Dutch too much for Schick army
Fresh off the back of slamming their way through Group C Netherlands play the third placed nation from Group D in Czech Republic. Frank De Boer’s took maximum points from their group with potential banana skins of Austria and Ukraine not able to stand in their way. Georginio Wijnaldum has been exemplary in attacking midfield and is the beating heart of the side, having recently joined Paris Saint-Germain the Dutch skipper was one of the players of the group stage. Czech Republic have done well to reach the knockout stages with Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick scoring all three of their goals. They could be low hanging fruit if Netherlands can hit their straps, despite the loss of Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of defence there is still an assured feel to their play.
Background
Marten De Roon and Frenkie De Jong have been a wonderful foil for Wijnaldum to express himself so far in the tournament and I do not expect that to change against the inferior Czechs. It was a streaky 2-0 win over Scotland that has earned them a spot in the last 16 and a dubious penalty in their match with Croatia. Schick cannot carry their goalscoring burden any further. There is still hardly anyone talking up Netherlands’ shot at winning the tournament and that should spur the players on without too much expectation, get through here and they will face the winner of Wales Denmark for a place in the last four. It is a kind section if they can realise their potential.
Czech Republic are a diligent hardworking unit that will be tough to break down. Outside of Schick, Tomas Soucek is the driving force from midfield areas but he will have his work cut out with the mobile trio of De Roon, De Jong and Wijnaldum. The former, and Atalanta stalwart, was rested in the final group game against North Macedonia with 19-year-old Ajax ace Ryan Gravenberch handed the opportunity in his place. Donyell Malen also started the match, the continuity of the side was not compromised by the changes which means we should not see any hesitation from De Boer in this match if Plan A is not working.
I was surprised the Netherlands were not shorter for this match given Czech Republic’s glaring shortcomings. The nature of knockout football is possibly the main reason to give the underdogs a credible chance. There is still value in the somewhat short price.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
After being reduced to ten early in the second period, Netherlands crumbled to a 2-0 defeat.