Netherlands U21 vs Germany U21
, KO: 20:00 Jun 3, 2021, MOL Arena Sosto
Germany are eyeing a third straight final as they battle Netherlands at MOL Arena Sosto in Hungary for the semi-finals of the UEFA U21 Championship. While the Dutch can be dangerous opponents, the Germans have recent experience at this stage of the competition and should have the edge on Thursday.
Netherlands needed a dramatic late winner from Myron Boadu to see off France in their quarter-final fixture. They fell behind early in the contest with Boadu getting the equaliser just after the restart before striking the winner three minutes into added time.
After labouring during the group stage, the Dutch finally kicked into life in their final game where they beat Hungary 6-1. They topped the group on goal difference after finishing level on points with the Germans.
Manager Edwin van de Looi likes to play an open style which has seen his team score 10 goals in the competition. However, that system often leaves them exposed at the back as they are without a clean sheet after four matches in the competition.
Germany also endured a dramatic quarter-final as they needed penalties to get past Denmark. They battled to a 2-2 draw after extra time thanks to goals from Lukas Nmecha and Jonathan Burkhardt before edging the shootout 6-5.
Manager Stefan Kuntz has experience at the stage of the competition having led his team to the final in 2017 and 2019, losing to Spain both times. He will be banking on that experience on Thursday and will be keen to go all the way this time around.
Like his Dutch counterpart, Kuntz also enjoys an attacking style of play with his team scoring six goals in the competition so far. However, they have looked more organised than their opponents, particularly at the back, keeping two clean sheets in four matches.
How the bookies view it
Both teams appear evenly matched with the bookies but Germany have a slight edge with a win priced at 31/20 with bet365. The same firm has Netherlands 9/5 to claim the victory while also offering 11/5 for a draw.
Given their recent experience at this stage of the competition and with the team looking more organised, particularly in defence, I am tempted to lean towards a victory for the Germans.
Head to head
Germany have a 2-1 advantage from four previous matches against Netherlands at this level. There has been just one draw between both teams which was a 1-1 scoreline during the group stage of this year’s competition.
Players to watch
Striker Myron Boadu will be the one to watch for Netherlands having scored three goals in the competition, including a brace in the quarter-finals. He could be worth a punt in the anytime goalscorer market at 15/8 with bet365 who also has the first goal at odds of 11/4.
Lukas Nmecha has been one of the stars of the tournament for Germany with three goals, including one in the quarter-finals. Bet365 has the striker at 21/10 to score anytime while also offering 6/1 for the first goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the attacking quality on both sides, the goals market could be worth considering. Bet365 has over 3.5 goals at odds of 11/4 and over 2.5 goals at evens while also offering 10/11 on both teams to score.
The Germans could be backed to score in both halves at 3/1 with bet365, who are also offering 5/2 on both teams to score in the second half.
This match between Netherlands U21 and Germany U21 will be played on Jun 3, 2021 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Netherlands U21 vs Germany U21 prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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