Netherlands (7-1-1, 5-3-1 ATS) put in a far-from-perfect performance against Ukraine in the Sportsbook match but came away with a crucial 3-2 win. Still, they begin as fairly substantial favorites in their second match of the group stage against a steady Austrian team on Thursday in Amsterdam.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Netherlands’ odds have lengthened since Sportsbook. After starting at -225, their odds to beat Austria have now moved to -167. The odds for the draw have barely moved. The market’s price has moved from +333 at Sportsbook to +325. Austria’s odds, meanwhile, have shortened a bit. After starting at odds of +600, Austria is now +511 to upset Netherlands.

Netherlands News & Notes

Netherlands made a sprightly start to Euro 2020 with a 3-2 win against Ukraine on Sunday night. Netherlands will be pleased with three goals despite Memphis Depay having only a decent night. After a goalless first half, action kicked into high gear in the second half with five goals.

Georginio Wijnaldum, who will continue to play a pivotal role in the middle of the field, opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, which was closely followed by a goal from Wout Weghorst. Ukraine came storming back with two goals in quick succession before Denzel Dumfries scored the Sportsbook, a header from close range.

Netherlands will be wary of a similar steady performance from a potent Austria team. “Austria have been on the rise for many years,” Netherlands coach Frank de Boer said. “Alaba is a familiar name, and Arnautović too. Important players, and big names. Many of them play in Germany. They have unity, and are very difficult to beat.”

Netherlands will need to shore up their defensive line in order to stake a claim for a deeper run into the tournament, particularly when the knockout stages begin. In the head-to-head record, Netherlands have dominated Austria, with wins in each of their past six games. Austria last beat Netherlands in 1990, a pre-tournament friendly match ahead of the World Cup. That strong record will also be an influential factor down the stretch in this match.

Austria News & Notes

Austria made a fabulous start to their tournament with a 3-1 win against North Macedonia in the opener. That win was crucial to stay abreast with the other candidates that will aim for qualification into a competitive Round of 16 of Euro 2020.

Stefan Lainer and Marcel Sabitzer combined for Austria’s first goal of the tournament before Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautovic, both brought on as substitutes in the second half, scored as well to ensure that Austria wouldn’t slip up early in the tournament.

“One thing is clear: we still need points to qualify for the Round of 16,” coach Franco Foda said after the game. “This is exactly what we need to keep doing; the boys won the game and made history.”

Foda will have to decide whether Arnautovic starts against Netherlands. He did indicate before the game that Arnautovic is coming off a muscle injury and caution might be the prudent way forward.

“You always have to be careful after a muscle injury. Marko is a very important part of our team and it is quite possible that he will play against Holland from the start,” the coach said.

In any case, Austria need to find a way past Netherlands. They have scored in each of their previous eight matches against Netherlands at home, which will provide a bit of much-needed inspiration. Austria have not won consecutive games at a major international tournament since the World Cup in 1982. If they can somehow repeat those heroics, they might have just ensured a spot in the Round of 16 of Euro 2020.

Betting Pick 1: Netherlands -167

When a team as strong as Netherlands has a chance to ensure a spot in the next stage, you can bet your bottom dollar that they won’t be playing around. This is a major international tournament, with plenty to play for. Also, there is adequate experience in that team to know better than to be complacent against a strong team like Austria. You will see a better performance from Netherlands here than in the opener.

Betting Pick 2: OVER 2.5 goals (-125)

This is one for the OVER, simply based on how these two teams play their soccer. Here is some statistical evidence. A total of 30 goals have been scored in the last seven matches between these two teams, at a startling average of over four goals per game. Even if they miss that average by a factor of 25 percent, it will still be enough for a payout if you’re betting the OVER.