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The Scout: EURO 2020 Day 8

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Sweden vs Slovakia

Like most games at this point of the tournament, this Group E clash between Sweden and Slovakia has huge implications on who will advance to the knockout stages. Sweden come into this match with one point after a gutsy 0-0 draw with Spain, while Slovakia scored an upset 2-1 victory over Poland.

It was a defensive performance to remember from Sweden in their opener against Spain. They withheld the barrage for 90 minutes; 17 shots, five on target, against a Spanish side that held an incredible 85% of possession!

The Swedish roster is by no means inept up front. They clearly had a strategy for Game 1, executed it brilliantly, and now will be looking at Games 2 and 3 to show their real potential. They’ve scored 10 goals in their last six matches and the striking partnership of Marcus Berg and Alexander Isak will ask more questions of the Slovakian defense than they did against Spain.

SUGGESTED BET: Sweden Win to Nil @ $2.75*

Croatia vs Czech Republic

Croatia will be looking to bounce back after their 1-0 loss to England while Czech Republic will be out to lock in their spot in the knockout stages following on from a 2-0 win over Scotland.

The Croatians looked an ageing squad pre-tournament and appeared every bit of that in the loss to England. In fact, the 1-0 loss may have flattered them, as they were completely void of creativity in attack. Their stars like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic have had incredible international careers, but their best is well and truly behind them.

Czech Republic were considered outsiders to qualify from Group D but their win over Scotland has flipped the script on that. Some individual brilliance from forward Patrik Schick (two goals) won them Game 1 and he will no doubt cause issues for Croatia again here.

Croatia might be favourites in this match on name alone, and with their ageing squad they look vulnerable. Having won just two of their last 10 matches, I think they could be in trouble again against this Czech Republic outfit.

SUGGESTED BET: Czech Republic (Match Result) @ $3.40*

England vs Scotland

England and Scotland do battle at Wembley Stadium with England coming off a composed 1-0 win over Croatia, and Scotland looking to rebound from their 2-0 loss at the hands of Slovakia.

England are clearly the better side here, and although this is the longest rivalry in football history, I expect the match to be extremely one-sided. Gareth Southgate’s men are on a seven game win streak and have gone undefeated in 16 of their last 17 on home soil.

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips put on a masterclass against Croatia, assisting Raheem Sterling’s winning goal, and cementing himself in the starting XI in the process. His emergence adds to the already stacked midfield that should only improve as the tournament progresses.

Harry Kane was quiet against Croatia but I’m expecting him to bounce-back with a vengeance in this matchup. It’s not often he goes goalless in back-to-back fixtures for England (or Tottenham), and I think he’ll spearhead a big win for the Three Lions here.

SUGGESTED BET: England Win Both Halves @ 2.90*

*Odds correct as at 6am, 18th June 2021.

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