Euro 2020: The Netherlands, Belgium aim to maintain unbeaten run

0

Amsterdam: Having already confirmed their spot in the pre-quarterfinals, Netherlands will look to maintain their unbeaten run when they meet North Macedonia in Group C at Johan Cruyff Arena on Monday.

The Dutch went through to the next stage after beating Austria 2-0 in their last game. Coach Frank De Boer has excellent players in his armoury and might look to rotate his squad in this match. Memphis Depay, Denzel Dumfries and Georginio Wijnaldum have been in form recently and will be looking to add few more goals to their tally.

North Macedonia will be playing just for pride after suffering two straight defeats and might go all the way for pulling off a surprise. Their 37-year-old talisman Goran Pandev will play his last game for his nation on Monday ending his long career started back in 2001.

In Group B, Belgium will go up against Finland at Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg. The Red Devils have already booked their round of 16 spot beating Demark 3-1 in the last game and coach Roberto Martinez might go for a few changes to his squad as well.

All three of their stars Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku featured have proved how much quality they possess. Eden is likely to replace his younger brother Thorgan against New Macedonia who is struggling a bit due to injury while Axel Witsel might also get his first start of this campaign.

With three points in their kitty, a draw for Finland would be enough to give them the passage for pre-quarterfinals. They do not have any injuries to deal with and the majority of their players are available.

Both Denmark and Russia have a chance of qualifying for the knockouts as they meet at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. Denmark have not been at their best at Euro 2020 and will be determined to find a win on Monday.

Despite getting an early goal against Belgium and playing well for a majority of the game, their tactical shape faltered leading them to suffer a 1-2 defeat. Kasper Dolberg and Yussuf Poulsen will need to find their feet if they want to give their side an edge.

Russia too, on the other hand, started their Euro 2020 campaign with a loss before bouncing back with a victory against Finland. Artem Dzyuba and Denis Cheryshev are Russia’s biggest hopes going into this game.