It’s the second day of the knockout stages and Netherlands face Czech Republic in the first game. What do the stats say and who do the odds favour? Below is a comprehensive guide to making your betting decisions easier for you.
Frank De Boer’s ‘flying’ Dutchmen soared through the group stage, albeit with the advantage of playing in Amsterdam, hitting a competition-high eight goals in the process.
The last time they won all three group games and scored 8+ group goals (Euro 2008), the Dutch were knocked out in the very next round after extra time.
However, their prolific run of scoring 2+ goals now reaches back over ten games, which surpasses their previous best ever run of nine games between 1934-35.
Now in the first knockout round for the first time since Euro 2008 and warm favourites here, the Netherlands will hope to get the job done inside 90 minutes after their last two such knockout games since beating a now-defunct Yugoslavia 6-1 in 2000 went to extra time (W1, L1).
Should this go the distance, the ‘Oranje’ have been known to choke, losing three of four penalty shootouts at the Euros.
Click here for betting tips for Belgium vs Portugal
Qualifying as one of the best third-placed sides (W1, D1, L1), Czech Republic will face the Netherlands for the third time at the Euros since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
Subsequently sharing a single-goal margin H2H victory apiece at these championships, Netherlands boss Frank de Boer actually scored the sole goal in their group stage meeting of Euro 2000.
Winners of just one of their last seven games at the Euros, the Czech Republic have also been beaten in three of their last four knockout games in this tournament.
With their results getting progressively worse in this edition, a good start could be vital to their hopes.
Notably, none of their three knockout games played immediately after a group stage (0F: 1996, 2004, 2012) saw both teams score, each of which also produced a goalless first-half (W2, L1).
With the stats, Netherlands seem like strong favourites to sweep aside Czech Republic. The bookies have given them 1.67 odds against their opponents who were given 5.60 odds (bet9ja).
The uncertainty of the Dutch defence and the potent threat of both teams in attack could have one swayed towards staking GG which is 1.79 odds. Or over 1.5 goals (1.27 odds).
Good luck, and don’t forget to gamble responsibly.
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