We have reached the knockout stages of the 2021 European Championship and that is where things begin to get really exciting. During a major tournament is when you will find some of the best bookmaker offers and you can find a great selection on sites like this one. In addition to the many promotions surrounding the tournament, the website provides detailed reviews of online bookmakers, so you can choose which one you would like to use for your Euro 2021 betting.
In terms of the competition itself, we have already witnessed a couple of upsets in the Round of 16. This biggest shock came in the match between France and Switzerland. The French were many people’s favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy and they found themselves in a strong position with 10 minutes remaining of the match, winning 3-1. However, Switzerland had other ideas and produced a stunning comeback to draw 3-3 at the final whistle. There were not many chances in extra time and the Swiss kept their composure from the penalty spot, netting all five kicks to progress.
The other upset in the Round of 16 saw Czech Republic defeat Netherlands 2-0. The Czech’s performed well in the first half of the match and took full advantage of the fact Netherlands were reduced to 10 men in the second half. Having come through a difficult group containing England, Croatia, and Scotland, Czech Republic have shown they can mix it with the best teams and should not be written off. Nonetheless, Czech Republic remain the outsiders to win the 2021 European Championship with the bookies but will not be fazed by a meeting with Denmark in the quarter-final and could easily progress.
However, the Danes are riding high on emotion following the incident involving Christian Eriksen in their first group game against Finland. It came as no surprise to see Denmark lose that match 1-0 and despite a strong performance against Belgium in their second game, the Danes fell to a 2-1 defeat and it appeared as though they were going to be eliminated at the group stage. The players had other ideas and Denmark produce a fantastic performance to comfortably beat Russia 4-1 and qualify in second place. They continued their fine form against Wales in the Round of 16, beating the Welsh 4-0.
Danish fans will look back on the 1992 European Championship when they were a late call-up to the tournament and given little chance of success. Denmark went on to win the competition and there is a feeling they could repeat their success having suffered a huge blow with terrible incident in their opening fixture of this tournament. It would be a fantastic story and football is not averse to creating special moments. Denmark are available at good odds to win the 2021 European Championship and will be hoping to meet either Sweden or Ukraine in the semi-final.
England or Germany will have something to say about that and they will both fancy their chances of reaching the final should they come through their match. If England do progress to the semi-final, they will once again be playing on home soil and that has got to have been an advantage throughout the tournament. England have not set the competition on fire with their football but they look solid and a good defence is the basis for a winning team. England reached the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup and have some exceptional attacking players in their squad. If Gareth Southgate can get the best out of them in the knockout stages of the tournament, England are going to be difficult to beat and make a good bet to go all the way.
There are two teams on the opposite side of the draw to England who will both strongly believe they can win the 2021 European Championship. Belgium have a group of players who have been tipped to win a major trophy for some time and this could be their final opportunity. They were not great in their Round of 16 tie against Portugal but got the job done against the defending champions. The same can be said about Italy in their fixture against Austria. The strength and depth of the Italian squad proved vital in that match as two substitutes scored the goals in a 2-1 victory.
The winner of the game between Belgium and Italy could easily produce a finalist, with England a potential opponent. So, England vs Italy or Belgium is a strong tip for the final.
Looking at the top goal scorer market and there are really only three remaining realistic options. Cristiano Ronaldo tops the charts with 5 goals at the time of writing but Portugal have been eliminated from the tournament. Patrik Schick is on 4 goals and could at least match Ronaldo whereas Romelu Lukaku will be hoping to add to his 3 goals if Belgium progress to the latter stages.
Belgium to win the tournament and Lukaku to finish as top score makes an interesting double bet.
