Sports

The Scout: EURO 2020 Day 7

Ukraine vs North Macedonia

Both of these Group C teams tasted defeat in their opening matches, Ukraine going down 3-2 to the Netherlands and North Macedonia losing 3-1 to Austria.

Ukraine were bitterly unlucky in their match, coming back from 2-0 down before conceding in the 85th minute. Their spirit and willingness to compete are clearly strong, but there are big concerns over the defense.

North Macedonia were equally gallant, level 1-1 with Austria up until the 78th minute. Their gameplan has always revolved around attack and they will no die wondering. Despite being the rank outsiders in this tournament, they have scored in each of their last six international fixtures and have shown they belong.

For Ukraine, this game was always going to be must win if they are to progress into the knockout stages. West Ham’s Yarmolenko will be the best, and most credentialed player on the field, and he should relish the attacking game I’m expecting.

SUGGESTED BET: Ukraine Win & Over 2.5 goals @ $2.75*


Belgium vs Denmark

Denmark will need to regroup fast after their 1-0 loss to Finland, and the medical incident involving Christen Eriksen. Belgium on the other hand looked every bit a tournament contender, emphatic in their 3-0 win over Russia.

Belgium were sublime in Game 1, holding 67% of the possession while limiting the Russians to just one shot on target. The star of the match was striker Romelu Lukaku who scored an impressive double and looks ready to tear this tournament apart.

Denmark could not have asked for a worse opponent in this must win match for them. It remains to be seen how they will respond to the loss of Eriksen, but this Belgium side is just so deep across the field, and they could be set to welcome back their best player in Kevin De Bruyne.

Belgium beat Denmark 2-0 in Copenhagen last September and I think another big Belgian tally is on the cards here.

SUGGESTED BET: Belgium Team Total Over 2.5 Goals @ $5*


Netherlands vs Austria

The Netherlands play host to Austria at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, both undefeated, and looking to lock up top spot in Group C

The Dutch survived a big scare against Ukraine, needing an 85th winner in a game they dominated in nearly every category. A win is a win in a tournament like this, but it does leave plenty of question marks around their defensive structure.

Dutch manager Frank De Boer played a back three formation to allow a pairing of Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst up front as dual strikers. This surprising strategy flourished as the Netherlands looked incredibly impressive in attack. This bold move however opens them up to counterattacks which resulted in the Dutch conceding two goals in their opener. I expect the Netherlands to continue being aggressive and will score multiple goals however their weak defensive formation will lead to Austria also finding the back of the net.

SUGGESTED BET: Netherlands WIN & Both Teams To Score @ $3.10*

*Odds correct as at 6pm, 16th June 2021.

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