Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the key clashes of the second round in the group stage of the 2025 U-21 Euros will take place on Sunday in Presov, where the Netherlands face Denmark. Here’s a pick for the outcome of this showdown with an attractive odds value.
Match preview
The Netherlands U-21s cruised through qualifying with a flawless record and a staggering 32:3 goal difference, but their Euro 2025 opener left much to be desired. Against Finland, the Dutch capitulated in the first half, suffering unexpected defensive lapses and allowing the Scandinavians to take a 2-0 lead. However, the second-half response showcased Reiziger’s tactical flexibility—his substitutions hit the mark, with Valente and Poku injecting fresh life into the attack.
The Dutch boast an impressive bench, and their squad depth allows for tactical adjustments on the fly. But for the coaching staff, it's crucial to have the team locked in from the opening whistle—there’s no time to ease into the tournament at this level. Against Denmark, the Oranje not only need a win, but also must redeem themselves in front of their fans after a shaky start.
Denmark also had their struggles: Højer’s side barely got past Ukraine, surrendering the initiative in the first half and only showcasing their strength after the break. Once again, Denmark’s trademark resilience and impact substitutes stole the show. Osula and Bischof came off the bench to turn the game around, netting two decisive goals to seal the victory.
Still, inconsistency remains an issue. Denmark suffered a 2-4 defeat to Iceland in qualifying, exposing their vulnerability when the mindset isn’t right. Against top-tier opponents, Denmark often get drawn into gritty battles—exactly the kind of contest that could trouble the Dutch, especially if they fail to find their rhythm early.
Probable lineups
- Netherlands U-21: Owusu-Oduro – Rensch, Flamingo, Casanvirjo, Meijer – Regeer, Taylor, Banzuzi – Manhoef, van Bommel, Ohio
- Denmark U-21: Jungdal, Gaye, Kristensen, Provstgor, Bak, Bøving, Chukwuani, Sørensen, Kvistgaarden, Harder, Jensen.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The last head-to-head between Netherlands and Denmark U-21 took place more than 15 years ago.
- Both teams played high-scoring matches in the opening round (4+ goals each).
- Each side had substitutes get on the scoresheet, highlighting their bench strength.
Prediction
Both teams love to attack and have a deep pool of offensive options. Given the stakes and their recent scoring form, the "both teams to score" bet at 1.62 seems well justified. As for the final outcome—better steer clear, as there are simply too many variables on both sides right now.
