The Round of 16 is upon us as we progress beyond the group stage and embark on the knockout phase. Let’s take a look at the games scheduled for Saturday June 29 and see if we can find a few winners.
Before diving into the previews, let’s review the latest outright market prices. There has been a shift at the top, with England returning as favourites at 7/2 due to their favourable draw in the next round. Spain has overtaken both France and Germany, currently priced at 9/2. Both Germany and our outright favourite, France, come in next at 11/2. Portugal remains an interesting option at 13/2, while the Netherlands continue to gain traction, now at 12/1. The remaining field can be snapped up at 16/1 or better.
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SWITZERLAND v ITALY – Click here to bet
Unbeaten in the group stages, Switzerland enters the round of 16 in relatively high spirits, having held hosts Germany to a 1-1 draw in their most recent encounter. It was a massive effort from the Red Crosses, as the Germans required a stoppage-time equalizer to save their blushes. As runners-up in Group A with one win and two draws, Switzerland will now face the second-placed team from Group B and current holders, Italy, in the knockout stages at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time at the Euros.
Switzerland enter the round of 16 having averaged 1.66 goals per game in the group stages, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 67% of those encounters (2 out of 3).
Defending Euro champions, Italy, secured their progression into the Round of 16 with a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer, ending 1-1 against Croatia. As Group B runners-up, the Azzurri enter Saturday’s clash against Switzerland hoping to significantly improve their rather lacklustre performances from the group stages as the tournament intensifies. While the team has shown glimpses of their potential, consistency remains an issue. With a relatively inexperienced squad compared to their 2020 triumph, Italy faces a challenging task ahead if they are to advance further in the tournament.
Italy enter the round of 16 having averaged 1 goal per game in the group stages, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 67% of those encounters (2 out of 3).
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met 60 times in total, with Italy winning 29, drawing 24, and suffering 7 defeats. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifier back in November 2021.
Betting
Switzerland 23/10
Draw 2/1
Italy 29/20
Prediction
With the Azzurri looking a little flat upfront and yet to impress in Germany, I’m leaning towards Switzerland in this matchup. They have conducted themselves far more impressively compared to Luciano Spalletti’s men in Blue and have a superb chance of qualifying for the quarter-final stage.
Suggested Bet: To Qualify, Switzerland at 11/10
GERMANY v DENMARK – Click here to bet
Group A winners Germany will face Denmark at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund this Saturday in the round of 16, aiming to continue their impressive form in the knockout stages. Julian Nagelsmann’s men secured a 1-1 draw against Switzerland with a late stoppage-time equalizer in their last group match, ultimately finishing on top with 7 points. Unbeaten so far, Die Mannschaft have established themselves as strong title contenders, despite being underestimated before the tournament began. With two wins and one draw, Germany aims to maintain their momentum, seeking to secure a place in the quarter-finals and extend their impressive run on home soil.
Germany enter the round of 16 having averaged 2.66 goals per game in the group stages, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 67% of those encounters (2 out of 3).
Having finished as runners-up in Group C, Denmark will head to Dortmund this weekend hoping to break their winless streak. Their most recent effort resulted in a 0-0 draw against Serbia, making it three consecutive draws in the group stages with just two goals scored so far. The Red-White have struggled to make a significant impact upfront, despite solid defensive performances that saw them concede only twice in the group phase. Manager Kasper Hjulmand will need to unlock their attacking potential, knowing they will have to match Germany’s impressive goal-scoring mentality if they are to realistically advance beyond the Round of 16.
Denmark enter the round of 16 having averaged 0.66 goals per game in the group stages, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 100% of those encounters (3 out of 3).
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met 28 times in total, with Germany dominating with 15 wins, 5 draws and 8 defeats. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 1-1 draw in an international friendly back in June 2021.
Betting
Germany 8/13
Draw 3/1
Switzerland 5/1
Prediction
I fancy Germany to win, despite Denmark entering this round unbeaten themselves. Germany’s goal-scoring prowess should continue here, which is likely to unsettle the Danes, given their lack of consistency in finding the back of the net.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Germany at 8/13
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
