Belgium U21 vs. Netherlands U21: Preview and betting tips

The European Under-21 Championship kicks off in Georgia and Romania on Wednesday, with Belgium and the Netherlands as one of the opening matches. What to expect from the Benelux derby and what to bet on?

Belgium came through a fairly tough qualifying process for the tournament, advancing in the company of Denmark, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Scotland. In addition, they beat the youngsters of Israel 2-0 in a friendly in June.

In the qualifying group, the Dutch outperformed the Swiss, Bulgarians, Welsh and the youngsters from Gibraltar and Moldova. They prepared for the tournament with a friendly against the Japanese twenty-two, which ended goalless.

Belgium’s key figures

Belgium’s main star has not fared well this season, with talented striker Charles De Ketelaeresi notching just one assist for AC Milan. Largie Ramazani is a threat from the wing, who has scored three times and assisted twice for Levante in La Liga this season.

Key figures for the Netherlands

Ryan Gravenberch, one of the biggest talents of the moment, is also travelling with the Tulips to the Euros, but the midfielder hasn’t fared too well since his transfer to Bayern. Winger Crysencio Summerville has started to make a name for himself with Leeds in the Premier League, boasting a 4+2 record.

What to expect and what to bet on?

The Belgians have struggled in attack, scoring only three goals in their last four games, coming up empty against Scotland and the Czech Republic. The reason for this could be that Lois Openda, the author of 21 goals in Ligue 1 this year, is already part of the national A-team.

And it will be extremely difficult to strike against the Netherlands, as the Tulips have scored just one goal in their last nine games with an incredible 23:1 scoreline. The only successful scorer was Václav Sejk.

Considering the poor form of Belgium’s attack, especially the killer De Ketelaere, as well as the solid and composed defensive performance of the Dutch, I think the Tulips will prevail at the start of the group stage.