The first game of the EURO 2020 round of 16 is between Wales and Denmark. Take a few minutes to read our preview.
The first game of the EURO 2020 round of 16 is between Wales and Denmark. Take a few minutes to read our preview.
The first game of the EURO 2020 knockout stage is the one between Wales and Denmark. These two sides finished second in their respective assemblies, after pretty challenging battles they had. Wales’ advance to the Round of 16 is a sort of a surprise, while on the other side, everyone expected to see the Danish team here. They had to fight through enormous adversity but, in the end, earned that second spot.
It seems that this nation likes to play at European championships. After reaching the semifinals in 2016, Wales is again in the knockout stage, this time after finishing second in Group A, behind Italy, but ahead of Switzerland and Turkey.
The Dragons won against Turks, 2-0, played 2-2 vs. Switzerland and lost in the last group match against Italy with 0-1. Rob Page’s guys ended second because of a better goal difference than the Swiss team. The last 10 minutes against Italy were very traumatic for every Welsh fan because Azzurri pressured to get another score, but the Dragons defended well.
That is, along with the counter-attacks, the best aspect of their game. Wales specialized in playing matches without too many goals, and the last four they had were all under 2.5 scores, three of them ending with just one side netting.
The Red and Whites were better than Russia in the last round, defeating Sbornaya with 4-1 in Copenhagen. It was one of the best performances of one team at the entire EURO 2020. The Danes went out firing on all cylinders in the crucial moment.
They’ve recovered well after suffering two losses and the best player. It was obvious already against Belgium that this team won’t give up, and the confirmation came a few days later once they simply trashed Russia.
Denmark is a good team that likes to dictate the tempo and play high pressing against any rival. Even without Eriksen in the middle, this unit plays pretty much the same because they have a system and good game plan.
Wales: Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Gunter, Williams; Morrell, Allen; Bale, Wilson, James
Denmark: Schmeichel; Wass, Kjaer, Christensen, Maehle; Delaney, Hojbjerg, Jensen; Braithwaite, Wind, Poulsen
These two teams met three years ago in the UEFA Nations League. On both occasions, Denmark had more success. They would win the first match at home, 2-0. Christian Eriksen scored both goals in that one. The second match in Cardiff ended 1-2 for the Danish team. Jorgensen and Braithwaite netted for them, while Bale scored for the hosts in that event.
Considering how both sides play, there won’t be too many goals here. Additionally, this is the knockout stage, and the stakes are very high for either team. We believe that the best decision, in this case, is to bet on Under 2.5 goals. The odds are quite solid, while on the other side, the risk is low.