Liam Flin
Soccer
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In Euro 2020 Group C, the Netherlands is the only country with home advantage as they will do battle with Ukraine, Austria, and debutants North Macedonia in games taking place in Amsterdam and in Bucharest, Romania.
Let’s break down each team to see who has the best chance of progressing to the knockout stages of Euro 2020. Be sure to also check out our Euro 2020 outright winner betting preview, which includes a couple of picks at +650 and +8000!
Netherlands should still prove a threat
The Netherlands failed to qualify for both the 2016 European Championship and the 2018 World Cup, but the Dutch looked like serious contenders for Euro 2020 when it was originally due to take place last year.
The absence of key center-back Virgil van Dijk through injury will, however, hurt them and manager Frank de Boer goes into the tournament with a point to prove.
They could be exciting in the final third, though, with Lyon’s Memphis Depay and youngster Donyell Malen players to monitor.
Better things expected from Ukraine
Ukraine has gone out at the group stage in both of its European Championship appearances and failed to even get on the scoresheet at Euro 2016, but its performances in qualifying should inspire some confidence.
They topped their group in qualification with six wins and two ties from eight games, finishing above reigning champions Portugal and Serbia.
Austria aiming to bounce back
Austria fell short of expectations at Euro 2016, finishing bottom of a section completed by Hungary, Iceland and Portugal, but they possess a handful of top-level individuals such as Real Madrid-bound David Alaba, attacking midfielder Marcel Sabitzer and experienced forward Marko Arnautovic.
They operate with a high-pressing approach and recently gained promotion to League A in the Nations League after winning four of their six games in their section.
Don’t forget to check out our predictions for which player finishes as top goalscorer at Euro 2020, including a +5000 pick!
Newcomers making most of finals chance
The first beneficiaries of a rule allowing one team from the fourth tier of the Nations League to enter the European Championship is North Macedonia, who nonetheless performed well during qualifying, placing third behind Poland and Austria in their group.
Veteran Serie A forward Goran Pandev is among their most recognisable talents, along with Leeds engine Ezgjan Alioski.
Euro 2020 Group C verdict
Even with Van Dijk sidelined, the Netherlands should have enough quality to progress from Group C as winners, but the other places are set to been keenly contested and Ukraine look the best bet to join the Dutch by taking second spot.
Viktor Tsygankov and Andriy Yarmolenko are dangerous wide players and though they struggled in a tough Nations League section, Andriy Shevchenko’s men showed plenty of maturity during qualifying for this tournament.
Pick: Ukraine to finish in the top two (+100 odds)
Predicted finishing order
1. Netherlands
2. Ukraine
3. Austria
4. North Macedonia
Don’t forget to read our Pickswise experts’ soccer advice for Euro 2020 Group A, Group B, Group D, Group E and Group F.
Pickswise is the home of free Soccer Predictions, with soccer picks from Euro 2020 throughout the tournament and the MLS all season long.
