Portugal U21 vs Netherlands U21 Predictions

• Portugal have kept three clean sheets at the finals
• The Netherlands produced their best display in beating Ukraine 2-0 last time out.
• It finished 1-1 when these two sides met at the 2023 European Under-21 finals

Portugal could prove tough to take down

Portugal’s quest to win a first European Under-21 title takes them to Zilina on Saturday for a quarter-final clash with two-time champions Netherlands.

Rui Jorge’s side won Group C by thrashing Poland and Georgia after an opening game stalemate against France. They have yet to concede a goal in Slovakia and should present a tough challenge to a Dutch side that was dragged into some end-to-end affairs in Group D.

Michael Reiziger’s men came from two down to claim a draw with Finland in their opener and then let an early lead slip in a 2-1 defeat to Denmark. They were fully focused in a winner-takes-all group finale against Ukraine, although it wasn’t entirely without mishap as sub Youri Regeer was sent off.

Flamingo gives Dutch better balance

Reiziger deployed PSV centre-back Ryan Flamingo as a holding midfielder in that match and it gave the Dutch a better balance. Portugal’s strength is in the wide areas with flying duo Roger Fernandes and Geovany Quenda.

They will scare most teams at this level but the Dutch can hold them in check if they cut off the supply and that may lead to a tight contest with few openings.