KevMac casts his eye over today's today matches at Euro 2020, providing his best tips for the matches in Amsterdam and London.
Wales v Denmark
DENMARK roared into the last 16 on a wave of emotion as they thrashed Russia for stricken Christian Eriksen.
Now the Danes will be hoping the energy rush from that incredible night in Copenhagen will help them sweep aside Wales in Amsterdam today.
Most people expected Kasper Hjulmand’s men to bow out in the group stage after the shock of watching star man Eriksen suffer a heart attack on the pitch in their Group B opener with Finland.
It was no surprise they ended up losing 1-0 to the Finns after the shameful decision to ask Eriksen’s team-mates to restart the game just hours after his collapse.
And although Denmark rallied superbly in the next group game, taking an early lead against Belgium, they ended up on the end of another defeat as Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench to turn the game around.
But results elsewhere in the group kept their hopes alive heading into the final match and a thrilling 4-1 victory over the Russians saw them finish second behind Belgium on just three points.
Eriksen’s collapse also robbed Hjulmand of his main creative force but wonderkid Mikkel Damsgaard has stepped up in style.
The 20-year-old impressed against Belgium without getting the rewards his play deserved but there was an end product when he took on the Russians.
A stunning 25-yarder broke the deadlock that night and Damsgaard will be the man Hjulmand looks to as the Danes bid to break down the Welsh defence.
The Sampdoria winger is 10/3 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer which looks decent value on the back of his last two displays.
McBookie also price him at 4/1 for an assist which is also worth considering.
While the Danes were impressive in their clash with Russia you have to factor in the boost they got from playing in front of a passionate Copenhagen crowd.
That was like a 12th man for them so playing in the Johan Cruyff Arena today will feel like a bit of a comedown.
Wales will be backed by partisan fans of their own so I don’t think Denmark are worthy odds-on favourites as a best 11/13 with SBK.
The Welsh are 19/4 outsiders at Unibet while the stalemate pays 40/17 at SBK and is worth considering as this one could go to extra-time.
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey look back to their best and Wales have carried a threat in all their games. Both teams to score is priced 27/20 with SportNation and that looks a good shout.
Bale has been a provider instead of a scorer for Wales so far at the Euros. McBookie price the Real Madrid outcast at 6/1 for another assist and that seems overpriced.
Kieffer Moore is the man Bale will try to pick out with crosses and the Cardiff City striker is a huge threat in the air.
He’s 10/1 with McBookie to score a header today, something that’s worth a look if you are a long-odds punter.
The same firm price over 3.5 Welsh corners at 13/10 and that bet has come up in two of their three games at the finals so it could be worth a punt here.
Italy v Austria
ITALY were the most impressive performers in the Euro 2020 group stage as they swept to three victories without even conceding a goal.
So it’s no surprise to see Roberto Mancini’s men as odds-on favourites for today’s last-16 clash with Austria at Wembley.
The Azzurri’s best price is just 8/15 at Betfred but the odds increase to 11/10 at Betway for yet another win to nil.
Mancini decided to rest most of his big hitters for the final group game with Wales after wrapping up their last-16 slot.
It paid off as his side claimed a 1-0 win but Italy didn’t look as threatening up front after smashing six in their first two games.
Ciro Immobile should come back in to lead the line and the Lazio star is a best 6/4 at Unibet for anytime scorer.
Austrian defender Stefan Lainer has picked up two yellow cards in his last four international appearances.
That makes him a good option in the card market and he looks overpriced at 4/1 with Bet365 to fall foul of the referee.
Super Singles
- Mikkel Damsgaard assist (4/1, McBookie)
- Over 3.5 Wales corners (13/10, McBookie)
- Wales v Denmark – BTTS (27/20, SportNation)
- Italy win to nil (11/10, Betway)
- Stefan Lainer to be carded (4/1, Bet365)
Long shot
- Kieffer Moore to score with a header (10/1, McBookie)
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
