So far, the round of 16 games have followed the script. As at the time of writing, two nations in Denmark and Italy have advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition.
We can look forward to yet more exciting action, with the games involving ‘big sides’ lying just around the corner. The remainder of the round of 16 fixtures are not so ‘predictable’ and we do know how difficult these sort of games can be from a betting perspective.
With all of the above in mind, we have done all the hard work for you and we’ll be providing you with the best betting yips and predictions to go with from today’s action.
Croatia vs Spain Prediction
Double Chance
Spain are the heavy favorites to win this one especially after their 5-0 thrashing of Slovakia last time out. However, it could yet be an open game with Croatia boasting enough quality to trouble their opponents. Spain have not fully convinced in this tournament so far and it would depend on which side of Enrique’s men turns up. In a nutshell, Spain might be the favorites to win this one but it is not as clear as it sounds. It is more of a 50-50 game and one that could go either way. Bet365 have 1.25 odds, Bet9ja have 1.27 and 1xbet have 1.32.
Both teams to score
Considering what’s at stake, a tight first 45 minutes may well play out before the tie gives way to a more open second half. Spain scored three of their five against Slovakia in the second half and they can take charge again after the break. Recent meetings between the two countries have produced plenty of goals with Spain trouncing Croatia 6-0 in their first Nations League clash in September 2018, before Croatia gained revenge with a 3-2 win in the same competition a few months later. This showdown may not produce quite as many goals as those two, but we should see action at both ends when you take into account the quality on show. Bet9ja have 2.05 odds, Bet365 have 2.10 and 1xbet have 2.14.
Over 2.5 goals
Although Croatia were excellent against Scotland, they still allowed Steve Clarke’s side plenty of opportunities and you can’t be doing that against a class act like Spain. The five goals they got against Slovakia should give the Spaniards a real injection of confidence and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they carried it on in Denmark. Bet9ja have 2.04 odds, Bet365 have 2.10 and 1xbet have 2.12.
France vs Switzerland Prediction
France to win
France haven’t lost any of their last seven encounters against Switzerland and have kept a clean sheet against them in four of those seven meetings. France have won four of their last six matches and each of those victories have been accompanied by a clean sheet. Switzerland lost their only recent international against a bigger side 3-0 in the group stage against Italy and we expect them to struggle in this game as well. France are expected to fully dominate this game and they are the expected favorites to win. Bet365 have 1.55 odds while Bet9ja and 1xbet have 1.58
Both teams to score –Yes
Neither side has looked rock-solid at the back during the tournament and it would be no surprise if both teams found the back of the net. France conceded in the draw against Hungary, a well-worked goal that had Les Bleus all over the place at the back, while Deschamps’ side allowed Portugal to breach their goal twice. The centre-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Presnel Kimpembe haven’t looked assured, right-back Benjamin Pavard has looked shaky and was dropped for Jules Kounde against Portugal, and there are worries over the fitness of both left-backs, Lucas Digne and Lucas Hernandez. Switzerland’s defence has also been poor, failing to keep a clean sheet from three attempts and conceding five goals in total. It will be difficult for the Swiss to keep out France, and Petkovic’s side will likely have to score to have a chance of progressing. Bet365 have 2.20 odds, Bet9ja have 2.25 and 1xbet have 2.33.
Over 2.5 Goals
While France might boast a lot of attacking talent, they have not exactly lit up the tournament so far. A big cause for worry in particular has come in their defence, where they have kept only one clean sheet (their first Euro fixture against Germany). The 2-2 draw against Portugal further highlighted France’s struggles at the back and Switzerland will be aware and eager to capitalize on those faults. Switzerland will not sit back and will still look to attack, hinting at the possibility of a game that could bring a good amount of goals. Bet9ja have 2.10 odds, Bet365 have 2.20 and 1xbet have 2.21.
Anytime Goalscorer
Alvaro Morata
Spain striker Alvaro Morata has not always hit the heights expected of him, but he got off the mark against Poland in the second group game. You get the idea that he should be scoring a lot more if he can slightly improve on his finishing. He is still expected to lead the line for Spain and he’ll be eager to make up for his penalty miss against Slovakia. Bet365 have 2.25 odds while Bet9a have 2.75.
Ferran Torres
He has a fine goal-scoring record at international level, with seven from 14 caps. Last time out, he needed only a minute off the bench to make his mark and the City man would be strongly motivated at the moment to maintain his impressive form of late. Bet365 have 2.75 odds while Bet9ja have 3.75.
Ivan Perisic
Croatia have Ivan Perisic, who has two goals in the tournament so far and has been influential for his side. The Inter Milan star has now been on the score-sheet in each of the last four games when his country has found the net and he is a good shout to do the same today. Bet365 have 4.60 odds while Bet9ja have 5.50.
Karim Benzema
As always, a man to watch in Didier Deschamps’ team will be PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe. Karim Benzema, who scored a brace in the draw with Portugal, is likely to prove a handful for the opposition defenders as well. He is the obvious danger man at the moment and you can count on him to prove himself once again. Bet365 have 2.40 odds while Bet9ja have 2.50.
Antoine Griezmann
Following his equalizer in the draw with Hungary, Antoine Griezmann has now scored four goals in his last six appearances for Les Bleus. The Barcelona forward – then of Atletico Madrid – also bagged a brace at this stage of Euro 2016 as Deschamps’ men came from behind to see off the Republic of Ireland 2-1. Asides Benzema, he is another top name that could come in good in attack for France. Bet365 have 2.75 odds while Bet9ja have 3.00.
Xherdan Shaqiri
With a brace against Turkey last time out, Xherdan Shaqiri became Switzerland’s all-time top scorer in major tournaments (EUROs & World Cup) with seven goals, overtaking Josef Hügi’s six. Shaqiri is currently Switzerland’s joint-top scorer in European Championship matches with three goals, tied with Hakan Yakin. Either from open play or from a set-piece, he is the top man that could make things happen for Switzerland. Bet365 have 6.00 odds while Bet9ja have 7.00.
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.
