EURO 2020 Group B Betting Preview – Teams, Players To Watch, Betting Odds And Predictions
1. Belgium (1.75 to Win The Group)
Officially the ranked 1 team in the world as per FIFA, Belgium have never truly realized their full potential in international football. Their best ever performance was their run to the final in the 1980 European Championships, as they still seek their first ever major international trophy.
This may well be the last chance of the famed “Golden Generation” of players currently in the squad, to move past the semi-final stage for once and actually bring the trophy home.
Squad
Belgium have one of the most intimidating squads in European Football, if not the world. Led by the mercurial Eden Hazard, who has been one of the continent’s best players in the past decade, the Red Devils are brimming with confidence ahead of this tournament.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, regarded as the best midfielder in the world, will be on a personal mission as well, as will Inter’s burly striker Romelu Lukaku, who is currently in the form of his life.
Thibaut Courtois is probably the best goalkeeper in the world right now, another huge asset in Belgium’s ranks. The likes of Dries Mertens, Toby Alderweireld, Meunier and Vertonghen add some much needed experience and steel to an exciting squad, with only the full back position a cause for concern.
Player to watch out for
Eden Hazard – The mercurial attacking midfielder/winger was at his imperious best at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he single-handedly dragged Belgium all the way to the semi-finals, where they were knocked out by eventual champions France. Hazard won the Silver Ball award, given to the tournament’s second-best player, for his exploits.
Hazard can be absolutely devastating on his day, with his low center of gravity and unbelievable vision, he is a player who can turn the game on its head in just one moment of brilliance. Despite struggling with injuries since he moved to Real Madrid in 2019, Hazard is expected to light up this tournament just like he did at the 2018 World Cup.
2. Denmark (3.40 To Win The Group)
The second-favourites in this group are 1992 winners Denmark. It is one of the 2 host countries in this group, and was ranked 10th as per the latest FIFA rankings, the highest rank ever achieved by the country.
They qualified for this tournament after staying unbeaten in their qualifying group. Denmark will always be remembered for their “Danish Dynamite” team spirit during the 1992 EURO, where they wrote one of the most famous underdog stories in football. They failed to qualify for the 2016 EURO, and will be looking to make up for that with a strong showing this time around.
Squad
Denmark lead from the back through their legendary keeper Kasper Schmeichel, the son of an even more legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, a hero of the 1992 EURO win. He has 32 clean sheets in 63 appearances, a brilliant record.
The team has a lot of experience, with center back Simon Kjaer and playmaker Christian Eriksen both playing over 100 matches for the national team. Striker Martin Braithwaite, surprisingly signed by Barcelona last season, will be looking for his first major international tournament goal too.
Player To Watch Out For
Andreas Christensen – The “Danish Maldini”, as he is fondly called by Chelsea fans, Christensen is in the form of his life. He has just won the UEFA Champions League trophy after a heroic performance in the final.
One of the most underrated players in the Premier League, Christensen stepped in brilliantly whenever the ageing Thiago Silva was unavailable, and proceeded to have his best ever season in terms of quality. He would be looking forward to a major role for Denmark at EURO 2020.
3. Russia (6.00 To Win The Group)
The 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts are one of the most unpredictable teams in the continent, as demonstrated during their incredible run at the World Cup on home soil. Their best performance in an international tournament in recent times has been their march to the semifinal at EURO 2008, with Arshavin in full form.
Russia also won the EURO 1980 edition, their only major international trophy so far, and backed by a proud fanbase, we expect this vibrant team to give it another solid go in this tournament.
Squad
Russia has a very diverse and versatile squad, and no player emphasizes on that more than right-back Mario Fernandes, who was born in Brazil. An extremely versatile fullback, he will be tasked with keeping opponent attackers at bay, as will 38-year-old Yuri Zhirkov, the oldest outfield player in the tournament. The attack has some lethal players such as Cheryshev, Dzyuba and Golovin, all 3 of whom were in devastating form at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Player To Watch Out For
Artem Dzyuba – Standing at 6”6 tall, Dzyuba is arguably one of Russian Football’s most popular player ever, nonetheless because of his goal-scoring exploits at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Russia eventually bowed out after a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia.
With his height, Dzyuba is a huge aerial threat and is also adept at first time finishing, helping him being a very prolific striker despite his limited mobility. He would be leading the line for Russia and will surely be contender for the Golden Boot award.
4. Finland (8.50 To Win The Group)
Finland will compete in their first ever European Championship this summer, hoping to make a spectacular debut at a major competition. Their spirited fanbase is extremely confident however, after their brilliant qualifying campaign.
After years of disappointment, the Eagle-owls finished second only to Italy in Group J, four and five points ahead of Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina, respectively, winning six of their ten games to secure their first international appearance.
Squad
Finland enters this summer's tournament with probably their most talented bunch since the days of Jari Litmanen and Mikael Forssell donning the white and blue, and though they're still minnows at this level, they're a force to be reckoned with.
One of the Bundesliga’s finest goalkeepers, Lukas Hradecky ensures they have a solid presence in goal. Joona Toivio is another experienced stalwart in the Finnish defence. Robin Lod is their most versatile and hard-working midfielder while Teemu Pukki is their star forward, who is very prolific.
Player To Watch Out For
Teemu Pukki – Pukki is unquestionably the diamond in the crown of Finnish football right now. During the qualification campaign, the 31-year-old scored a stunning ten goals, at least six more than any other player in Group J. Pukki also had another outstanding season at Norwich, scoring 26 goals and propelling the Canaries back to the Premier League, where he performed admirably 2 years ago, with several top quality goals against prominent English sides.
