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The Scout: EURO 2020 Quarter-Finals

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Czech Republic vs Denmark

Despite finishing third in Group D (behind England and Croatia), Czech Republic find themselves in the quarter-finals of EURO 2020 following their 2-0 win over the previously undefeated Netherlands.

Denmark have well and truly rebounded from their horrific opening match of the tournament, and come into this game having demolished Wales 4-0 in the round of 16. They too (understandably) underwhelmed in the group stages, qualifying with one win and two losses.

As the higher ranked team, Denmark are deserved favourites in this matchup, but Czech Republic would by no means feel like underdogs. The Czechs have conceded just twice all tournament and boast one of the Player of the Tournament frontrunners in Patrik Schick.

Schick has been the breakout star of EURO 2020, scoring four goals in as many games, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo with five. The Bayer Leverkusen forward scored the sealing goal against the Netherlands and his team will again be looking to him if they’re to make it through to the semi-finals.

Denmark have scored four goals in each of their last two games (the first team to ever do this in the European Championship) but I don’t see them getting anywhere near that amount of freedom in this match. With the Czechs starting one of the best defensive units in the tournament, and the return of left back Jan Boril from suspension, I think it’s them moving on after 90 minutes.

SUGGESTED BET: Czech Republic (Match Result) @ $3.80*

SUGGESTED BET: Patrik Schick Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.90*

Ukraine vs England

England were phenomenal in their 2-0 win over Germany, withstanding the German attack throughout the first half, their defense led masterfully by Manchester United’s Harry Maguire. The second half saw Gareth Southgate’s men start to look more dangerous, with Raheem Sterling breaking the deadlock minutes after Jack Grealish was brought onto the pitch. This was no coincidence either.

Ukraine have been one of the big surprises of EURO 2020, finishing third in Group C (behind Netherlands and Austria) before scoring an extra time 2-1 win over Sweden in the round of 16. The winning goal in this contest did however come in the 121st minute of play, with Sweden receiving a red card at the 99 minute mark.

England’s success to this point of the tournament has been built around their defense. They are still yet to concede a single goal and have now kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight matches. Southgate has elected to play a three at the back formation, with Maguire in the middle, flanked by Manchester City duo John Stones and Kyle Walker. They held up extremely well against Germany and should be (extremely) confident of doing so again here.

Raheem Sterling scored England’s first three goals of the tournament but it was Harry Kane breaking his drought that could prove to be the difference maker in this game and beyond. The Three Lions’ captain looked down on confidence throughout the group stages, and may only need a single moment of brilliance in this match to put England through to the semi-finals.

SUGGESTED BET: England Win to Nil @ $2* 

SUGGESTED BET: Harry Kane First Goalscorer @ $3.60*

*Odds correct as at 5pm, 2nd July 2021.

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