The group stages gave us a good idea of where every team stands, but now we separate contender from competitor in the Round of 16. There are some massive games on the agenda, headlined by a clash between Belgium and Portugal, which sees Romelu Lukaku duke it out against Ronaldo.
Wales vs Denmark
Saturday, June 26th, 12.00 PM (EDT)
The knockout stages kick off with an exciting matchup between Wales and Denmark, two of the tournament’s underdogs. Neither team were overly convincing during the group stages, the Welsh finished with a 1-1-1 record, tied for 3 points with Switzerland, but progressing through goal difference.
Denmark found themselves in the same situation, sporting a 1-0-2 record, they were tied on 3 points with both Russia and Finland, however, a 4-1 victory over Russia on the final day saw the Danes clinch the second place finish.
Johan Cruyff Arena 🏟📍#ForDanmark #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/QQe437q6i2
— DBU – En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) June 25, 2021
With just 3 goals to their name, only England has scored less goals than Wales of the remaining teams, and while the majority of Denmark’s goals came from the final game they are sporting a 5.9 XG and generally controlled the tempo of the play. The Danes found their groove against Russia and we expect them to keep the ball rolling today.
Match Prediction: Denmark (-120)
Best Prop: Over 1.5 Goals (-200)
Italy vs Austria
Saturday, June 26th, 3.00 PM (EDT)
Today at Wembley the 30 game unbeaten Italy go head to head against Austria, who have reached their first ever knockout stage of a major European competition.
The Italians breezed through the group stages, scoring 7 goals while being just one of two teams yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Both Manuel Locatelli and Ciro Immobile have 2 goals to their name, while at the other end Gianluigi Donnarumma hasn’t had much to do, with the Italians only facing 2 shots on target.
Austria picked up wins over North Macedonia and Ukraine in the group stages, but will most likely be outclassed by this finely tuned Italy side who can so far do no wrong. Take Italy for the win and to keep their perfect defensive record intact to boost the value.
Match Prediction: Italy (-220)
Best Prop: Italy Win to Nil (+110)
Belgium vs Portugal
Sunday, June 27th, 3.00 PM (EDT)
An early call for the match of round sees two of the tournament’s most exciting teams square up in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium and Fernando Santos’ Portugal.
The Red Devils were faultless in the group stages, rolling over both Finland and Russia without much of a sweat, and mounting an epic comeback against Denmark to win 2-1 on matchday 2.
Winning team. 📸 #DEVILTIME #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/hZUJNJf6Vx
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 23, 2021
Portugal didn’t have the same success in the group stage, however, considering they were placed in the same group as Germany and France it was unlikely any team was going to excel. Over the 3 games played 13 goals were scored, 7 of those from Portugal, 5 of which came from their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Belgium have run so well up until this point, but they have not faced a challenge like this one yet. Portugal on the other hand have already gone up against 2 finalist worthy teams, and have shown they have what it takes to compete, albeit with a leaky defense.
Under Martinez the Red Devils have only gone scoreless in 2 of 58 games, averaging 3 goals per game. It comes as no surprise that we expect to see sparks fly when two of the world’s best goalscorers take to the pitch, but we are backing Belgium to make a statement.
Match Prediction: Belgium (+145)
Best Prop: Over 2.5 Goals (+105)
France vs Switzerland
Monday, June 29th, 3.00 PM (EDT)
The greatest active squad in world football gets reprieve from their group of death as they take on one of the tournament underdogs, Switzerland, who finished third in group A with a 1-1-1 record.
Switzerland’s prospects in the competition weren’t looking too good after picking up just 1 point over the first 2 games, fortunately, Xherdan Shaqiri was there against Turkey in game 3 as he so often is when playing for his country, scoring twice in a 3-1 win.
Both sides have posted similar numbers for goals expected to score and concede thus far, however, the two were in vastly different groups and we now expect France to flex their muscles as the tournament heats up.
Match Prediction: France (-200)
Best Prop: Over 2.5 Goals (+115)
England vs Germany
Tuesday, June 30th, 12.00 PM (EDT)
Despite being arguably the most boring team to watch in this year’s tournament, England finished atop group E with 2 wins and a draw to their name. With just 2 goals scored, both of which by Raheem Sterling, this England outfit is already not living up to the high expectations that were placed on them when looking at the squad prior to matchday 1.
They have at least being airtight in defense, sporting an expected goals against of 1.4, second only to Italy. However, they have only played Scotland, Croatia and the Czech Republic, not exactly goal machines. They now go up against Germany, who have scored 6 goals over the last 2 games in the toughest group in the comp.
This is the ultimate test for England, it is possible that the challenge of a top team like Germany will inspire the best from the uber talented squad, however, we aren’t convinced.
We need you.
All of us. All of you. pic.twitter.com/VtQ1quXpvg
— England (@England) June 12, 2021
Match Prediction: Germany (+188)
Best Prop: Under 2.5 Goals (-137)
There are heaps of different soccer tournaments in full swing at the moment if you want to learn more about what’s going on, make sure you visit our soccer hub page, we’ve got you covered with all the latest info!
*Odds correct at time of publication, thanks to BET MGM.
