The Scout: EURO 2020 Round of 16

Posted on June 26, 2021June 27, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Netherlands vs Czech Republic

The Netherlands enter the Round of 16 as one of three teams with a perfect record coming out of the group stages. Their eight goals is also a tournament high, with wins over Ukraine (3-2), Austria (2-0) and North Macedonia (3-0).

Czech Republic scraped their way out of the group stages, finishing third in Group D behind England and Croatia, with just the one win over Scotland. RB Leipzig striker Patrik Schick has been one of the stars of the tournament, with three goals in three games, including that wonder-strike from the halfway line against Scotland.

Dutch forward Memphis Depay (Lyon) has played his number 9 role brilliantly to this point of EURO 2020, and looks the player most capable of leading this team deep in the tournament. Depay scored against Austria (penalty) and North Macedonia, both times being the first goalscorer of the match.

The Netherlands look the team here, and if the first three games are anything to go by, they’ll look to blast the Czech Republic off the field with attacking football. Depay has looked menacing all tournament, and with Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool) nestled in behind him, I think he is likely to feature again.

SUGGESTED BET: Netherlands Win and Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.50*

SUGGESTED BET: Memphis Depay First Goalscorer @ $4.40*

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Belgium vs Portugal

The glamour matchup for the Round of 16 sees Belgium face Portugal, the two teams meeting for the first time ever in a major tournament.

Belgium were another of the ‘perfect’ teams through the group matches, scoring seven goals in their three wins, and conceding just the one (against Denmark). The star power is immense in this squad, and key players Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are now back from injury and will both start in this match.

Portugal barely survived the group of death (finishing third behind France and Germany), but their performances were electric, and showcased their attacking potency. They scored seven goals in their three games, and were at their dangerous best on the counterattack. Front and centre was, as always, Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads all comers with five goals for the tournament.

This is the most explosive matchup in the Round of 16 and it wouldn’t surprise to see either of these teams winning by multiple goals, such is the firepower at either end. While Portugal live and die by their number 7, Belgium have a number of avenues to goal, spearheaded by Romelu Lukaku (3 goals) who has been in ominous form.

SUGGESTED BET: Belgium (Match Result) @ $2.45*

SUGGESTED BET: Cristiano Ronaldo Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.40*

*Odds correct as at 10am, 26th July 2021.

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