Denmark play the Czech Republic in Baku on Saturday and the winner could face England if Gareth Southgate’s side can beat Ukraine in Rome later the same evening.
The Danes have turned near-tragedy into triumph at the finals, recovering from the loss of Christian Eriksen and their first two matches to beat both Russia and Wales in stirring fashion and reach the last eight.
The Czechs are also proving one of the tournament’s surprise teams, never more so than when defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in the round of 16 to reach this stage of the competition.
Preview
Denmark could be the Cinderella team of the Euro 2020 tournament. The Danes have been rampant over the course of their last two matches scoring eight goals – four in each match – against Russia and Wales. Kasper Hjulmand’s team have rebounded following the near-tragic collapse of Christian Eriksen at the start of the Euro 2020 tournament. They are playing as a team and may have fate on their side at the tournament this summer.
Standing in Denmark’s way of reaching the semifinals at the Euro 2020 tournament are the Czech Republic. The Czechs squeezed through the group stage with four points from nine on offer in Group D. In the round of 16, the Czechs shocked the Netherlands 2-0. It not only resulted in the Dutch being eliminated from the tournament, but it saw the KNVB part ways with manager Frank de Boer.
The Danes are favourites to win in the quarterfinals versus the Czech Republic. Based on form, Hjulmand’s team could claim a victory, or at least qualify for the semifinals in extra-time. Denmark’s record against the Czech Republic is not strong. They have posted a record of 2W-7D-3L. Denmark are unbeaten in six straight matches versus the Czech Republic but five of those fixtures ended in draws.
The winner of the match between the Czech Republic and Denmark will face off with the winner of England versus Ukraine in the semifinals. On paper, the lower half of the bracket featuring the Czechs and Danes is the easier part of the tournament.
Form Guide: Czech Republic
Not many would have predicted that Czech Republic would make it this far. Czech Republic served notice of their potential when beating Scotland with two exceptional finishes by Patrik Schick, then drew with Croatia and lost to England before knocking the Netherlands out in the round of 16, Schick scoring again to take his tally at Euro 2020 to four.
The Czechs won this trophy in 1976 and reached the final when it was played at Wembley 20 years later. At the moment, they stand a great chance to advance to the semifinals and they’ll surely do all in their power to continue their fairy-tale run.
Form Guide: Denmark
Denmark had a slow start to this competition, losing their opening two games as well as losing midfielder Christian Eriksen who collapsed in the opening game. They’ve however recovered and look to be growing from strength to strength. They have scored eight goals in their last two matches, compared to the one they managed in the opening two games. They also finished their game with Wales against 10 men but by the time Harry Wilson was sent off, Denmark had already sealed it. They have one clean sheet only in the competition, that coming in the win over Wales. Yussuf Poulsen and Daniel Wass should be available for Denmark here, which will go down as a massive boost.
How the match could go
Czech Republic had scored two or more goals in three of their last five overall fixtures, and their sole defeat in the tournament had come against the talent-overloaded England. They also have a Golden Boot contender in Patrick Schick, who has been nigh unstoppable lately. Meanwhile, Hjuland’s men had scored four or more goals in their last two games, and since 2018, they have lost just against Belgium, and Finland. The defeat against the Finns had come in the fixture in which Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch. They too have a consistent goal-scoring threat in Kasper Dolberg, and the team also have the better h2h record over the years. By the looks of things, it’s understood that nothing much separates these two, and with a spot in the semis at stake this Saturday, expect a nail-biter.
Betting Tips and Predictions
Denmark to qualify
Denmark look like they still have improvement in them and they have got better and better with each passing game. The Czechs were able to wear down a Dutch side who ran out of ideas long before the end, but Denmark look like they are playing as men on a mission. It’s hard to escape the fact that Denmark are the slight favorites to win here and the manner in which they won their last two games further tells the story. Bet365 have 1.60 odds, Bet9ja have 1.62 and 1xbet have 1.65.
Over 2.5 goals
Both teams have only failed to score once in one of their games so far, while Denmark alone have scored eight goals in their last two games. Either it ends in a draw or a win for any side, there is a strong possibility for a lot of goals today. Bet9ja have 2.35 odds, Bet365 have 2.37 and 1xbet have 2.45.
Both teams to score: Yes
Both the Czech Republic and Denmark have only failed to score in one of their four matches at the Euros so far and we’re backing both teams to score on Saturday. Both teams have scored in three of the last six meetings between these two countries and both teams found the back of the net in three of Denmark’s last six international matches. Denmark have now scored four goals consecutively in their last two games and there is proof to believe they would score yet again. Czech would also play an attacking minded game and that should result in goals at both ends at the very least. Bet365 have 2.00 odds, Bet9ja have 2.10 and 1xbet have 2.22.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Czech Republic)
Patrik Schick
Schick has four goals to his name for the Czechs in this tournament and continues to lead his side in attack. Euro 2020 is shaping up to be a great success for him. He has scored four goals in four games. Schick’s transfer value is rising, he’s at the peak of his form and now is the right time to make the most of it. The scouts at most of the top clubs will be paying close attention to him today and his national team’s place in the semi-finals is at stake, so backing him to score looks like an excellent option. He genuinely has a shot at winning the Euro Golden Boot. Only the eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo stands in front of him with five goals. Bet365 have 3.25 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 3.40.
Tomas Soucek
He is so far yet to score a single goal in the competition but has always posed a real goal-threat while on the ball. Against Netherlands, he was on the end of a lot of attacking moves and also took a couple of shots outside the area. If Czech might get something off a set-piece, the aerial prowess of the West Ham star could come in handy. Bet365 have 4.33 odds while Bet9ja have 5.85.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Denmark)
Kasper Dolberg
Dolberg had a tough season at club level, scoring only six league goals for Nice in Ligue 1, but his display against Wales suggests he has found his touch. Kasper Dolberg has improved in every game and helped himself to a double against the Welsh. Bet9ja have 3.40 odds for him to score while Bet365 have 3.50.
Martin Braithwaite
The Barcelona star has played in all four of Denmark’s games at the European Championship, scoring once in the 4-0 thrashing of Wales last time out. With Poulsen struggling for fitness, some of the attacking burden could fall on Braithwaite and he’ll be fired up to score in consecutive games. Bet365 have 3.50 odds while Bet9ja have 3.60.
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.
