Netherlands vs Czech Republic: Wijnaldum and Soucek the players to watch
- Michael Graham
- 27 June 2021
The Netherlands have entertained so far, as so many Netherlands sides do. However, with the pressure increasing, can they maintain their levels?
When: Sunday June 27, 17:00 BST
Where: Budapest
How to watch: ITV
Best Bets
Netherlands have arguably been the most fun team to watch in Euro 2020 so far, and they will no doubt fancy their chances of continuing their journey against the Czech Republic.
Frank De Boer has fashioned a team that is easy on the eye, attractive in attack, and not entirely safe at the back. And that is always a recipe for entertainment for the neutral.
Czech Republic, on the other hand, are nobody's pushovers, although they haven't exactly thrilled either.
Euro 2020 form
Netherlands
Memphis Depay celebrates his goal against Austria
We'd have to concede that Netherlands were handed a pretty kind group.
However, you can only beat who is in front of you, and Netherlands have beaten the lot of them.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic's Patrik Schick
The Czechs have been fiercely competitive in every game they have played, with England only managing to beat them by a single goal in their last group match.
Croatia, who were World Cup finalists three years ago, failed to beat them too, underlining just how solid an outfit they are.
Entertaining Netherlands
However, their displays have told a very different story. They have been as entertaining as their predecessors and every bit as elegant on the ball.
Netherlands boss, Frank De Boer
Netherlands squad
Czech Republic reliant on their right
While Czech Republic have been solid so far, their right-hand side has been a big threat.
West Ham man Vladimir Coufal was one of the stars of the show against England, and when club-mate Tomas Soucek joins down that side they can pose some real danger.
Czech Republic's Vladimir Coufal
Set-pieces are another area where Czech Republic can hurt anyone, and again Soucek comes into the reckoning.
Czech Republic squad
International head-to-head
Netherlands wins: 3
Draws: 3
Czech Republic wins: 5
Goalscorer bets
There can be little doubt that Georginio Wijnaldum has been a key figure for the Netherlands so far, and odds of 6/1 to open the scoring seem very generous.
Denzel Dumfries has also caught the eye with his marauding runs down the right, and 9/2 to score anytime looks good value.
Netherlands' Denzel Dumfries
If you feel able to turn down the 11/1 on offer for Tomas Soucek to score the first goal, then you're stronger than many will be.
