The Netherlands will face the Czech Republic in the last 16 knockout stage tomorrow in Budapest. The match is taking place at the brand new national stadium named after the legendary Hungarian striker, Ferenc Puskas. The stadium will be at its full capacity as the Puskas Arena is one of the only available venues that are allowing fans. As a result, the Oranje fans should be there in full force.
On paper, the Netherlands will look as favourites to win the game between these two sides. Kicks off begins at 5pm GMT. However, recent history tells a different story. Tomorrow, is the first meeting between the two sides since October 2015 resulting in the Dutch losing 3-2 in the Euro 2016 qualifier. Despite winning the tournament in 1988, the Netherlands have progressed in just two of their seven knockout stage games in the Euros. As they beat Yogoslavia 6-1 in the 2000 quarter final and from penalties against Sweden in 2004 at the same stage. In comparison, Czech Republic have been knocked out of the knock out stages in three of their last four games. Their defeat came from Germany in the 1996 final, Greece in the 2004 semi-final. Finally and most noticeably they also lost to Portugal in the Euro 2012 quarter final.
Group stage stats: Netherlands vs Czech Republic
Results from the group stages highlight the strength of the Netherlands squad being their attacking ability and defence. In fact, the Netherlands have conceded two goals in three matches and scored eight. Whereas, the Czech Republic won against Scotland, drew with Croatian and lost to England in the group stages, conceding three and scoring three. As the statistics show, this game will be a game of attack (Netherlands) vs defence (Czech Republic) Although its early in the Euro 2020 tournament the Netherlands forward, Depay is still a potential contender for winning the golden boot. With him scoring two, Lukaku three and Ronaldo five goals so far in the tournament.
Team news
Frank De Boer has the majority of the squad at his disposal with the exception of Luuk De Jong. This is due to sustaining a knee injury in the group stages. Also, Marten De Roon is expected to return to the starting eleven having missed the match against North Macedonia.
On the other hand, the Czech Republic will likely be making a change to their left-back after Jon Boril received a second booking in the game against England. Therefore, Ales Mateju could perhaps make his debut.
Estimated starting XI for the Netherlands: Stekelenburg, De Vrij, Blind, De Ligt, Dumfries, De Jong, De Roon, Van Aanholt, Wijnaldum, Depay and Weighorst.
Estimated starting XI for Czech Republic: Vaclik, Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Mateju, Holes, Soucek, Masopust, Darida, Jankto and Schick.
Predicted score
Acknowledging the Netherlands recent from and previous results in the group stages, the match may possibly finish 2-1 to the Netherlands with Depay, Wijnaldum and Modric scoring for their sides.
