The Netherlands have a perfect record after their three group matches at Euro 2021. But how good are the Oranje? Good enough to win it all? The knockouts will be revealing.
The Dutch defeated North Macedonia, Austria and Ukraine on the road to the Euro Round of 16, but those teams aren’t exactly elite. And every group match was played at home in Amsterdam. In fact, sportsbooks aren’t even ranking Frank de Boer’s team in the top five nations most likely to win Euro 2021.
A convincing victory at the Puskas Arena in Budapest against a Czech Republic team that played England close (1-0 loss) and tied Croatia (1-1) could win over a few more of those skeptics who still aren't sure whether the Netherlands men's team is back after failing to qualify for Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
More: Watch all Euro Round of 16 matches on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)
Meanwhile, the Czechs are playing with house money after getting out of the group. Their formula has involved a compact, organized tactical structure that allows their star forward to make the match-deciding plays. Patrik Schick has taken on the responsibility of difference-maker in this tournament with three goals, emerging as one of the star names.
The winner of this match will likely feel a semifinal run is more than possible with dark horse Denmark awaiting next in the quarterfinals.
How to watch Netherlands vs. Czech Republic
- Date: Sunday, June 27
- Time: 12 pm ET
- TV channels: ESPN
- Streaming: Streaming: fuboTV, ESPN app, PrendeTV
ESPN will broadcast the match, and the network can be streamed on fuboTV (7-day free trial).
Can Memphis Depay carry the Dutch?
Depay, 27, was an up-and-coming star in world soccer when he transferred from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United in 2015 for a transfer fee that reportedly topped $38 million. But he underwhelmed during his spell in England and in 2017 moved to French club Lyon, where his star shone bright once again. Now he’s set to join Spanish giants FC Barcelona this summer and he’s also back to being a big-time player for his national team.
MORE: Where Depay ranks in the Euro top scorer race
Depay has two goals and two assists at Euro 2021 and he’s the reference point for the Dutch attack. His runs have been as incisive as they are unpredictable, and his one-vs.-one ability has created defensive havoc for the opposition. If he’s on his game and getting his touches, Oranje fans will feel good about their chances. But you can also bet that the Czechs will have a special game plan in store for him.
Czechs without captain
Vladimir Darida, the Czech captain and midfielder, missed the team’s last training session, according to reports. Left back Jan Boril is also out suspended.
Darida, a central midfielder who plays for Hertha Berlin in the German Bundesliga, represents a major loss for the Czechs; his absence could disrupt the team’s balance. His fellow center mid, West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, has to step up in a big way with Darida out. It’s the Soucek types who will be needed in this game for the Czech Republic: players who are prepared to run and chase all day. That even includes forward Patrik Schick.
MORE: Complete Euro 2021 tournament bracket
The Czechs will be under no illusion that they can go toe-to-toe with the Dutch. The Czech Republic’s approach has to be defense-first. given how few scoring chances the team creates (a non-penalty expected goals of 2.4 over its three group games).
Starting Lineups
Here are the starting lineups announced by both teams in the lead-up to the match:
Netherlands (5-3-2, left to right): Maarten Stekelenburg-GK — Patrick van Aanholt, Daley Blind, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries — Frenkie de Jong, Georginio, Wijnaldum, Marten de Roon — Donyell Malen, Memphis Depay
Czech Republic (4-2-3-1, left to right): Tomas Vaclik-GK — Pavel Kaderabek, Tomas Kalas, Ondrej Celustka, Vladimir Coufal — Tomas Soucek, Tomas Holes — Petr Sevcik, Antonin Barak, Lukas Masopust — Patrik Schick
Netherlands vs. Czech Republic odds & prediction
There’s history between these two teams, and the Czechs were a big reason the Dutch missed out on qualifying for the Euro 2016. The recent precedents will surely have the Czech Republic confident that it can manage to get another result on neutral territory in Budapest.
The Czechs are a hard-working, conservative side that will sit deep and concede very little defensively. Expect them to impose a physical style against the slick-passing Dutch and attempt to take them out of their preferred rhythm. A choppy game will suit the underdogs.
The Czech Republic will make sure this game is a tight one, and it will be decided by one or two key moments that tip the balance. But if the Dutch somehow score early, it could get ugly. It might be worth seeing how the first 10-15 minutes play out, and then looking to see if the “Under 2.5 total goals” is still available at attractive odds.
Prediction: Netherlands 1, Czech Republic 0
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
- Netherlands to win (90 mins): -175
- Netherlands to advance: -335
- Draw (90 mins): +300
- Czech Republic to win (90 mins): +510
- Czech Republic to advance: +260
- Czech Republic double chance (win or draw): +143
- Under 1.5 total goals: +280
- Under 2.5 total goals: -110