s side to just do enough to edge their way past Portugal on Sunday. Belgium have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, including all three of their group games without Hazard and De Bruyne for the majority of those minutes. Portugal showed their vulnerable side against Germany and also failed to beat France, which suggests that they often struggle against the big teams. Bet365 have 2.45 odds, Bet9ja have 2.52 and 1xbet have 2.56.
Over 2.5 Goals
Portugal may have struggled against Germany, but they still scored twice and then played like defending champions against France as their hope of progress was thrown into doubt at various times during a pulsating encounter. They showed real grit and determination to fight back and earn a point after French goals either side of half-time saw them lose the lead then fall behind. The Red Devils have conceded just once so far at Euro 2020, in their 2-1 win over Denmark, but are yet to face an attacking threat with Portugal’s quality. With Ronaldo on the pitch, Portugal always carry a goal threat and backing both teams to score looks a strong option. Bet9ja have 2.08 odds, Bet365 have 2.10 and 1xbet have 2.18.
Penalty to be given – Yes
While Portugal’s defence might be almost inexistent, they always look to attack intently and for some reason they have been lucky with penalties. Some call it ‘luck’ but some say its all part of their game-plan knowing that they have a master set-piece specialist in Cristiano Ronaldo. This tip is mostly hinging on Portugal but it is also a game where Belgium’s talented attacking line could force the shaky Portuguese defence to make mistakes and perhaps give a penalty as well. There is a good chance we could see at least one pen in the course of regular time. Bet365 have 1.70 odds, Bet9ja have 1.74 and 1xbet have 1.78.
Anytime Goalscorer
Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay has enjoyed his summer so far, signing for Barcelona while also starring on the international stage for his country. The former Lyon striker has been directly involved in 13 goals in his last ten appearances for his country, scoring nine times and picking up four assists. Only Poland’s Robert Lewandowski has attempted more shots than Depay at Euro 2020, and he is a man in red-hot form. Depay scored 20 goals in Ligue 1 during his final campaign for Lyon, and at 27 he is now reaching his peak. He has scored five goals in his last six games on international duty, and it is hard to overlook him in the anytime scorer market. Bet365 have 2.10 odds while Bet9ja have 2.50.
Georgino Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum has scored 15 goals in 25 appearances for Netherlands since the start of 2019, with no player scoring more for the country in that time. Wijnaldum had scored 10 goals in his first 53 appearances for Oranje. The midfielder has been value for goals so far, having bagged three already in the tournament. He seems to be in the right attacking positions and the all-attacking nature of the Dutch side could further boost his potential to yet score more goals. Bet365 have 3.60 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 2.50.
Patrik Schick
Patrik Schick recorded six of the Czech Republic’s nine shots on target in the group stage at Euro 2020, the highest percentage of any player for his team in the tournament (67%). However, five of Schick’s shots on target in the group stage came against Scotland on MD1 and he has recorded just one in his last two appearances. Regardless, he remains the obvious danger man for the Czech side and if there’s one man who could produce a moment of brilliance for them, he’s likely to be the one. Bet365 have 3.35 odds while Bet9ja have 4.00.
Romelu Lukaku
Ronaldo is leading the race for the Golden Boot award with five goals so far, but Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku is also in the running with three to his name. The Inter Milan striker hit a brace against the Russians and was on target in the win over Finland, while he also saw a goal chalked off for offside in that latter victory. Lukaku is likely to see a few chances come his way on Sunday and given his current form (seven goals in his last eight games for club and country), he should be able to score at least once on Sunday. Bet365 have 2.25 odds while Bet9ja have 2.55.
Kevin DeBruyne
De Bruyne’s importance to Belgium was underlined by his match-winning contribution off the bench against Denmark. He set up the leveler then scored the winner before adding another assist in the win over Finland. Asides Lukaku, the Manchester City star is a top shout to score for Belgium and possibly even set up an assist as well. Bet365 have 3.75 odds while Bet9ja have 4.80.
Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s hard to look past Ronaldo for a Portugal goal after netting five times in the group stage. He scored against every team in the ‘group of death’ and he’ll be more than motivated to carry on that form. Despite his age, he continues to lead the race in the Golden Boot but any chance of winning that could depend on how far Portugal can go in the first place. Add all of the above to the fact that he now needs just one goal to surpass Ali Daei’s international record and there’s enough reason why he could yet be on the score-sheet once again. Bet365 have 2.50 odds while Bet9ja have 2.60.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
