The Netherlands is trying to return to prominence, and it goes for its second win to open the 2020 European Championships group stage when it hosts Austria on Thursday. The Dutch failed to qualify for the 2016 Euros or the 2018 World Cup, but they are confident after a thrilling 3-2 victory against Ukraine on Sunday. Some second-half substitutions disrupted the defense, but the Flying Dutchmen attack was strong as it secured the three points. The Austrians also looked strong in their Euro 2020 opener, getting a 3-1 victory against upstart North Macedonia.
Kickoff from Amsterdam Arena is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. William Hill Sportsbook lists the Netherlands as the -165 favorite (risk $165 to win $100) in its latest Austria vs. Netherlands odds, while the over-under for total goals scored is 2.5. Before locking in any Netherlands vs. Austria picks, check out the Euro 2020 predictions and best bets from SportsLine's Martin Green.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper. Since then, his European soccer picks have been spot-on. Green has generated almost $19,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season. He's having a great Euro 2020 as well, with his picks generating over $500 in profit for $100 bettors through Wednesday's action. Green has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.
Now, Green has taken an in-depth look at Netherlands vs. Austria at Euro 2020 and locked in his best bets. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Austria vs. Netherlands:
- Austria vs. Netherlands spread: Netherlands -0.5 (-170)
- Austria vs. Netherlands over-under: 2.5 goals
- Austria vs. Netherlands money line: Austria +480, Netherlands -170, Draw +290
- NED: The Netherlands have won their last six matches against Austria
- AUS: Austria has won just one of its last nine matches at major tournaments
Why you should back the Netherlands
The squad is not quite back to its Flying Dutchmen ways, but the attack looked potent against Ukraine. Georginio Wijnaldum, Wout Weghorst and Denzel Dumfries scored and had numerous chances. The Dutch held possession for 61 percent of the game and had a 15-7 advantage in shots. Wijnaldum and Frenkie de Jong were the best players on the pitch, and with Marten de Roon adding relentless play on both ends, the Netherlands midfield is a handful. Austria has kept just one clean sheet in its past eight matches, so the Dutch should get their chances.
Weghorst and Memphis Depay also are a dangerous combination up top. Depay played in just four of the qualifying matches but had three goals, and he had 20 in France's Ligue 1 with Lyon this season. Weghorst also had 20, with Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga. The defense is missing leader Virgil Van Dijk, but it was adequate Sunday with Jurrien Timber and Daley Blind playing alongside Stefan de Vrij. Manager Frank de Boer is unlikely to tinker with that this time after replacing Timber and Blind in the second half nearly cost the team the victory.
Why you should back Austria
The Austrians have one of the world's best players in defender David Alaba. The 28-year-old is a key piece to the Austrian offense, with his long balls putting the attackers in position to make plays. He completed 85 percent of his long passes in league play with Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich and had the highest progressive passing distance in the league by a field player. Alaba assisted on the winning goal Sunday with a perfect cross to Michael Gregoritsch before Marko Arnautovic provided the final strike in the 3-1 win.
Austria held possession for 60 percent of the game Sunday, and the midfield is strong with the likes of Marcel Sabitzer, Xaver Schlager and Konrad Laimer. The squad comes in with a lot of confidence after its first-ever Euro victory, and Austria has scored in 11 of its last 14 games. Arnautovic, Sabitzer and Sasa Kalajdzic are capable scorers. Kalajdzic had 16 goals with Stuttgart, while Arnautovic has scored five in 10 overall matches for the national team this season.
How to make Austria vs. Netherlands Euro 2020 picks
Green has taken a deep dive into the Austria vs. Netherlands matchup, and he likes the over on the goal total (2.5). He also has another best bet and a full breakdown of this critical Group C matchup. He's only sharing his 2020 Euro picks on SportsLine.
What are the top picks for Thursday's Netherlands vs. Austria matchup at Euro 2020? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Austria vs. Netherlands, all from the European soccer expert who has generated nearly $19,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season.
