After a slow start to their Euro 2020 campaign, Denmark have found their rhythm in the last two games, and they will fancy their chances of making it three wins on the bounce when they face the Czech Republic in Baku on Saturday evening.
Jaroslav Silhavy’s team might have finished third in Group D behind England and Croatia, but they have shown that they are difficult to beat throughout the tournament.
They stunned the Netherlands during their latest match at Euro 2020, while Denmark have scored eight goals in their previous two fixtures.
That momentum makes them the 23/20 favourites, with the draw 11/5, while the Czech Republic are 29/10 to win inside 90 minutes.
Denmark to End Quarter-Final Hoodoo
Denmark have lost their last two quarter-final ties in major tournaments, with the Czech Republic beating them in one of those matches back at Euro 2004.
The Czechs have actually won both of the meetings at the European Championship, but Denmark seem to have a spring in their step this summer.
Tid til kvartfinale!
Er I klar derude?
Se kampen på DR1, DRTV eller Viaplay. Kickoff kl. 18.00.#ForDanmark #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/gJpuO6yBlR— DBU – En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) July 3, 2021
After losing Christian Eriksen in their opening match, Kasper Hjulmand’s side looked to be on their way out of the tournament after then losing their second game to Belgium.
Remarkably though, they thumped Russia 4-1 on home soil in Copenhagen before beating Wales 4-0 last time out.
It now looks like the momentum is firmly behind Hjulmand’s team, and neutrals also seem to want them to do well due to Eriksen’s health scare.
While they have what it takes to win inside 90 minutes, it is worth looking at the half-time/full-time market. The Czech Republic have used defensive tactics to great effect throughout the tournament, and they are likely to sit back and try to counter-attack the Danes.
At 7/2, punters should consider a draw at half-time and a Denmark win, with the vale much better than a straight win at 23/20.
Goals on the Cards in Baku
Saturday’s quarter-final poses an amazing opportunity for both sides, with a place in the final four, just one win away. The winner of the tie in Baku will get the chance to take on either Ukraine or England, and a place in the final is well within their reach.
With that in mind, it will come as no surprise if both teams go all out for the win once the first goal is scored. While the Czech Republic are likely to sit back and try to counter-attack, if they concede first, they have to come out of the blocks.
They have the firepower, too, with Patrik Schick scoring 15 goals in 30 appearances for his country, while he has a chance to win the Golden Boot, with Cristiano Ronaldo only one goal ahead of him.
Over 2.5 goals appeals at 27/20, especially when it would have landed in all three of Denmark’s previous matches. None of the Czech Republic’s games have had more than two goals, but they have to go out on their shield this weekend.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
