Euro 2020 Matchday 7 Previews and Betting Tips
Euro 2020 Matchday 7 Previews and Tips
Things started badly again us on Wednesday. Russia nicked a narrow win as I thought, unfortunately the goal came in first half injury time though so our draw halftime/Russia fulltime bet was scuppered. Wales produced a far better display against a Turkey side that has failed to show up in both of their games. They deserved to win and they look to be heading for the last 16. At least we got a win with Italy -1 at 15/8. They were ultra impressive and they are genuine contenders to win the whole thing. We are back in action again on Thursday, Euro 2020 Matchday 7 tips and previews are below.
Ukraine v North Macedonia
Match Odds: Ukraine 4/6; Draw 14/5; North Macedonia 5/1.
Venue: Bucharest, Romania.
Kick Off Time: 2.00 pm.
The opening game on Euro 2020 Matchday 7 sees Ukraine take on North Macedonia in Romania. It is a huge game for both sides after they lost their first game. Ukraine produced a stirring fightback to come back from 2-0 down to 2-2 vs the Netherlands. However, the Dutch broke their hearts with a late winner. North Macedonia were outplayed by Austria in their 3-1 defeat and the goal they scored was incredibly fortunate.
While Ukraine were undeniably under the cosh for long periods against the Netherlands, they still showed glimpses of what they are capable of. Yarmolenko scored a wonderful goal to bring them back into it. However, it looked to me like he was struggling with either cramp or a hamstring injury in the closing stages and there has to be big doubts about his ability to play another full game so soon. Goran Pandev scored North Macedonia’s goal and that could turn out to be one of the highlights of their campaign.
All things considered, Ukraine should win this match. They topped a group containing Portugal and Serbia to qualify and while North Macedonia are a plucky outfit, the Ukrainians can call upon classy operators like Zinchenko, Malinovskiy and, if fit, Yarmolenko. North Macedonia have managed to score in 14 of their last 15 matches so I am backing Ukraine to win and both teams to score at odds of 3/1.
Euro 2020 Matchday 7 Tip: Ukraine/both teams to score @ 3/1
euro 2020 matchday 7: Denmark v Belgium
Match Odds: Denmark 16/5; Draw 23/10; Belgium 11/10.
Venue: Copenhagen, Denmark.
Kick Off Time: 5.00 pm.
The entire football world will be rooting for Denmark in this match. Emotions will be running high in Copenhagen but they are up against one of the tournament favourites in Belgium. The Danes lost to Finland 1-0 in their opener, a match that changed completely after Christian Eriksen collapsed. Belgium didn’t have to come out of third gear in their easy 3-0 win vs Russia with Lukaku bagging a brace.
Denmark will obviously have to cope without Eriksen for the rest of this tournament. It is a crushing blow as he is by far their most creative player. You would have to worry about the mental state of the Danish team too. Even though their teammate is okay, the weekend’s events must have had a deep psychological impact and until they take to the field, it is impossible to know how they are going to deal with it.
It isn’t the easiest of situations for Belgium either. They must not let the occasion get to them and they need to be professional and do their jobs. Belgium will be without Castagne, Vertonghen and De Bruyne remains a big doubt too. Eden Hazard wasn’t exactly impressive against Russia and sadly, his best days may be behind him. Given the circumstances and the unknowns regarding the Danish players’ mental condition, I’m happy to sit this one out. No bet.
Euro 2020 Matchday 7 Tip: No Bet
Netherlands v Austria
Match Odds: Netherlands 4/7; Draw 31/10; Austria 21/4.
Venue: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Kick Off Time: 8.00 pm.
The final match of the day sees the Netherlands take on Austria. The Dutch got off to a winning start against Ukraine but it was far from straightforward. The Austrians had a far simpler task in their opener against North Macedonia. They won 3-1 but it came at a cost as goalscoring substitute Marko Arnautovic picked up a one game suspension for overzealous celebrations.
There was a lot to like about the Netherlands going forward against Ukraine. However, they looked very open defensively at times and that is something they’ll need to improve if they are going to go far in this tournament. On the upside, Dumfries and Wijnaldum were brilliant and Depay looked dangerous at times too. Alaba, Lainer and Sabitzer shone in Austria’s win vs North Macedonia and they’ll need to be even better if they are to get a positive result in Amsterdam.
Even though they beat Ukraine, the Netherlands were not convincing. Even when they went 2-0 up there was always a sense that Ukraine were still in the game and the Netherlands were arguably lucky to get the win. Austria are generally hard to beat as their record of 2 losses in the last 12 indicates. This could turn out to be an open, attacking game and I am backing the Austrians to come out on top in a match that should produce goals. Austria to win and both teams to score is the recommended bet.
