Netherlands
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Netherlands aiming to continue winning start against Czech Republic in Round of 16
Netherlands to win 2-0
The Netherlands have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far, with little expected before the tournament started from a nation who have failed to qualify for the last Euros in 2016 and the World Cup in 2018.
However, three very entertaining group games later, they Orange finished top of Group C with a perfect winning start, scoring eight times in the process.
The Czech Republic are one of the four sides who managed to qualify as one of the four best third place sides, finishing behind England and Croatia in Group D.
They have a strong record at these championships, winning back in 1976 and reaching the knockout stage in seven of their 10 Euros to date. Can they punch above their weight again here?
The winner of this game will set up a Quarter Final showdown with either Wales or Denmark a few days later.
World Ranking: 16
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 1988
Reasons to be cheerful:
Are the tournament’s top scorers with eight goals
Have scored at least twice in their last 10 games in all competitions
Reasons to be fearful:
Haven’t reached the Quarter Finals since 2008
Largely untested so far this tournament
As impressive as the Netherlands have been so far, they have been largely untested other than a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ukraine in their opening group game.
Having not reached the Quarter Finals since 2008, the pressure is on Frank de Boer’s team to set down a marker and continue their winning form.
Although the Czech Republic will be a challenging test, they are expected to beat them. They would also be expected to beat either Wales or Denmark in a potential Quarter Final clash too, paving the way for a Semi Final if they can keep their winning form going.
De Boer’s main question will be who starts up front with Depay, with Weghorst and Malen both doing that job well so far.
Star Man – Memphis Depay
He is indispensable to this Netherlands team, and with two goals and an assist so far, he will hope to inspire them further here.
World Ranking: 40
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 1976
Reasons to be cheerful:
Have reached the Quarter Finals more recently than the Netherlands
Won the last two meetings against their opponents
Reasons to be fearful:
Scored five goals fewer than their opponents so far
Likely to struggle against energy of the Orange
Going into the final group game, the Czech Republic were sitting top of Group D, although following a defeat against England, and Croatia’s victory over Scotland, they find themselves as a third place side in the last 16.
In truth, finishing in a top two spot would not have helped them, with England and Croatia now facing Germany and Spain respectively.
However, their chances of beating an energetic and intense Netherlands unit depends on their ability to keep things tight at the back and take their chances going forward.
Interestingly, they have won their last two games against the Netherlands, during qualifying for Euro 2016. It would be a surprise to see that continue here, but bigger shocks have happened over the years.
Star Man – Patrik Schick
Is the Czech’s biggest hope of damaging their opponents here. Can the big centre forward grab another goal?
Netherlands will dominate possession
They have the tools to break on the Czechs quickly
The Czechs must stay tight for as long as possible
This is a fantastic opportunity for the Netherlands to reach the Quarter Finals for the first time since 2008.
Without any disrespect to the Czech Republic, they are ill-equipped to deal with the quality that the Netherlands possess, if they turn up here in top gear.
Netherlands to win 2-0
