The Copa America in South America and the Euros across Europe have been running almost in synch this year and with both tournaments now approaching the quarterfinal stage, now is the perfect time to preview all four of those games in each competition.
And of course, we will bring you our top tips for each of those games after what has been a dramatic couple of weeks, especially in the Euros, which has seen some of the big guns eliminated from the tournament, while in the Copa, the top teams all made it safely through to the knockout stage.
If you fancy a flutter on either of these great football tournaments, then check out the wealth of betting available on each with bet365 Sport. The site offers a wide choice of bets for matches in both tournaments and continues to offer football bettors some of the best betting you can find online.
Remember also that if you are based in the United States that BetRivers Sportsbook offers a great choice of bets on soccer, as well as a wide range of bets across plenty of other sports too. Available in a number of states too, it is a fantastic starting point for anyone seeking to enjoy a wager on the big tournament quarterfinals coming up this weekend.
Speaking of which, let’s now preview the quarter final ties in each tournament, giving you our pick for each and the best bet to back for each of the eight matches.
Please note all kick off times shown are GMT and any odds shown were correct with bet365
Sport as of 9am on Thursday 1st July 2021.
Euro 2020 Quarterfinal Tips
Switzerland v Spain (5pm, 2/7/21)
These two teams were involved in hugely dramatic games in the Round of 16, Switzerland defeating France on penalties after a 3-3 draw, while Spain defeated Croatia 5-3 in extra time, despite seeing Croatia come back from 3-1 down in the last five minutes to force the game into added time. I think both managers will want a more measured defensive display from their team here and I think as a result, this will be a tight affair. You can’t ever rule the Swiss out and while I think this one may also go to extra time, I do feel Spain will eventually prevail.
- Our Tip – I feel Spain will nab an extra time win here, but take the Full Time Result bet on the draw at 11/4.
Belgium v Italy (8pm, 2/7/21)
I was very impressed with both these teams in the Group stages of this tournament but I felt
both struggled a little in their Round of 16 games despite earning a win. For me the deciding factor here is that Belgium’s best two players Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne are not likely to be fit enough to play in this game, at least from the start if at all, and I think that has massive implications against a team like Italy who can fully expose that. Italy know how to win these games and without their two star men, I think Belgium could come unstuck here.
- Our Tip – Expect a close game but I think Italy’s experience and Belgium’s injuries mean Italy will win this game 1-0 (8/1)
Czech Republic v Denmark (5pm, 3/7/21)
Two teams I feel have done very well to get this far in the tournament, especially Denmark after the nightmare start the team endured. The Czech’s have been pretty solid throughout, losing only to England and beating the 10-man Netherlands in the Round of 16. Denmark have scored four goals in each of their last two games against Russia and Wales but will find the Czech’s a more formidable outfit. History suggests a draw is a good bet here and I am not going to go against that with perhaps penalties needed to decide the winner.
- Our Tip – Back the Draw at full time here (11/5)
Ukraine v England (8pm, 3/7/21)
Ukraine came through a bruising and hard-fought game with Sweden, winning it in the last minute of extra time. England in contrast, were excellent in beating Germany 2-0 and they will travel to Rome full of confidence after that win. When the two teams have met most recently, they have been close affairs but I think England have the edge here in terms of fitness, quality and strength in depth. Add to that a healthy shot of confidence and I think the Three Lions should land the win.
- Our Tip – Take England to win 2-0 (5/1)
Copa America 2021 Quarterfinal Tips
Peru v Paraguay (10pm, 2/7/21)
I do like Peru’s more fluid, attacking style of football compared to Paraguay’s much more
measured, defensive-first mentality however, that said I feel that Paraguay do have the best chance of coming through this tie and reach the semifinals. Peru’s best players are now all well beyond 30 and I think Paraguay’s younger squad and more solid defensive outlook will be the key to eventually progressing. I can’t see that being in normal time however as I think this will be a Paraguay win in extra time or on penalties, which makes the draw the market to back here.
- Our Tip – Back the draw at 90 minutes at 2/1 with bet365.
Brazil v Chile (1am, 3/7/21)
Another team with an ageing squad, Chile are a pale shadow of the team that won this tournament twice in a row in 2016 and 2017 and I think they are going to come unstuck against the current holders and tournament hosts here. Brazil came through their group at a canter without ever really needing to hit top gear but as the tournament reaches the knockout stage, I would expect to see the host nation pick up its performance here. Chile will try to keep it tight, but I think Brazil will run out winners in the end.
- Our Tip – Take Brazil to win this 2-0 in the Correct Score market at 5/1.
Uruguay v Colombia (10pm, 3/7/21)
After a slow start, Uruguay have won their last two games in the tournament, while Colombia
have, for me at least, been one of the disappointments of the tournament despite progressing into the quarterfinals. If that kind of form continues, then I don’t hold out much hope for them here against a very talented Uruguay attack. This will be a tight and at times, brutal game I feel, with no quarter given but I think in the end Uruguay will just about come out on top.
- Our Tip – Uruguay should land a narrow win here so take them in the FT Result market at 11/8.
Argentina v Ecuador (1am, 4/7/21)
Lionel Messi has been at his best for Argentina in the opening phase, scoring three goals to lead the tournament top goalscorer charts and contributing two assists too. Ecuador, who have been going well in World Cup Qualifiers, have been hard to beat, drawing three games, but lacked a cutting edge in all of their games and as such, I think they are going to find it extremely difficult to get anything from this tie.
- Our Tip – Argentina look excellent at the moment and they should win comfortably here. Take Argentina to win 2-0 at 5/1.
