EURO 2020 Round of 16: Netherlands vs. Czech Republic Betting Preview, Odds, Prediction

One very interesting pair awaits us in the EURO 2020 Round of 16, as Netherlands and Czech Republic meet at Puskas Arena in Budapest. These two sides play good and exciting football without showing any respect to the opponent across the field. The Netherlands advanced from the group stage with a perfect record, while on the other side, the Czechs fought bravely in Group D, finishing third in the end because of the goal difference. We’ve seen these two sides meeting at European championships often, and this is yet another chapter in one big rivalry.

Preview

The Netherlands (-166) is one of only three teams in EURO 2020 with nine points from in the group stage. Many had certain doubts when it comes to this team, especially with Virgil Van Dijk out a well as their shaky form, but overall, Oranje dismissed the same.

This team plays very good football, with lots of intensity and pace, constantly attacking and pressuring the rivals, which is, in fact, the trademark of the Netherlands’ national team throughout history.

Since October last year, Oranje posted just one defeat on the road against Turkey in the World Cup qualifiers. After that slap in the face, Frank De Boer’s side went on to stay unbeaten in the next seven matches, winning six and drawing one. In all of those games, the Netherlands scored at least twice.

The Czech Republic (+450) defeated Scotland, 2-0, then played 1-1 against Croatia, before losing in the last match of the group stage to England at Wembley, 0-1. If Jaroslav Silhavy‘s guys had a bit more luck, the result wouldn’t be like this. The Three Lions weren’t better at all.

Tuesday’s game was the first one after three straight in which the Lokomotiv, as the fans call the national team, couldn’t score. All of their three goals at EURO 2020 were delivered by Bayer Leverkusen’s 25-year old striker, Patrik Schick, who, among others, banked arguably the highlight of the entire tournament, beating the Scottish goalkeeper from the center of the field.

The Czechs don’t have some notable game plan, we need to say that. Silhavy mainly adapts to the opponents, trying to score from fast transitions or using the superb chemistry of the midfield. Many of the players know one another very well, which is a massive plus on the pitch.

Latest News

All the Dutch players are ready for this game.

Jan Boril is suspended because of two yellow cards in the group stage, and he won’t be able to play. Patrik Schick is ready as well, and his nose injury picked up against Croatia is healed.

Head to Head Games

The last game between Oranje and Lokomotiv was in 2015, when the Czech won in Amsterdam 2-3. It was the EURO 2016 qualifiers, with the note that the first game ended 2-1 for the Czech Republic.

They faced twice at European championships in this century – in 2000 when the Netherlands won 1-0, with the last-minute penalty, and in 2004. That was when the Czech Republic earned a win 2-3, coming back from behind. Both of these clashes were in the group stage.

Prediction

This is a perfect match for seeing some goals. The Netherlands likes to attack and impose its own pressure, while on the other side, the Czechs are perfectly comfortable in those situations and know how to respond. Our pick here is over 2.5 scores, with the current odds on that suggestion -120.

 

Here are the betting previews for other EURO 2020 Round of 16 games:

• Italy vs. Austria 
• Wales vs. Denmark
• Belgium vs. Portugal
• Croatia vs. Spain
• France vs. Switzerland
• England vs. Germany
• Sweden vs. Ukraine

Also, here you can find more info about the upcoming men’s Olympic football tournament in Tokyo.