As the group stages conclude this Wednesday, let’s take a look at all four matches pertaining to Groups E and F scheduled for June 26, suggesting a bet on the outcome of each European Championship encounter.
Before diving into the previews, let’s review the latest outright market prices. France and Germany remain joint favourites at 4/1, with pre-tournament favourite England now priced at 9/2. Spain holds steady at 5/1, with Portugal closely behind at 11/2. The Netherlands, seen as dark horses, can be backed at an attractive 14/1, while the remaining field is available at odds of 20/1 or better.
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UKRAINE v BELGIUM – Click here to bet
After their disappointing collapse on match day 1 against Romania, Ukraine revived their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Slovakia in their latest outing. Currently fourth in Group E with three points and a goal difference of minus two, the Blue-Yellows now focus on their next opponents, Belgium, at MHPArena in Stuttgart. They know that anything less than a win will result in an early exit from the Euros. Drawing inspiration from their comeback win over the weekend and Belgium’s early setback in the first round, Ukraine still has a fighting chance of progressing, despite the daunting task that lies ahead.
After their shocking first-round defeat to Slovakia, Belgium returned to winning ways this past weekend. The Red Devils looked determined to bounce back, responding immediately after taking a 2nd-minute lead against Romania, and eventually securing a 2-0 win which could so easily have been significantly more had it not been for spurned chances. That result meant that Belgium went from last place to 2nd in Group E, obtaining three points overall and a goal difference of +1, placing them in a solid position in terms of group standings. A victory in Stuttgart will ensure their progression to the next round, regardless of the outcome in the other Group E match.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have never met before.
Betting
Ukraine 15/4
Draw 33/10
Belgium 7/10
Prediction
I’m quite surprised to see Belgium priced at 7/10, and I believe there has been an overreaction to their shock defeat against Slovakia. The Ukrainians haven’t impressed me in this tournament, and I think Wednesday’s encounter will be too challenging for them.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Belgium at 7/10
SLOVAKIA v ROMANIA – Click here to bet
Slovakia faces Romania in their third and final Group E match at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt this Wednesday, aiming to replicate their stunning performance from their opening game against Belgium. Currently sitting 3rd in the standings, the Falcons earned an unexpected three points on match day one but were brought back down to earth with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Ukraine four days later. With all four teams tied on three points apiece, Slovakia still has a chance to progress to the next round, making match day 3 an intriguing day not to be missed.
Frankfurt will be the setting where Romania takes on Slovakia in their final Group E encounter. After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Belgium on Saturday, the Tricolours hope to bounce back, knowing that anything less than a quick turnaround this Wednesday could see them packing their bags. Currently first in the standings with three points, their journey beyond the group stages is anything but secured, as all four teams in the group are tied on points. However, any positive result from Wednesday’s crucial match should see them progress to the round of 16.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met 11 times in total, with Romania dominating the record with 5 wins, 5 draws, and just 1 defeat. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 1-1 draw in an international friendly back in August 2013.
Betting
Slovakia 22/10
Draw 12/10
Romania 27/10
Prediction
In a game that looks too close to call given the permutations in the group, I’m finding it difficult to separate these two teams. Interestingly, there have been no draws thus far in Group E, but that could potentially change, especially with third-place ranking teams potentially coming into play in the final round of group stages.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 12/10
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CZECHIA v TURKEY – Click here to bet
In a crucial Group F match scheduled for Wednesday at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Czechia will face Turkey with their Euro 2024 hopes hanging in the balance. Currently occupying third place in Group F with just one point and a goal difference of -1, the Czech Republic’s pathway to the knockout stages hinges on securing a victory. Their lone point came from a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Georgia in their previous match, where despite their dominance, they struggled to break down a very resilient Georgian defence. This frustrating result has left the Proud Lions keenly aware that their chances of advancing to the next round hinges on Wednesday’s crucial result.
Turkey enters Wednesday’s crucial match knowing that a positive result against the Czech Republic will secure their progression alongside Portugal into the Euro 2024 knockout stages. Despite their recent 3-0 defeat to Portugal, head coach Vincenzo Montella remained upbeat, emphasizing their confidence in bouncing back from that performance. Currently second in Group F, with three points and a goals difference of -1 for their efforts, a draw should suffice in terms of going beyond the group stages. Given their usual open style of football, it’s unlikely the Turks will adopt a different style of play given the risks involved in playing against the grain could potentially cost them a place they have worked so hard to achieve.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met eleven times in total, with both teams sharing the spoils with 5 victories apiece along with the 1 draw. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 2-1 win for Turkey in an international friendly back November 2022.
Betting
Czechia 31/20
Draw 5/2
Turkey 18/10
Prediction
With both teams evenly matched and everything to play for, this should be an intriguing encounter reminiscent of a cat-and-mouse game. While a draw is possible, it won’t help the Czech Republic’s chances of advancing. They will need to take risks to secure all three points, which could play into Turkey’s hands given their opponent’s desperation. I fancy Turkey to get the job done.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Turkey at 18/10
GEORGIA v PORTUGAL – Click here to bet
Georgia will enter the last round of the group stages occupying last place in Group F as they take on Portugal at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. Yet to register a win, the Crusaders opened their account with a devastating defeat to Turkey, before restoring some much needed faith with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. Despite being under the cosh for the vast majority of the game, Sagnol’s men held on for a vital point. This Wednesday, they will face much tougher opposition, hoping to defy the odds. With one point from two matches and a goal difference of minus two, the Crusaders must secure a victory to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, Portugal has been impressive as they seek to replicate their 2016 Euro success. With a perfect record in the qualifiers, the Lusitanians continued their dominant performances here in Germany, securing two wins from two thus far. As a result, Portugal enters match day 3 this Wednesday leading Group F with 6 points and a goal difference of +4, ensuring their place in the round of 16 with a game to spare. This Wednesday, they will face resounding underdogs, Georgia, after a convincing 3-0 victory over Turkey in the previous round. Whether Martinez chooses to rotate the squad or stick to his tried and tested line up, Portugal’s dominance throughout their campaign suggests that the outcome will likely be a familiar trend.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met only once before, with Portugal securing a comfortable 2-0 victory in an international friendly back in May 2008.
Betting
Georgia 13/2
Draw 4/1
Portugal 4/10
Prediction
This looks like a formality for the Portuguese. Whether Portugal opt to ring the changes or not, their depth should see them continue their winning momentum by registering another comfortable victory en route to the knockout stages.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Portugal -1.5 at 1/1
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
