The Scout: EURO 2020 Round of 16

Posted on June 25, 2021June 25, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Wales vs Denmark

Wales enter the Round of 16 having finished second to Italy in Group A, while Denmark were second behind Belgium in Group B, defying the odds after losing their first two games.

Denmark’s start to the tournament was marred by the cardiac arrest suffered by Christian Eriksen mid-game against Finland. It’s reasonable to suggest that their slow start to the EURO 2020 was linked to this incident, but their emphatic 4-1 thumping of Russia in their final game (and Eriksen’s recovery) is enough for me to say that they are well and truly back in the tournament.

The statistics show that Denmark were a much better side than their record through the group stages suggest. Only the Netherlands (7.6) have generated more expected goal opportunities per game than the Danes (5.9). This attacking prowess was on full display against Russia, and at the forefront was striker Yousef Poulsen (RB Leipzig) who has now scored in back-to-back games.

Wales boast a vastly experienced squad with veterans Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey both showing glimpses of their best through the opening three games. This Welsh side has scored in seven of their last 10 matches and I think that trend continues, but it’s Denmark we see progressing after 90 minutes.

 SUGGESTED BET: Demark Win & Both Teams to Score @ $4.50*

SUGGESTED BET: Yousef Poulsen Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.90*

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Italy vs Austria

Italy were the dominant team through the group stages, finishing top of Group A with three wins and an impressive tally of seven goals scored, zero conceded. They are now outright second favourites ($6.75*) to win EURO 2020.

Austria have made history, qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time. They are big underdogs in this clash but will take confidence from their two wins in the group stages, despite both coming against weaker competition in Ukraine and North Macedonia.

Italian manager Roberto Mancini has a staggering amount of world-class talent at his disposal, and the depth was on full display when he made eight changes to his starting lineup for the match against Wales, still coming away with a convincing win. Striker Ciro Immobile has been Italy’s best, and most dangerous player this tournament, scoring in both matches he has started in.

It’s really hard to make a case for Austria in this clash, with the Azzurri unbeaten in their last 30 games, and now also on a streak of 11 straight clean sheets.

SUGGESTED BET: Italy Win to Nil @ $2.10*

SUGGESTED BET: Ciro Immobile First Goalscorer @ $4.50*

*Odds correct as at 11am 25th June 2021.

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