Photo: Todayuknews
Photo: Todayuknews

Netherlands are in fine spirits as they prepare to take on Czech Republic in the Euro 2020 last-16 stage.

A perfect group stage has transformed the Oranje spirits after a doom-and-gloom build-up, but know they are in for a battle against the Group D third-place finishers.

The Dutch are without a win in a Euros knockout stage since 2004, while the Czech are looking to at least emulate the side of 2012 who reached the quarter-finals.

Netherlands vs Czech Republic: Date, kick-off time and venue

Netherlands vs Czech Republic is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

The match will be held in Budapest.

When is kick off? Sunday 27 June, 17:00 (BST)

Where is the match being played? Puskas Arena, Budapest

What TV channel is it on? BBC One/BBC iPlayer (UK), fuboTV (US)

Who's the referee? TBC

Who's the VAR? TBC

How to watch Netherlands vs Czech Republic

TV channel: The match will be televised on ITV for free.

Live stream: UK viewers will be able to watch the match online via the ITV Hub.

Netherlands vs Czech Republic: Match Preview

The Netherlands (-166) is one of only three teams in EURO 2020 with nine points from in the group stage. Many had certain doubts when it comes to this team, especially with Virgil Van Dijk out a well as their shaky form, but overall, Oranje dismissed the same, according to Wagerbop.

This team plays very good football, with lots of intensity and pace, constantly attacking and pressuring the rivals, which is, in fact, the trademark of the Netherlands’ national team throughout history.

Since October last year, Oranje posted just one defeat on the road against Turkey in the World Cup qualifiers. After that slap in the face, Frank De Boer’s side went on to stay unbeaten in the next seven matches, winning six and drawing one. In all of those games, the Netherlands scored at least twice.

The Czech Republic (+450) defeated Scotland, 2-0, then played 1-1 against Croatia, before losing in the last match of the group stage to England at Wembley, 0-1. If Jaroslav Silhavy‘s guys had a bit more luck, the result wouldn’t be like this. The Three Lions weren’t better at all.

Tuesday’s game was the first one after three straight in which the Lokomotiv, as the fans call the national team, couldn’t score. All of their three goals at EURO 2020 were delivered by Bayer Leverkusen’s 25-year old striker, Patrik Schick, who, among others, banked arguably the highlight of the entire tournament, beating the Scottish goalkeeper from the center of the field.

The Czechs don’t have some notable game plan, we need to say that. Silhavy mainly adapts to the opponents, trying to score from fast transitions or using the superb chemistry of the midfield. Many of the players know one another very well, which is a massive plus on the pitch.

Netherlands vs Czech Republic: Team News

*Luuk de Jong has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament through injury, though wouldn't have been considered for a start here.

*Frank de Boer appears to have settled on his best starting XI after winning their group with a 100 per cent record.

*Czech Republic are forced into at least one change from the side that lost 1-0 to England on Tuesday night with Jan Boril suspended.

*Boril has been a regular for Czech Republic for some time now and his absence is actually quite a blow at left-back. Ales Mateju may deputise.

*Alex Kral or Tomas Holes will partner Tomas Soucek in central midfield on Sunday night.

*Donyell Malen has been tipped to partner Memphis Depay in attack, pushing out Wout Weghorst.

*Luuk de Jong has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a knee injury in training.

*Czech Republic have a decision to make over Jan Boril's replacement with the right-back serving a one-match ban.

Predicted lineups

Netherlands XI: Stekelenburg; Dumfries, De Ligt, De Vrij, Blind, Van Aanholt; De Jong, De Roon, Wijnaldum; Depay, Malen

Czech Republic XI: Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Kaderabek; Soucek, Holes; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick

Netherlands vs Czech Republic: Prediction

*The Dutch are looking in good shape as they leave a perfect group-stage record behind, looking to translate that form into a first knockout stage win since 2004.

*Czech Republic are made of stern stuff, though, and will put up a fight in Budapest. I’m plumping for the Oranje firepower to make the difference.

*The Netherlands have performed above expectations under Frank de Boer at Euro 2020. They sailed through their group with three wins from three and have played some great stuff in the process. They are favourites for this game and have a relatively kind run to the final.

*Czech Republic qualified for the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed sides. They held Croatia to a 1-1 draw and were only beaten 1-0 by England in their final group match. They have actually won their last two meetings with the Netherlands and four of the last six but they are firm underdogs on Sunday.2

Netherlands 2-1 Czech Republic

Netherlands to Win

The Netherlands don't have the best of records against the Czech Republic but at Euro 2020, they have shown themselves to be genuine contenders to win the competition. De Boer's side had a 100% record in the group stage and always played on the front foot, scoring 8-goals and conceding two. The Czech Republic lost their last game against England and have now lost three of their last six international matches, including a 4-0 defeat against Italy.

Over 2.5 Goals

Games between these two nations tend to produce plenty of goals and we're expecting more of the same on Sunday. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in four of the last six encounters between the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, with their last head-to-head witnessing a total of 5-goals. Five of the Netherlands ‘ last six outings have produced at least three goals, while two of the Czech Republic's last five fixtures have seen 4-goals scored.

BTTS

Five of the last seven meetings between these two countries have ended with both teams getting on the scoreboard, and that is just what we are predicting will happen this weekend as well. The Netherlands are in great goalscoring form, scoring eight times in the group stage, while Schick has netted 3-goals in this tournament for the Czech Republic and will be looking to capitalise on any mistakes the Dutch defence offer up.

Match Facts - Netherlands vs Czech Republic

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 12 of Netherlands's last 14 games (European Championship).

Netherlands have won 8 of their last 9 matches (European Championship).

Netherlands have scored at least 2 goals in 12 of their last 13 matches (European Championship).

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Czech Republic's last 4 games (European Championship).

Netherlands have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 home matches against Czech Republic in all competitions.

Netherlands vs Czech Republic: Head to Head Games

The last game between Oranje and Lokomotiv was in 2015, when the Czech won in Amsterdam 2-3. It was the EURO 2016 qualifiers, with the note that the first game ended 2-1 for the Czech Republic.

They faced twice at European championships in this century – in 2000 when the Netherlands won 1-0, with the last-minute penalty, and in 2004. That was when the Czech Republic earned a win 2-3, coming back from behind. Both of these clashes were in the group stage.

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