Euro 2020 Last 16: Belgium vs Portugal & Netherlands vs Czech Republic
It is sink or swim for 16 of the biggest sides in Europe as the Euro 2020 round of 16 gets underway. Only eight teams were eliminated at the group stages, meaning there are plenty of big sides still left to battle it out in the competition. Sunday sees Belgium take on defending champions Portugal and the Netherlands play the Czech Republic, in what should be two fascinating encounters.
Netherlands vs Czech Republic – Budapest
Match Winner Odds:
Netherlands
Returning to major tournament football was a priority for the Netherlands over the past few years and now they are back in the big time, they are looking to make it pay. They won three from three during the group stages and look to have a side packed with goal threats and defensive stability, making them a side to watch as the knockout stages progress.
Czech Republic
Coming through a tough group of England, Croatia and Scotland is a real feather in the cap for Czech Republic, who look to have a quiet confidence within the camp. They will be all too aware of their status as underdogs here in Budapest but shouldn’t be discarded as they have plenty of quality in their ranks.
Odds and Predictions
Both sides will be looking to keep things tight from the off and with so much to play for, it could be a very cagey encounter.
Both teams to score – NO – 0.86
Memphis Depay leads the Dutch line with aplomb, and he will be looking to make an impact on a big game once more for his country here.
Memphis Depay to score anytime – 1.90
Score Prediction:
Netherlands 2 – 0 Czech Republic – 6.23
Result Prediction:
Czech Republic are a plucky outfit, and they won’t go down easily here but the Dutch have been waiting for this tournament for a few years and look to be chomping at the bit.
Netherlands to win the match – $0.68
Belgium vs Portugal – Seville
Match Winner Odds:
Belgium
2018 World Cup bronze medallists Belgium are in the midst of a golden generation but need to turn that into silverware. They were way too good for all in front of them in the group stages and with the partnership of Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku fit and firing, they could be difficult to stop.
Portugal
Defending champions Portugal huffed and puffed somewhat in the group stages but playing Germany, France and Hungary was always going to be difficult. They are a side packed with talent and should Cristiano Ronaldo perform as he can do, Belgium could be up against it here in Seville.
Odds and Predictions
Neither of these two sides play on the back foot and goals look on the cards here.
Both teams to score – YES – 0.80
Romelu Lukaku is a perennial goal scorer at this level, and he will be looking to add to his tally for the tournament.
Romelu Lukaku to score anytime – 1.27
Score Prediction:
Belgium 1 – 1 Portugal – 4.46
Result Prediction:
This should be an unforgettable night in Seville, between two sides that could easily win the competition should they progress. On paper there is very little to separate them and with so much at stake, this one could come down to penalty kicks.
The match to go to penalties – 3.73
