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The second round of group play is underway at UEFA’s 2020 European Championship and Thursday brings three matches. Six teams — Ukraine, North Macedonia, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Austria — will take the pitch. Let’s go over the key players to watch ahead of the action.
Ukraine almost pulled off an impressive comeback against the Netherlands last week and their second-leading all-time scorer — Andriy Yarmolenko — had a lot to do with that. The forward is usually a sub for West Ham but is heavily featured for his country up top. Yarmolenko should get his fair share of chances against a North Macedonian side that’s had little success in major tournaments.
Romelu Lukaka stole the show in Belgium’s first game of the group stage by recording a brace against Russia. The clinical finisher scored the opening goal just 10 minutes into the opening match and tucked away his second in the 88th minute. If he gets a touch in the opposition's box, he’s likely to make something happen.
The Netherlands nearly blew a 2-0 lead against Ukraine in its opening match and its target forward will be key to improving to 2-0 in the tournament. Wout Weghorst could have to do some heavy lifting while Memphis Depay looks to regain his form. The Bundesliga’s fourth-leading scorer from this past season will likely power the Netherland’s offense moving forward.
Euro 2021 DAY, DATE schedule
Ukraine vs. North Macedonia
Time: 9 a.m. ET
TV channel: ESPN
Live stream: WatchESPN, ESPN
Moneyline odds: Ukraine -155, North Macedonia +535, Tie +260
Total goals: 2.5 (over +118, under -155)
Denmark vs. Belgium
Time: 12 p.m. ET
TV channel: ESPN
Live stream: WatchESPN, ESPN
Moneyline odds: Belgium +102, Denmark +325, Tie +220
Total goals: 2.5 (over +120, under -148)
Netherlands vs. Austria
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV channel: ESPN
Live stream: WatchESPN, ESPN
Moneyline odds: Netherlands -155, Austria +450, Tie +285
Total goals: 2.5 (over -106, under -125)
Best Bet: Belgium +107
Belgium ran through Russia with ease in its first game and Denmark dropped a match against Finland last week. Christian Eriksen isn’t likely to play anytime soon after collapsing on the field, so the Danes shouldn’t have much of a chance to hold off a Belgian side that has a wealth of elite attackers and a rock-solid keeper.
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