Predictions 08 – 12.07.2024
Spain vs France | Euro 2024 (09/07/2024, 20:00)
Spain pulled off arguably the biggest upset of Euro 2024 on Friday, defeating hosts Germany to secure their place in the semi-finals. The thrilling match, which ended 1-1 in regular time, saw Mikel Merino score a dramatic 119th-minute winner, igniting celebrations and extending Spain’s impressive seven-game winning streak.
Luis de la Fuente’s squad has not only been prolific in front of goal but also formidable defensively. La Roja have conceded just once to an opposing player throughout the tournament and have not allowed more than one goal in any of their last seven victories. This solid defense gives Spain confidence as they face France in the semi-finals, especially since they have limited Les Bleus to a goal or less in seven of their last eight encounters.
France’s form in front of goal has been underwhelming in this tournament. They narrowly advanced past Portugal in a tense, goalless match, winning on penalties after Theo Hernández scored the decisive spot-kick following João Félix’s miss. Remarkably, France has reached the semi-finals without any of their players scoring a goal from open play.
Manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged the need for improvement in their attacking play after the win. Despite this, his reputation as a consistent winner continues to grow. Since his appointment in 2012, Deschamps could be on the verge of reaching his fourth major final out of six possible tournaments, aiming to become only the second person after Germany’s Berti Vogts to win a European Championship both as a player and a manager.
Form Guide
Spain WWWWWW
Spain will be looking to replicate their 2-1 Euro 2024 victory over Germany.
In that match, Spain held 49% possession and made 18 attempts on goal, with 6 on target. Dani Olmo scored in the 51st minute and Mikel Merino netted the decisive goal in the 119th minute. Germany had 23 shots on goal, with 5 on target, and Florian Wirtz equalized for them in the 89th minute before Spain clinched the win in extra time.
Spain has been prolific in front of goal, scoring in each of their last 6 matches. Over this period, they have scored 16 goals while conceding only 3.
France DWDDWD
Previously, France played to a 0-0 draw against Portugal in their Euro 2024 match.
In that game, France controlled 40% of the possession and made 19 shots on goal, with 5 on target. Portugal had 14 shots on goal, with 3 on target. The match was ultimately decided in a dramatic penalty shootout, which France won 5-3.
In each of their last 6 games, France has been involved in matches with notably few goals. The average goals per game during this period is just 0.67, with France averaging only 0.5 goals per game.
Spain vs France Predicted XI
Spain Predicted XI: Unai Simón: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams
France Predicted XI: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Kanté, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappé
Prediction
It appears that both France and Spain will have enough opportunities to find the back of the net, making it difficult to predict a clear winner.
Given the circumstances, we anticipate a very close match that could end with the scores level. Therefore, we foresee a score draw once the final whistle blows.
Argentina vs Canada | Copa America (10/07/2024, 01:00)
East Rutherford sets the stage for the first of two enticing Copa América semi-finals, with reigning world champions Argentina aiming to secure their third consecutive final appearance at a major tournament. Argentina has been impressive, winning all three of their group games without conceding a goal, including a 2-0 victory over Canada. Their only defensive lapse occurred during a 1-1 draw against Ecuador, which they won on penalties.
With no extra time allowed in this tournament, securing a win in regulation time is crucial for Lionel Scaloni’s squad. An upset here would send shockwaves across the continent, particularly given Argentina’s dominant record against Canada, having scored seven unanswered goals in their last two encounters. Moreover, Argentina has won ten consecutive Copa América matches, keeping a clean sheet in seven of those.
Canada, led by American coach Jesse Marsch, has defied expectations by reaching the semi-finals. As one of six CONCACAF nations invited to join the regular CONMEBOL participants, Canada has already outperformed their regional rivals Mexico and the USA, earning the title of the best CONCACAF team in the tournament.
Despite being long shots to reach their first-ever major final outside of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Canada must believe they can overcome the only team that has defeated them in this tournament. In two of their last three matches, Canada struck first but were taken to penalties by Venezuela in their most recent game, showing that a strong start doesn’t always guarantee success.
Form Guide
Argentina WWWWWD
Argentina enter this match following a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in the Copa America.
In that game, Argentina had 51% possession and made 8 attempts on goal, with 2 on target. Lisandro Martínez scored for Argentina in the 35th minute. Ecuador, on the other hand, had 9 shots on goal, with 2 on target, and Kevin Rodríguez equalized in the 92nd minute. Argentina eventually triumphed 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Argentina have consistently found the back of the net in their last 6 matches, scoring a total of 11 goals while conceding just 2.
Canada LDLWDD
In their previous Copa America match, Canada played to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela.
During the game, Canada held 45% possession and registered 16 shots on goal, with 7 on target. Jacob Shaffelburg was the sole scorer for Canada, finding the net in the 13th minute. Venezuela, on the other hand, had 16 shots on goal, with 3 on target, and Salomón Rondón scored for them in the 65th minute. Following a tense penalty shootout that ended 4-3, Canada emerged victorious.
Canada has struggled to find goals in their last six matches, managing only 2 in total. During this period, they have also conceded 7 goals.
Argentina vs Canada Predicted XI
Argentina Predicted XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Gonzalez; Messi, La. Martinez
Canada Predicted XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Prediction
It appears that Canada will face a challenging task to score even a single goal against Argentina, who appear poised to generate numerous scoring opportunities and capitalize on them.
Our prediction is a 3-0 victory for Argentina once the match concludes.
Netherlands vs England | Euro 2024 (10/07/2024, 20:00)
After a lackluster group stage where they advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, the Netherlands have shown remarkable improvement in the knockout phase of Euro 2024. They staged a comeback to defeat Turkey 2-1 in Berlin on Saturday, earning a spot in their first major tournament semi-final in a decade – their first at the Euros since 2004. Their next challenge awaits against tournament favorites England in Dortmund.
Dortmund hosts their first meeting at either the Euros or World Cup since 1996, with the Netherlands aiming for a different outcome after a 4-1 defeat on that occasion. Since then, the Oranje have lost just once in nine encounters against England, a record Ronald Koeman hopes will propel his side to their first Euros final since their 1988 triumph, coincidentally the last time the finals were held in Germany.
England, under Gareth Southgate, are more accustomed to this stage, contesting their third major tournament semi-final out of four attempts. They advanced dramatically by defeating Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals. Despite an improved performance in that match, they have only managed one victory in normal time in five games at these finals, suggesting another tense affair may be in store.
Southgate commended his squad’s “unbelievable character and resilience” after overcoming Switzerland, highlighting England’s difficult-to-beat nature. Their last competitive defeat dates back to the 2022 World Cup against France. Defensive solidity has been a key asset, as they have not conceded multiple goals in a competitive match since then, boosting their chances of reaching a second consecutive Euros final, a remarkable achievement after failing to reach the final in their first nine attempts.
Form Guide
Netherlands WWDLWW
Netherlands, coming off a victory in their previous match, will aim for a similar outcome following a 2-1 triumph over Turkey in Euro 2024.
In that game, Netherlands held 59% possession and registered 11 attempts on goal, with 4 on target. Stefan de Vrij was the sole scorer for Netherlands, finding the net in the 70th minute. On the other hand, Turkey had 15 shots on goal, with Samet Akaydin scoring in the 35th minute and Mert Müldür adding an own goal in the 76th minute.
In five of their last six matches, Netherlands have been involved in games with three or more goals. During this period, they scored a total of 13 goals while conceding 5.
England LWDDWD
Previously, England played to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Euro 2024.
In that match, England had 51% possession and took 13 shots at goal, with 3 on target. Bukayo Saka scored the only goal for England in the 80th minute. On the other hand, Switzerland had 10 shots at goal, and Breel Embolo scored in the 75th minute. The match proceeded to penalties, where England emerged victorious with a 5-3 scoreline.
England’s defensive unit has displayed resilience in recent matches, conceding a total of 4 goals in their last 6 games. During this period, their offensive efforts have resulted in 5 goals scored.
Netherlands vs England Predicted XI
Netherlands Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Aké; Schouten, Simons, Reijnders; Malen, Depay, Gakpo
England Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Foden, Bellingham; Kane
Prediction
We believe that both England and the Netherlands will have ample chances to score, even though it’s tough to distinguish between them.
It will be fascinating to watch this match unfold, as a draw seems quite likely. Thus, we anticipate a tightly contested game ending in a 1-1 tie.
Uruguay vs Colombia | Copa America (11/07/2024, 01:00)
Uruguay and Colombia are on the brink of the Copa América final, a stage Uruguay last reached in 2011 and Colombia in 2001. Uruguay, having edged out Brazil on penalties in a gripping quarter-final, come into this semi-final buoyed by three consecutive wins without conceding and an impressive streak of eight competitive matches unbeaten.
This unbeaten run began with a 2-2 draw in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October 2023, marking the third consecutive meeting between these teams that ended level after regulation time. This includes a 0-0 draw in the previous Copa América edition, a match Uruguay eventually lost on penalties. Such history suggests another tightly contested encounter, possibly extending to the full distance as three of the four quarter-finals in the United States did.
Colombia’s quarter-final was the only match decided in regular time, as they cruised to a 5-0 victory over Panama, extending their remarkable unbeaten run to 27 internationals. Recent games for Los Cafeteros have been action-packed, with six of their last seven matches producing more than 2.5 goals, except for a 1-1 draw against Brazil in the group stage.
Head coach Néstor Lorenzo attributes their success to the team’s cohesion, which has been crucial in their journey to the semi-finals. With only one loss in their last five head-to-heads against Uruguay, Colombia can approach this match with confidence. They are familiar with reaching the semi-finals, having done so in three of the last four Copa América tournaments, although they were eliminated at this stage in the previous two editions.
Form Guide
Uruguay DWWWWD
Uruguay head into this fixture following a 0-0 draw against Brazil in the Copa América. In that match, Uruguay held 41% possession and made 12 attempts on goal, with only one on target. Brazil, on the other hand, had 7 attempts with 3 on target. After a tense 4-2 penalty shootout, Uruguay emerged victorious.
A notable trend in recent Uruguay games has been the frequent occurrence of a zero in the scoreline. In five of their last six matches, a bet on “Both Teams to Score” would have been a losing one.
Colombia WWWWDW
Colombia will enter this encounter following a commanding 5-0 Copa América win against Panama. In that game, Colombia enjoyed 52% possession and had 7 shots on goal, with 5 on target. The goals were scored by Jhon Córdoba (8′), James Rodríguez (15′), Luis Díaz (41′), Richard Ríos (70′), and Miguel Borja (94′). Panama managed 14 attempts on goal with 3 on target.
Colombia’s attacking prowess has been on full display in their last six games, where they have netted a total of 19 goals, averaging an impressive 3.17 goals per match. However, this high-scoring trend might not continue into their next game.
Uruguay vs Colombia Predicted XI
Uruguay Predicted XI: Rochet; Varela, Gimenez, Olivera, Vina; Valverde, Ugarte; Pellistri, De la Cruz, Araujo; Nunez
Colombia Predicted XI: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; J. Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Prediction
We anticipate that both Colombia and Uruguay will score in what should be a closely contested match. This game is too close to call, and we predict a tight encounter resulting in a 1-1 draw.
