We have now reached the quarter-finals of the under-21 European Championships, and one of the most exciting ties of the first knockout round is Portugal u21s vs Netherlands u21s.
Portugal finished top of their group after picking up two wins and one draw in their three matches against Georgia, Poland and France.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands qualified as runners-up in their group after picking up four points from their matches against Ukraine, Finland and Denmark.
Ahead of kick-off on Saturday, check out our Portugal u21s vs Netherlands u21s prediction below.
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Portugal u21s vs Netherlands u21s prediction: Business as usual for Portugal
Key stats
- Portugal u21s have scored nine goals and conceded none in the u21 Euros so far.
- Portugal have scored at least two goals in three of their last four matches.
- Geovany Quenda has scored three goals at the tournament so far.
Correct score prediction: Portugal u21s 2-0 Netherland u21s
The Netherlands may have scored at least one goal in all of their matches at the u21 Euros, but they are yet to face a defence as tight as the Portuguese one. For many people, the Portuguese team are the best at the tournament and we are backing them to cruise through to the semi-finals.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Portugal start as the slight favourites
- HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Portugal u21s vs Netherlands u21s odds are a little surprising in that the bookies have priced both teams closely together. This means there is plenty of value on a Portugal victory, with Ladbrokes only giving them a 43.5% chance of coming out on top inside 90 minutes. Meanwhile, the Netherlands have been given a 34.5% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Nothing to split them
There isn't much value in looking too far back at the recent H2H record here, given that u21 squads are forever changing. The most recent clash between the two sides was in June 2023, and there were some familiar faces involved. The match finished 1-1, but Portugal are a much stronger team now compared to then.
European U21 Championship 24/06/23
Portugal U21
Netherlands U21
European U21 Championship Qual 18/11/20
Portugal U21
Netherlands U21
European U21 Championship Qual 11/10/19
Netherlands U21
Portugal U21
U21 International 15/11/16
Netherlands U21
Portugal U21
European U21 Championship Qual 14/10/14
Portugal U21
Netherlands U21
Portugal u21s preview: A possible change up front
At the back, there is no need for Portugal to entertain any changes but at the top of the pitch, Araujo will feel that he has done enough to replace Tiago Tomas in the starting XI after scoring off the bench in both of his last two appearances. The star man, as ever, will be Geovany Quenda who looks too good for this level.
Predicted lineup: Soares (GK), Pinheiro, Lamba, Muniz, Nazinho, Nascimento, Santos, Bernardo, Quenda, Fernandes, Araujo
U21 International 24/03/25
L
England U21
4
Portugal U21
2
U21 International 21/03/25
L
Romania U21
1
Portugal U21
0
U21 International 18/11/24
W
Slovakia U21
1
Portugal U21
3
U21 International 15/11/24
D
Ukraine U21
3
Portugal U21
3
European U21 Championship Qual 15/10/24
W
Andorra U21
1
Portugal U21
2
Netherlands u21s preview: An unchanged XI is expected
With no new injury concerns, the Netherlands are expected to start this match with the same group of players who came out on top against Ukraine in their final group game. Yuri Regeer will be unavailable due to suspension after he was suspended during his substitute appearance.
Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK), Rensch, Van den Berg, Hato, Maatsen, Valente, Flamingo, Taylor, Manhoef, Van Bommel, Van Bergen
Youth International 06/06/25
W
Ivory Coast U23
0
Netherlands U21
3
U21 International 25/03/25
W
Romania U21
0
Netherlands U21
2
U21 International 21/03/25
W
Italy U21
1
Netherlands U21
2
U21 International 18/11/24
D
England U21
1
Netherlands U21
1
U21 International 14/11/24
D
Slovakia U21
3
Netherlands U21
3
Player to watch: Ruben van Bommel
When you look at a Dutch team sheet and see the surname ‘Van Bommel', it's only natural to feel intrigued and a little excited. Given how supremely gifted his father was, Ruben van Bommel has plenty of pressure on his shoulders, but he is forging a decent career for himself so far. Can he lead his side to the semi-finals on Saturday?