Spain U21 v Belgium U21
Wednesday 19th June 1730hrs
Football – International – UEFA U21 Championship
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Betfred
Odds: 8/13 (odds taken 21.10 GMT, Monday 17th June)
It was the start neither Spain or Belgium wanted to these Championships, losing their first games. It makes Wednesday’s meeting in Reggio nell’Emilia.
UEFA U21 Championship Betting at Betfred
Spain U21 Preview – Will Spain bounce back from opening game defeat?
As is the case with so many of these tournaments Spain came into it as one of the favourites. Winners of it in 2011 and 2013, the Spanish finished most recently as runners up two years ago. Those Championships were held in Poland and Spain were narrowly beaten by Germany in the final. There’s several of that squad who are lining up once again, but it was a disappointing start to proceedings. Despite taking the lead against hosts’ Italy on Sunday Spain fell to a 3-1 loss. It was a dominant opening 30 minutes for them but alarmingly lost their way when the equaliser went in. The Spanish had few answers to what Italy threw at them, especially in the second half. It now leaves them requiring results in their next two games. Losing games is not a usual occurrence for Spain at U21 level, especially in the group stage.
As you would expect from a Spanish junior team there is quality throughout this squad. Dani Ceballos and Fabian Ruiz are vastly experienced at this level and will need to be at their best if Spain are to progress from this group. Borja Mayoral is their main goal threat upfront but had few opportunities in the opening game. He’ll be hoping for a more productive outing on Wednesday.
Belgium U21 – Are the Belgians capable of inflicting another defeat on Spain?
Belgium’s golden generation, headed by Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard, has been spoken about for a while. Their senior squad continue to edge closer to a first ever major honour but the focus this summer is on the younger stars. The Belgian’s have created a reputation for the developing of their young talent through a number of academies. Another indication of the success they’re having is that they have reached these finals for the first time in 12 years. Incidentally, the last time Belgium competed at the U21 European Championships was also their best appearance. That group of players made it to the semi-finals losing out to Serbia. A repeat of that sort of performance was not beyond them coming into the tournament, however the loss to Poland makes it more troublesome.
Like Spain, Belgium took the lead in that opening game and were much the better team. A lack of experience at this level could be blamed for not taking full advantage, though. Poland controlled the game for long spells after equalising and went 3-1 up. Only a late goal from Dion Cools provided some consolation for Belgium who now need to bounce back.
Key-Facts – Spain U21 v Belgium U21
- This is a retrieval mission for both Spain and Belgium who lost their opening games of this tournament
- Spain were winners of these Championships back in 2011 and 2013 whilst the best Belgium have done is reaching the semi-finals
- Nine of Spain’s last 16 games have went over 2.5 goals as have 11 of Belgium’s last 12
Spain U21 v Belgium U21 Betting Advice
This European Championship was always shaping up to be a very competitive one and that’s definitely been the case from the opening round of games. There’s some real quality on who and whoever the eventual winners are will have to earn it. Spain were certainly more fancied than Belgium to progress but both teams find themselves in desperate need of points now. These finals work in a way where only the group winners are guaranteed a place in the semi-finals. The best second placed team will join them but it’s fine margins now for these two.
These two nations have never clashed in the finals of the European Championships. Belgium have won two of the previous three meetings including their most recent clash in 2014. It’s very different squads now, obviously, so will have little bearing on this game. It’s a clash of two very different squads as well. The Spanish are one of the most experienced group of players here whilst Belgium are one of the most inexperienced. Nine of Spain’s last 16 games have seen at least three goals scored. 11 of Belgium’s last 12 have finished the same making over 2.5 goals a standout bet for Wednesday’s game.
