EURO 2020 Group C Betting Preview – Teams, Players To Watch, Betting Odds And Predictions
1. Netherlands (1.40 to Win The Group)
The Netherlands have produced some of the finest players in football history such as Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben among others, but they have still struggle on the international stage, with their maiden international honour coming in the 1988 EURO tournament. The “Oranje Army” have one of the most passionate fanbases in football, with a sea of orange at every home game.
They failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which was a huge blow, but they have managed to regain some form and were dominant in the Nation’s League as well as Euro Qualification. Let’s take a look at some of their key players ahead of EURO 2020.
Squad
The Netherlands were dealt a huge blow when it was revealed that their talismanic defender Virgil Van Dijk lost his race to be fit for this tournament, after spending almost the entire season on the sidelines following a severe ACL tear. However, they have many other star players such as Memphis Depay and Frenkie De Jong. De Ligt is another huge name who will be very important in Van Dijk’s absence, as will De Vrij.
Player to watch out for
Memphis Depay – The tricky winger was very highly rated till Manchester United snapped him and even gave him the legendary number 7 shirt. However, he struggled to adapt to the Premier League and took a transfer to Lyon which resurrected his career.
One of the most prolific wingers in the world right now, Depay has been in sensational form throughout Netherlands’ EURO qualifying campaign, with a staggering 14 goals and assists in just 6 qualifiers, an unmatched stat. He scored 20 league goals in Ligue 1 this season, his personal best, and a free transfer to Barcelona now beckons. The entire nation is relying on him to produce the goods on the biggest stage now.
2. Ukraine (6.00 To Win The Group)
Ukraine are joint second-favourites to win this group, as Netherlands are heavy favourites to win it. Playing only their 3rd ever EURO Championship, Ukraine are now managed by their most legendary player in Andriy Shevchenko, who has done a remarkable job so far.
In their qualifying phase Ukraine topped their table, finishing 3 points above defending champions Portugal, a brilliant feat. They have qualified for their 3rd consecutive EURO campaign, however they failed to reach the knockout stage in both their previous attempts, which would now be Shevchenko’s primary objective.
Squad
Shevchenko has a diverse squad to choose from, with legendary goalkeeper Pyatov, who played every minute at the 2012 as well as 2016 tournaments, still going strong at 37, aiming to complete a century of appearances. They have highly rated players across the pitch such as Matvienko, Malinovskyi, Yarmolenko, Stepanenko and Manchester City’s promising youngster Zinchenko.
Player To Watch Out For
Andriy Yarmolenko – Yarmolenko has 38 goals in 19 games fewer than his legendary manager. Now at West Ham, the 31-year-old plays on the right side but has been known to operate on the other flank, and will be regarded as his country's most dangerous offensive threat this summer, despite the presence of some new center-forwards. He has got a brilliant left foot, and is a great finisher once he gets into the right position.
3. Austria (6.00 To Win The Group)
Austria will compete in two European Championships in a row for the first time in the country's history. Following their maiden participation in the tournament in 2008 (for which they automatically qualified as co-hosts), Das Team went on to participate at Euro 2016, and will now make their third participation in the quadrennial championship.
Austria's journey to Euro 2020 was far from easy after losing their first two games in qualifying, but Franco Foda's team recovered to finish second in Group G, earning six victories, including a clean sheet against Robert Lewandowski's Poland. Austria have a talented squad at their disposal, however they failed in their last two international tournaments despite sky high expectations. Let’s see if they can improve on that this time.
Squad
Austria have some very highly-rated players who play for some of the top clubs in Europe, none more so than David Alaba. He is joined by Sabitzer and Arnaotovic in attack, who are very potent attacking options. All 3 experienced players are very versatile and give the manager a lot of flexibility and options.
Player To Watch Out For
David Alaba – Once regarded as a wonderkid, David Alaba, at 28, is now one of the most decorated footballers in the continent, courtesy of countless Bundesliga titles as well as two Champions League titles, as he was part of one of the most dominant sides in European history with Bayern Munich.
Alaba is famous for being world-class in 3 different positions, as he can shuffle around the back line as well as play in midfield. He would be keen to set this tournament alight after failing to do that last time around, when expectations were very high.
4. North Macedonia (4.00 To Qualify From The Group)
North Macedonia will compete in their first major international competition, the European Championships, this summer. Igor Angelovski's side finished third in Qualifying Group G, trailing Poland and Austria, but advanced to this summer's showpiece through the play-offs courtesy to their Uefa Nations League success.
The Red Lynxes qualified after defeating Kosovo (2-1) and Georgia (1-0). One of the lowest ranked teams in the tournament, they have a mammoth task ahead of them to even qualify from this group, however they would be keen to experience high quality football while they are here.
Squad
Despite a lowly international ranking and this being their first ever major international football tournament, North Macedonia do have a few high-profile players playing in the top leagues of the continent. Leeds United defender Alioski is a very energetic player who has won great plaudits in the Premier League, while Eljif Almas plays for Napoli. Veteran striker Goran Pandev is playing for Genoa these days and is another important player.
Player To Watch Out For
Goran Pandev – The former Inter Milan striker is still going strong at the age of 37, one of the oldest players in the tournament. Despite his age, Pandev has scored 16 goals in 2 seasons for Genoa at a high level. He is North Macedonia’s most recognizable player, as well as their highest ever scorer with 37 goals. He is also their most capped player with 117 appearances. He last scored in a shock 2-1 win over Germany, proving that he means business and that North Macedonia can square up to the continent’s giants on their day.
