Spain and Belgium Fight For Survival At U21 Euro Championships

The U21 Euro Championships is underway in Italy and the two teams in this matchup are already ‘behind the eight ball’ somewhat due to losses in their first game in group play. Belgium opened up a 1-0 lead over Poland before conceding three unanswered goals in a 3-2 defeat. It was a similar situation for Spain who scored the opener against Italy just 9 minutes in and held the lead until the 36 minute lead when they gave up the equalizer. It was all Italy after that as they cruised to a 3-1 win. Neither team is in a position to sulk, however, as they both need to win this contest to keep their chances of making it to the knockout stages alive.

Of these teams Belgium is probably feeling worse than Spain about their situation. Poland was considered by many to be the worst team in Group A and certainly not a team that was expected to score 3 unanswered goals. Spain wasn’t expected to challenge for the Group A crown in the first place. Italy was considered the superior team and they’re playing at home. Even so, the Spanish side can’t feel good about holding the lead for most of the first half and basically collapsing at that point.

Spain had been in good form prior to their opening round loss. In tune up games for the U21 Euro they won three games though their most impressive result might have been a draw against France who is considered one of the top contenders to win this tournament. They’re also facing a Belgium team that has looked very porous on the defensive end of late. Simply put, if Spain comes out and plays their game they’ll come away with a solid win. Unless Belgium tightens up defensively–and there’s nothing to suggest that they will–they’ll need to outscore Spain to win. There’s not much indication they’re able to do that either.

Given what appears to be a wide disparity in terms of talent and focus the soccer betting odds on this matchup look to provide some decent value on Spain. I had been expecting to lay more than a single goal on the handicap with Belgium giving up so many of late. The team that wins this game will be in good shape to make it through to the knockout stages Unfortunately for Belgium it looks as if they’ve no longer got the confidence to pull that off. There’s little reason to expect a ‘defensive battle’ to ensue here so the ‘Over’ looks like a good play as well.

BET SPAIN -1 OVER BELGIUM -107
BET SPAIN/BELGIUM OVER 3 -124

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