Netherlands -21 vs France -21 Prediction & Betting Tips - Euro U21

Prediction published on 29/05/2021, 11:21  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 29/05/2021 at 11:22 in Football Predictions

The Netherlands U21 are set to face France U21 in Budapest in one of the top clashes as the Euro U21 Championships enter the quarter finals stage. The two nations had contrasting performances in the group stages but both will be here in search of a semi final ticket and the chance to play either Denmark or Germany. Netherlands U21 were Group A winners with five points, and aided by goal difference, and are in the knockouts for the first time since 2013. The only time they met France at the Euro U21s, Netherlands won and went on to win the title, in 2006. The Dutch have struggled a bit defensively; in their three matches at the group stage they failed to keep a clean sheet and couldn’t protect leads against Romania and Germany, eventually drawing the two games. They did score six against Hungary in the final group game but then couldn’t keep a clean sheet, the game ending 6-1. Going to this game they will miss Cody Gakpo who has been promoted to the senior team but with Dani de Wit and Justin Kluivert available they should be okay in attack.

France U21 finished second in their group, but managed more points than Netherlands U21, who topped their group. The French have a serious squad, made up of top players featuring for clubs across Europe. Even though they’ll miss Jules Kounde who has been called to the senior team, and Matteo Guendouzi and Wesley Fofana who are injured, France still have quality in the side. They lost in the semis last time and will hope they can go further and claim the crown this time. France U21’s campaign started with a 1-0 loss to Denmark U21 but they recovered in fine style to register 2-0 wins over Iceland U21 and Russia U21, booking their ticket as runners up. The loss to Denmark was France’s second in their last 15 matches, they’ve won each of the remaining 13. In four of their last five matches, they’ve scored two or more goals.