UEFA European Under-21 Championship: Quarter-finals preview and best bets
The UEFA European Under-21 Championship group stage has concluded, with eight teams still in contention to lift the trophy.
Our resident data expert Felix Morson-Pate (@felixpatelgop) had a stellar group stage with his pre-tournament selections and is on hand to run you through the four last-eight ties – along with three betting tips.
UEFA European Under-21 Championship quarter-final betting tips
Portugal vs Netherlands
Portugal did us a good turn by topping their group, with seven points and three clean sheets seeing them have arguably the best group campaign of the 16 sides.
I fancy them to get the job done against the Dutch here, who only just nipped through with a win, a draw and a loss in a set of mixed displays. Goals were the order of the day in both sides’ three group games, so Portugal to qualify with over 2.5 goals feels like a generous price here.
Spain vs England
The money has come for England, despite a relatively poor campaign for the reigning champs thus far.
A dour 0-0 against Slovenia showed the potential lack of cutting edge in this side, but there have been positives too – even in the 1-2 defeat to Germany (which cost us our group winner bet!).
They face a rematch of the 2023 final with Spain, who topped their group without really getting out of second or third gear.
I expect a tight affair here, with both sides still very much amongst the favourites to lift the trophy. I’d lean towards under goals, but it’s not strong enough to make it a bet.
Denmark vs France
Perhaps the biggest surprise amongst the group winners, it went more or less exactly how I thought it might with the Danes, with their excellent front line holding the key to their seven goals and seven points.
Both Conrad Harder and Will Osula have been amongst the goals, and they will need to continue to fire if they are to oust the second favourites on Sunday.
My reservations with France from my tournament preview remain and, whilst they should possess enough quality to progress, I want to get with Denmark and their firepower in some capacity.
I like BTTS and Over 2.5 goals at just shy of even money here.
Germany vs Italy
Another tight affair to round out the last eight, as old rivals face off.
Germany were very good value for their group win, with Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade – our main Golden Boot tip – in sizzling hot form as they knocked in nine goals to just three at the other end. The Italians, conversely, finished behind Spain on goals scored, with a pair of stereotypical 1-0 wins preceding a 1-1 draw.
It’s always tricky to assess a match between teams with very contrasting styles and goals per game figures but I fancy the Germany fire power to shade it over the Italian’s strong defence, with them to qualify in an entertaining game my pick.
Felix's best bets for the Under-21 European Championship quarter-finals
1pt - Portugal to qualify and over 2.5 goals - 15/8 (Bet365)
1pt - France-Denmark BTTS and Over 2.5 goals - 10/11 (Bet365)
1pt - Germany to qualify and over 2.5 goals - 7/5 (Bet365)