Netherlands
The Netherlands almost lost to Ukraine in the opening game of Euro 2020 when they went 2-0 up in the first few minutes, allowing the Ukrainians to equalise and only regain the lead in the 85th minute. In the other group matches against Austria (2-0) and North Macedonia (3-0), the Netherlands had no major problems. In both games, the Dutch dominated not only in attack but also in defence, which was identified as one of the main weaknesses of the team after the game against the Ukrainians.
The Netherlands try to play the ball until the ideal opportunity to strike, which is why we don't often see a lot of shots on target in their games. In practically every game we have seen that one or the other player, when he has a good opportunity to strike, tries to create an even better opportunity for himself or a teammate, and this often results in a goal or a lost ball, but as we have seen, it is working.
De Boer, the Dutch coach who was criticised before the tournament, is slowly proving that his strategy is working and that his 3-4-1-2 formation is working. The Netherlands have not won 4 consecutive games at a European Championship since Euro 2000 and have not been in the quarter-finals since Euro 2020, so a win against the Czech Republic would finally end this poor run and help the coach to "raise his value".
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic started the group stage with a convincing victory over Scotland, with striker Schick scoring 2 goals, one of which came from almost midfield. The win over the Scots was followed by a draw against Croatia. However, for those who watched the match, there should be no question as to which team looked better - the Czechs created more chances than the Croatians and were certainly worthy of the 3 points. The Czechs also played some good football in their last group match against England, but no team in this tournament has been able to break through the English defence - including the Czech Republic.
Nobody expected much from the Czechs before the tournament and getting out of the group was hailed as a good achievement for the team. However, the way the Czechs are playing, it is clear that this team cannot be written off. As controversial as it may sound, the Netherlands may be one of the more favourable opponents for the Czechs in the play-offs. Although the Netherlands did not concede a goal against the Austrians and the North Macedonians, Ukraine showed that there are holes in the Dutch defence. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic's team looks better than the Ukrainians in terms of the way they are playing, so they can certainly score a goal, but it will be up to the defence.
The Czech Republic conceded just 2 goals in the group stage in a group with England, Croatia and Scotland, so if they score a goal and show at least a similar defence to the one we saw in the group stage, we can expect some surprises in this match.
Predicted starting line-ups:
Netherlands:
Stekelenburg; De Vrij, Blind, De Ligt; Dumfries, De Jong, De Roon, Van Aanholt; Wijnaldum; Depay, Weghorst;
Czech Republic:
Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Mateju; Holes, Soucek; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick.
Forecast
The Netherlands are considered the clear favourites for this match, which is understandable as they have not lost in this tournament. However, the Czech Republic should not be underestimated and it would not be surprising if this match is a much tougher fight than many predict. The Czechs should score a goal of their own, but the Netherlands' attack is looking good, so we will probably see 3-4 goals in this match.
Netherlands to win, 1,7 kof., betsafe
More than 2.5 goals, 1.9 kof., betsafe
If you're interested in following all the reviews we put up, you can find them here here .We also recommend you visit our Facebook page Serious Bets
EN 
LT 
DE 
FR 
SV 
ES 
IT 
FI 
LV 
SK 
SL 
TR