Czech Republic vs. Denmark – European Championship, July 3, 2021

It is probably fair to say that not many people expected these two nations to make it as far as the last eight at Euro 2020. But now, the Czech Republic and Denmark meet in Baku for the right to play one of Ukraine or England in the semis.

Denmark has experienced an emotional Euro 2020, to say the least, and will probably be favored by the neutrals. But the Czech Republic has already come through a demanding group and beaten the Netherlands in the round of 16. Read on to find out how I think this one will go – and for my Czech Republic vs. Denmark betting pick.

When the Czech Republic beat the Netherlands in the round of 16, most of the attention was centered on how the Dutch lost the game. The red card for Mattijs de Ligt was a turning point in the game – but the Czechs still went on to score two goals and shut the game out to get to this stage.

Jaroslav Silhavy’s side obviously benefitted from the player advantage and hadn’t really troubled the Dutch goal in the first half before the sending-off. But it had dealt with two home crowds in the group stage fairly well before that – beating Scotland and only narrowly losing to England.

He has also scored against Croatia and the Netherlands and is living up to the billing he received as a youngster. He will trouble the Danish defense on Saturday – it just depends on how many chances he is given and whether his team will be successful.

It is perhaps not so surprising that BetOnline has installed Denmark as the favorite to win in Baku after it demolished both Russia and Wales in the previous two games. But there will be no home crowd cheering it on here – and I expect a much more reserved game from the Scandinavian side. Denmark may well still go through, but I think the odds for the draw after 90 minutes look more interesting.

Incredibly, Denmark has made it to this stage of the competition at all, considering the near-tragedy of its opening game. To come back from that experience shows the determination and spirit in this squad – something that the Czech Republic will need to be wary of on Saturday.

Denmark swept aside Wales in the round of 16 tie, easily containing the threats of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and scoring just about at will towards the end. The two late goals make the scoreline a little more dramatic – but the overall domination is not flattered by the four-goal victory.

Apart from the talent he has in his squad, he also knows that he has a group of players that have come together in extraordinary circumstances. That team spirit is probably what will see Denmark through to the semifinals.

Many people will be getting carried away with the emotion of Denmark going deep into this tournament. But I think the game plan for the Russia and Wales games will be thrown out of the window now. Raw emotion seemed to get the Danes past those two opponents, but I think this will be a far closer affair.

Half of the round of 16 games went into extra time, which could be repeated at this stage. The odds for the draw bet look better value than a win for either side in 90 minutes – and I think that’s what will happen in Baku on Saturday.