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The Scout: EURO 2020 Day 6

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Finland vs Russia

The second lot of matches in Group B get underway with Finland travelling to Saint Petersburg to take on Russia at the Krestovsky Stadium.

Finland come into this match with three points to their name after an upset 1-0 win over Denmark. This game was of course marred by the medical incident with Christen Eriksen, so any takeaways regarding form will be tricky. Russia on the other hand are in a must-win position after their 3-0 loss to Belgium.

Russia’s game plan starts with defense and they will be much more comfortable against a Finnish side who aren’t the most potent forward of centre. Once settled, Russia will look to improve on their 33% possession from Game 1, and target their big man up front, Artem Dzyuba – the centerpiece of their attacking formation.

At 6ft 5, Dzyuba won’t find an opponent that can match his size and strength. Russia will be looking to him at any opportunity; be it free kicks, corners or free play. The Russian striker entered the tournament in great form, scoring three goals in as many games through qualifying.

Russia, and Dzyuba, were starved of opportunities against Belgium. I think both player and country will relish the drop in quality of opponent.

SUGGESTED BET: Artem Dzyuba First Goalscorer @ $3.90*

Turkey vs Wales

Turkey and Wales square off in a showdown that could well decide who progresses out of Group A. Turkey were utterly dismantled by Italy (3-0) in their opening match while Wales came away with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, thanks to a late Swiss winner being overturned by VAR.

There was plenty of hype surrounding this young Turkish side, with many seeing them as a dark horse to progress into the very late stages of the tournament. Their trademark defense was nowhere to be seen after half time in Game 1, conceding all three goals in under 30 minutes. Just what this does to their confidence remains to be seen.

The Wales defense was well and truly tested against Switzerland, and they will ultimately be happy with how they held up, conceding just once despite the Swiss team firing off 18 shots on goal.

I’m expecting Wales to sharply increase their 35% possession from Game 1, and even mimic the way the Italians shifted the Turkish defense with their ball movement. For that, I’m siding with Gareth Bale, Dan James and Aaron Ramsey to get the job done here.

SUGGESTED BET: Wales (Match Result) @ $3.30*

Italy vs Switzerland

Italy were heavy favourites to top Group A, and they lived up to that in their opening match with a clinical 3-0 dispatching of Turkey.

Switzerland were bitterly unlucky not to come away with a win against Wales (see above) but ultimately have themselves to blame after failing to capitalize on their statistical dominance.

The Azzurri were incredible in the opening match and have swiftly moved into second favourite to win the tournament. They racked up a whopping 24 shots at goal, while holding 64% of possession. They will rightfully enter this match fully confident of extending their 28 game unbeaten streak (23 wins and 5 draws).

Azzurri striker Ciro Immobile (Lazio) started his Euro 2020 campaign in fine fashion, scoring a goal and picking up an assist in the opening match. Immobile has scored in four of his last five international appearances, while Italy have won nine straight games, scoring 28 goals and conceding zero in this time. Staggering!

SUGGESTED BET: Italy to Win Both Halves @ $4.50*

*Odds correct as at 7pm, 15th June 2021.

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