The Scout: EURO 2020 Round of 16

Posted on June 28, 2021June 28, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Spain vs Croatia

These two nations both secured passage through to the final 16 with maiden EURO 2020 wins in their final games of the group stages, Spain smacking Slovakia 5-0 and Croatia 3-1 winners over Scotland.

Stalwarts (and superstars) Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric were the heroes for Croatia, scoring the match winning goals against Scotland, saving this team from what would have been an ugly first round exit. For me, this remains an ageing squad, who are still heavily reliant on the same stars that took them all the way 2018 World Cup Final.

Spain opened the tournament with two very underwhelming draws against Finland and Sweden, but roared back to life in that final game against Slovakia. They’ve been playing a ball dominant brand of football all tournament, averaging 76% time in possession in their games, and will no doubt look to employ this again against Croatia. It must be incredibly frustrating to play against!

Barcelona star Sergio Busquets comes back into the Spanish lineup while Alvaro Morata just needs to tidy up his finishing to really stamp himself on the tournament. Only Robert Lewandowski has registered more shots on goal than the Atletico Madrid striker.

SUGGESTED BET: Spain Win Both Halves @ $4.40*

SUGGESTED BET: Alvaro Morata Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.20*

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France vs Switzerland

One win and two draws was enough to see World Cup champions France finish on top of Group F – aka the group of death. They remain marginal favourites to win the tournament ($5*), and still have yet to show anything close to their best.

Switzerland should consider themselves lucky to have made it out of the group stages. Their 3-0 win over Turkey (the worst performed team of EURO 2020) left them third in Group A, with a -1 goal differential. The Swiss were exposed badly in their 3-0 loss to Italy, and that game could be an indicator of their standing against football’s elite.

The draw against Hungary was a disappointing showing from the French, but they had plenty of opportunity to win that game. Navigating their way out of Group F was their first hurdle and I think this is the game we see them really click into gear. Kylian Mbappe in particular is one player who can elevate this French side if/when he find his best form.

Antoine Griezmann, Mbappe and Karim Benzema are the best attacking combination in the tournament, and should be able to overwhelm this Swiss defense now we’re at the stage of do-or-die football. Benzema scored a double against Portugal and the Read Madrid forward should get his chances again here.

SUGGESTED BET: France Over 2.5 Goals (Team Total) @ $3.70*

SUGGESTED BET: Karim Benzema Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.10*

*Odds correct as at 8am, 28th June 2021.

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