Now that each team has played at least once we already have somewhat of an idea of their initial form and standing in the tournament. Of course it’s still early days and we shouldn’t judge them excessively based on their opening game. But at least each team now knows what needs to be done in their remaining games if they are to progress. Here are my confirmed selections for Perfect Picks’ Euro 2020 Contest #3.
Perfect Picks Euro 2020 Contest #3
Finland v Russia
Finland won their match on Saturday in unexpected circumstances. In some ways the match shouldn’t have been restarted so soon after the lifesaving medical intervention for Christian Eriksen which deeply affected everyone. But Finland now find themselves on top of Group B and another win most likely see them progress to the round of 16 in their debut senior level tournament. Russia on the other hand will know that another heavy loss will virtually eliminate them from Euro 2020. I think this will be a close encounter, but the Huuhkajat may just do enough to edge past Russia.
Prediction: Finland to win by 1
Turkey v Wales
Turkey’s youthful team struggled against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday. They will have their work cut out against Wales who managed to fight back and secure a draw against Switzerland. Wales will have to win this time around if they are to have any real chance of progressing to the knockout stages. They have enough experience in their ranks to do what is needed. But at the same time they will need to be careful of Turkey who will want to do their utmost to obtain a positive result this time around. Prediction: Wales to win by 1 Italy v Switzerland
Many football observers were caught off guard by Italy’s substantial winning margin in the opening game of Euro 2020. Their attacking pressure eventually paid off as Turkey simply had no answer to the Azzurri. On the face of it, Switzerland will be a tougher test and they will certainly want to avoid defeat. It will be interesting to see if Italy will keep the same team or make any changes to freshen up their line-up after a comfortable win. But whatever they do, they should have enough class to beat Switzerland.
Prediction: Italy to win by 1 (Star Pick).
Ukraine v North Macedonia
Ukraine were unlucky to lose against the Netherlands after coming back from a two goal deficit. Their fighting spirit showed their determination and if they can maintain the same kind of attitude then they should improve from their first match. North Macedonia on the other hand had to settle for a defeat against Austria despite equalising in the first half. But based on both of the previous matches in this group, Ukraine have a good chance of registering their first win of Euro 2020.
Prediction: Ukraine to win by 1
Denmark v Belgium
The Red Devils lived up to the hype even if some of their star players were not fully fit. They are one of the favourites for a reason and will want to maintain their momentum. Barring shock results, they are poised to top Group B. As for Denmark, no doubt every neutral fan will be supporting them after what they’ve been through over the past few days. The Danes will offer a stern test to Belgium and will do their best to avoid defeat. However, I think Belgium will just do enough to win this encounter.
Prediction: Belgium to win by 1
Netherlands v Austria
The Netherlands in some ways were lucky to win against Ukraine after losing their two goal cushion before scoring a winner late on. Austria on the other hand secured a fairly routine win against newcomers North Macedonia. The Oranje will know that they can’t afford further complacency from this point onwards and will no doubt settle for a more boring victory this time around even if Julian Baumgartlinger and his men offer up significant resistance. It’s going to be close but the Netherlands should see this one through. Prediction: Netherlands to win by 1
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