Portugal -21 vs Netherlands -21 Prediction & Betting Tips - Euro U21

Prediction published on 22/06/2023, 12:37  by Joseph King | Modified on 24/06/2023 at 04:00 in Football Predictions

A potentially decisive second of three group stage games in the U21 European Championship Group A sees second-place Netherlands taking on fourth-place Portugal. The Netherlands were given a tough match by Belgium in their group opener, arguably being fortunate to earn a point in a 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, 2021 U21 Euros runners-up Portugal suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to host nation Georgia in their first game. This leaves the Dutch trailing leaders Georgia by two points while Portugal sit bottom of the group on zero points.

There is a lot of talent in this Netherlands squad. Recognizable names playing for some of Europe’s top teams make this a squad that has the ability to win the competition. Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Leeds’ Crysencio Summerville and Ajax quartet Quentin Timber, Brian Brobbey, Kenneth Taylor and Devyne Rensch are the names that stand out the most. The young Oranje also enter this fixture on an extended unbeaten run of 16 matches, although they have seen four of their last five end in a stalemate. Somewhat worryingly for manager Erwin Van de Looi’s men is that they have failed to find the net in their last two appearances, the first time that has happened to the U21 team since 2018.

Portugal had won 13 of their last 15 heading into the group stage opener against Georgia. It goes without saying that the Seleção were overwhelming favorites to kick off their campaign with the three points. Two first half goals by Georgia meant that Portugal were playing catchup for the entire second half. The 2021 runners-up were wasteful, firing off 17 shots with only four landing on target. It was the first time that Portugal had failed to score since their 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final two years ago. Rui Jorge’s men had previously been in free-scoring form, registering 26 goals in seven games prior to the group stage opener. They’ve now lost games in their last four appearances for the first time since October of 2019.