We take a look at three UEFA European Championship encounters involving Groups E and F scheduled for Saturday, June 22, providing a betting suggestion for each match.
Before doing so, let’s review the latest outright market odds. England, France, and Germany are now joint favourites at 4/1. Portugal follows closely behind at 6/1, with Spain slightly behind at 7/1. The Netherlands and current holders Italy are next at 16/1, while the rest of the field is available at 25/1 or better.
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GEORGIA v CZECHIA – Click here to bet
Group F returns this Saturday with Georgia taking on the Czech Republic in a must-win scenario for both teams. The Georgians can count themselves rather unfortunate not to have gotten anything from their game against Turkey. Despite their spirited performance and numerous golden opportunities, they simply couldn’t convert and ultimately succumbed to a 3-1 defeat. However, they have a chance to redeem themselves this weekend, hoping for a more positive result against an equally desperate Czech Republic outfit in Hamburg.
Currently third in their group, Czechia will want to recover from their recent 2-1 defeat against Portugal on match day one. Despite taking the lead against the run of play, Portugal were the deserved winners, securing victory with a late goal deep into added time. Given the gulf in class between the teams, the Czech Republic can hold their heads high, especially since not many expected them to trouble Portugal’s net due to their lack of firepower. Their attention now shifts to Saturday’s clash, knowing that progression to the next round is still up for grabs. As favourites, the Proud Lions will aim for maximum points, aware that anything less than a win will be deemed a failure in the context of the current group standings and overall rankings.
Head-to-Head
This will be their first encounter.
Betting
Georgia 4/1
Draw 28/10
Czechia 15/20
Prediction
With nothing to compare between the two and Georgia making their debut at the Euros, I can’t help but feel that experience at this level is what could potentially separate these teams in the end.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Czechia at 15/20
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TURKEY v PORTUGAL – Click here to bet
Currently first on the log, Turkey will take on a star-studded Portuguese outfit this Saturday in what should determine who will prevail at the top of Group F. While entertaining to watch, Turkey’s open style of play could potentially backfire, especially against a Portuguese team that dominated their respective qualifying games by scoring goals aplenty. Although effective in their 3-1 win over Georgia in their Euro opener, that mindset may not necessarily yield the desired results this time around. It will be interesting to see whether the Crescent-Stars continue with their usual style of play or adopt a more reserved approach, given what’s at stake this weekend.
The 2016 European Championship winners, Portugal, currently occupy second place in their group. This Saturday, they visit Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, hoping to secure their progression into the round of 16 with a victory. Portugal’s 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic was more complicated than expected. Despite dominating every facet of the game, Roberto Martinez’s men required a late stoppage-time goal to secure all three points. That being said, anything less than a win for the Lusitanians would have been daylight robbery given the context of what transpired in the match.
Head-to-Head
These two teams have met nine times in total, with Portugal dominating those figures with seven wins and two defeats. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 3-1 victory for Portugal in a World Cup qualifier back in March 2022.
Betting
Turkey 9/2
Draw 33/10
Portugal 4/7
Prediction
This should be a thrilling encounter between two teams vying for the top spot. The Portuguese may not have been at their ruthless best in their opener, but they should have far too much class to get the job done.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Portugal at 4/7
BELGIUM v ROMANIA – Click here to bet
Perennial underachievers, Belgium, were on the receiving end of the first major upset in this tournament. Languishing in third place in the group after their 1-0 shock defeat to Slovakia, the Red Devils enter the second week knowing that damage limitation will be crucial. As the second-highest ranked team in the tournament and with a stellar qualifying campaign leading up to the Euros, their first defeat in almost two years came as a genuine shock to many. They now have plenty of work to do to prevent an early exit in Germany. The Red Devils will be well aware that anything less than a convincing display against Romania in Cologne will be unacceptable to both fans and their chances of progression from Group E.
Romania enters RheinEnergieStadion this weekend full of confidence after their stunning five-star performance against Ukraine. The Tricolours delivered a dominant display, achieving only their second-ever victory in a European Championship tournament, winning 3-0 and shaking up expectations. Initially considered the underdogs in Group E, they now find themselves at the top of the group with three points and a positive goal difference of +3. This Saturday presents a rare opportunity for Romania to potentially progress to the Round of 16, a feat they have achieved only once before, back in 2000.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met 12 times in total, reflecting a balanced outcome with both teams sharing 5 wins apiece and 2 draws. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 2-1 win for Romania in an international friendly back in November 2012.
Betting
Belgium 40/85
Draw 7/2
Romania 6/1
Prediction
As impressive as Romania’s first group encounter was, Belgium will be eager to regain momentum in their Euro campaign and bounce back to winning ways. Given the opposition, this match presents a chance for them to make a significant statement. I anticipate the Red Devils to dominate early on, which should be evident by halftime.
Suggested Bet: 1st Half-Winner, Belgium at 1/1
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
