25.06.2021 » EURO 2020: It's time for the real games to begin!
It's been a thrilling EURO 2020 tournament so far, with pretty much every favorite nation finding a way to earn their ticket to the knockout stages, some with more difficulties than others. As expected and after 36 games played since June 11, we've had plenty of goals, emotions and thrilling tactical battles, but what most fans appreciated the most was the fact that we've finally been able to see public in the stadiums, a feeling that that we've all missed so much since the Covid pandemic emerged last year. One of the teams who have started the tournament with the right foot by beating Denmark in Copenhagen, but then ended up falling short after collecting two consecutive losses, was Finland. Most Finnish fans must be disappointed with their team's campaign, especially those who may have bet on Finland advancing to the tournament's Round-of-16 from any of the bookmakers listed at www.urheiluvedonlyönti.net, as many of them offered some great odds a few weeks ago.
EURO 2020 - We are the people:
Wales vs Denmark
The first game of the knockout stages is most likely one of the most underrated clashes of the Round-of-16. No one really expects any of these two teams to win the tournament next July, but one thing is certain: one of these nations will advance to the quarter-finals!
While Wales hope to count on the talent of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, Denmark will simply try to emulate the spirit and success of their campaign in 1992, when they became European Champion for the first and only time in their history.
Italy vs Austria
Not many betting experts will dare to bet against Italy in a game against Austria, especially after all we've seen in the group stages. The Azzurri have impressed their fans with some great football and of course, a very solid defence. They have won their group with 3 wins in 3 games and scored 7 goals without conceding a single one...
Austria haven't done that bad a job either though, as they finished second in a group with the Netherlands, Ukraine and Macedonia. In fact, the only loss they were inflicted was against the Dutch.
Netherlands vs Czech Republic
Just like the previous tie, this one shouldn't be difficult to predict. The Netherlands come into this clash as the big favorites to win and they have already showed their strengths in their group games. They may not have any truly superstar in their ranks as they've had in previous editions, but they are playing compact and with a great team spirit.
The Czechs have done quite well in a tough group with England, Croatia and Scotland. Their debut game earned them a valuable win against Scotland, which together with the draw against Croatia allowed them secure the 3rd place of the group and still advance to the Round-of-16.
Belgium vs Portugal
The first major battle of the knockout stages will be delivered to us when both Belgium and Portugal grace the pitch in Sevilla, this Sunday evening. The Red Devils are the number one team according to the latest official FIFA rankings and they have only lost a single game since November 2018. With players like Courtois, De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku likely to feature in their starting eleven, they can beat pretty much any team in the world.
However and on the other side of the barricade, we'll have a revigorated Portuguese team. After disappointing fans in a 4-2 loss against Germany, the reigning European champions managed to regain hope and motivate troops ahead of this clash, after earning a 2-2 draw against France, the main favorite to win the EURO 2020. And of course, Portugal hopes to see Ronaldo extending his goal-scoring form, as the 36-year old forward already scored 4 goals in his first 3 appearances.
Croatia vs Spain
We predict this tie to be one of the most balanced games of this round. Neither Croatia nor Spain have looked in their best shape during the group stages, but they are both looking forward to turn things around now that the margin for error has been mitigated for everyone.
While Croatia is heavily dependent of what Luka Modric does on the pitch, Spain does seems to have their dynamic more focused on multiple team players, which can end up playing in their favor. Not only that, but having won their last match by 5 goals without response could also help the Spaniards lifting their morale in the eve of such an important game.
france vs Switzerland
France were the clear favorites to win the EURO 2020 before the tournament started and after making out of their group by securing the top spot, it's no surprise we still see them on the top of the odds charts.
They have beaten Germany in their debut game, just before securing two consecutive draws against Hungary and Portugal. Some believe that this team was saving their best version to the knockout stages, but if that was the case, there's a good chance they may need to pull their best cards against Switzerland.
England vs Germany
There's no doubt that this will be the game stealing most of the headlines ahead of this Round-of-16. The two nations may have equal aspirations to win the tournament this year, but with this tie, as well as both semi-finals and the final planned to be played precisely in British soil, it's no surprise that England are currently second top favorite to lift the trophy this summer.
One curious fact is that England will be only nation in the Round-of-16 who have not scored more than 2 goals after all their 3 group stage fixtures. The team's top scorer, Harry Kane, is yet to find his scoring touch in this EURO and experts claim that he needs to step up against Germany, otherwise their chances of going through are going to be slim...
Sweden vs Ukraine
Sweden has been one of the most positive surprises in this European Championship, as not only they survived in a very difficult group with Spain, Slovakia and Poland, but they managed to finish it on the top spot, with 2 wins and 1 draw. They may not have Ibrahimovic in their team anymore, but they are playing good football and showing a great team spirit.
Their opposition in this round will be Ukraine, a team who barely made it out alive in Group C, after finishing it with 3 points and behind Netherlands and Austria. They won't walk into this tie as favorites, but that could very well set the stage for a surprise, as they won't feel much pressure to win...
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Portugal is on June 27, against Belgium. You can watch Belgium vs Portugal, Italy vs Austria, Croatia vs Spain, Brazil vs Ecuador, Wales vs Denmark, and Netherlands vs Czech Republic, all matches provided from our soccer live game pages.
Portugal next game:
Belgium vs Portugal kick-off time (27-06-2021):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 03:00
Jakarta (Indonesia) | UTC/GMT+7: 02:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 00:30
Italy (Turin) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 20:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 15:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 12:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / skysports.com / sports.yahoo.com / nytimes.com
