The Netherlands will look to continue their impressive return to major tournament football when they battle the Czech Republic in the last 16 at Euro 2020 this evening.
A perfect group stage has transformed the Oranje’s spirits after a doom-and-gloom build-up, but they know they are in for a battle against the Group D third-place finishers.
The Dutch - who missed both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup - are without a win in a Euros knockout stage since 2004, while the Czechs are looking to at least emulate the side of 2012, who reached the quarter-finals.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Netherlands vs Czech Republic is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off today - Sunday, June 27, 2021.
The match will be held in front of a capacity crowd at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Where to watch Netherlands vs Czech Republic
TV channel: Today’s match will be televised live on ITV for free.
Live stream: UK viewers will also be able to watch the game online via the ITV Hub.
Netherlands vs Czech Republic team news
Donyell Malen has been tipped to partner Memphis Depay in attack, pushing out Wout Weghorst.
However, Luuk de Jong has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a knee injury in training.
Czech Republic have a decision to make over Jan Boril's replacement with the right-back serving a one-match ban.
Hoffenheim defender Pavel Kaderabek is likely to come in.
Predicted lineups
Netherlands XI: Stekelenburg; Dumfries, De Ligt, De Vrij, Blind, Van Aanholt; De Jong, De Roon, Wijnaldum; Depay, Malen
Czech Republic XI: Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Kaderabek; Soucek, Holes; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick
Netherlands vs Czech Republic prediction
The Dutch are looking in good shape as they leave a perfect group-stage record behind, looking to translate that form into a first Euros knockout win since 2004.
Czech Republic are made of stern stuff, though, and will put up a fight in Budapest. I’m plumping for the Oranje firepower to make the difference.
Netherlands 2-1 Czech Republic
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Netherlands wins: 16
Draws: 8
Czech Republic wins: 11
Betting odds and tips
Netherlands to win: 8/13
Czech Republic to win: 49/10
