With the groups having wrapped up, we can now get down to brass tacks and talk about the gloriously agonising part of all tournaments: the knockouts, with most of the quarter-finals looking rather cut and dry.
France 2-2 Netherlands (Sky Bet odds: 12/1)
The fourth quarter-final is the one I will tell you to listen to your own gut on, rather than mine, this match as likely to be scoreless as it is to finish 5-0 (either way) or 5-5.
At the time of writing, Vivianne Miedema remains out for the Dutch, the striker yet to return a negative Covid test, but she has plenty of time to make a recovery and fire her side to the last four. But even if she doesn’t, this is a Dutch team that has goals in them.
France, for the brilliance of the first 45 minutes of their Euro campaign, haven’t looked as slick since, the nation also with the unfortunate habit of stumbling at the quarterfinal stage of major tournaments and if Les Bleues are to progress, they will need to overcome a mental hurdle.
In their last two meetings, France have scored six goals to the Netherlands’ four – with three penalties split over the two clashes – and despite France’s strength at the back, both of these teams are at their best when attacking, which is why this could yet end 5-5…
Even without Marie-Antoinette Katoto (who is out for the foreseeable future), this is a France team that will always create chances, it’s just about whether they can take them or not and if the Dutch can keep the likes of Kadidiatou Diani and Melvine Malard quiet.
At the other end of the pitch, regardless of Miedema’s involvement, Jill Roord and Victoria Pelova will be vital for the Dutch attack.
The most logical bets I can suggest are OVER 3.5 GOALS and/or BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE.
Odds correct at 0915 BST (19/07/22)
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