We have a selection in all of Friday’s three European Championship contests
There are three more cracking Euro 2024 ties on Friday and the clash between France and the Netherlands promises to be one of the highlights of the group stage.
Elsewhere, Ukraine are on the comeback trail after a 3-0 defeat by Romania when they take on Slovakia and Poland and Austria face off in Berlin.
- NETHERLANDS TO BEAT FRANCE
- SLOVAKIA/DRAW DOUBLE CHANCE
- AUSTRIA TO BEAT POLAND
Dutch Can Leave France Feeling Bleu
The Netherlands got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a winning start with a victory over Poland and the Dutch can strike again when they take on France in Leipzig.
It was an interesting performance from Oranje, who looked excellent going forward - recording 21 shots on goal against Poland - but they did look a little vulnerable at the back.
Ronald Koeman seems intent on adopting an attacking approach and it remains to be seen if that will lead the Netherlands to glory, but in a one-off game the Dutch look as dangerous as any nation in the competition.
France started with a 1-0 victory over Austria, but Les Bleus were clinging on to their lead against Das Team, in a game where the Austrians actually had more possession.
France have quality in their squad, but they didn’t convince in their opening Group D contest and the Netherlands look overpriced to leave Didier Deschamps’ men feeling blue.
Ukraine Set For Further Pain
Ukraine are looking to bounce back from a 3-0 hammering by Romania and, while the Blue and Yellow may put up a better showing against Slovakia, offers of 11/10 look far too short.
The trouble for Serhiy Rebrov’s side is they will now be forced to chase a positive result in Dusseldorf and Romania showed that Ukraine are a side vulnerable in transition.
It’s not difficult to envisage the Blue and Yellow leaving space for Slovakia to counter and Rebrov’s men could find the game getting away from them.
The Falcons will be buoyant after their shock 1-0 victory over Belgium and, although there was a fair share of good fortune involved in that success, confidence is a major player in tournament football.
Austria Can Boost Qualification Hopes
Austria were beaten 1-0 by France in their opening Group D contest, but Das Team played with credit and they looked a side capable of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Ralf Rangnick has built a well-drilled and forward-thinking side and it’s clear that the Austrian squad have bought into the German’s ideas.
Clearly Das Team were beaten by France, but Les Bleus are a top-level side and Austria face a drop in class against Poland.
The Eagles gave up 21 shots to the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 debut and it seems likely that Poland will come up short in Berlin.
