The knockout rounds of Euro 2016 begin on Saturday morning with Switzerland and Poland fighting for the first spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Switzerland +190
Poland +160
Draw +200
Over/Under 2 (over -115)
ODDS ANALYSIS
This match really can't be a heck of a lot closer in terms of the odds. Poland is the very slight +160 favorite in this match, but none of the three results would be all that surprising. In fact, it's the total which could end up dictating the end result here. The number to beat is just two goals with -115 vig set on the over. This is going to be quite the gritty match for sure, and the fact of the matter is that one goal is very likely going to end up being the difference.
TOURNAMENT UPDATE
It's tough to argue with anything that either Switzerland or Poland did in the opening round of Euro 2016. Both teams finished second in their respective groups, and they finished second after getting a point from the big time foes in their group. The Swiss were able to hold France to a scoreless draw, while Poland picked up a scoreless draw against Germany.
The only real knock against either team in the opening round was Switzerland's draw against Romania. The Swiss weren't overly impressive against Albania in their opening match of the Euros either, but they got the three points they needed, and that's why they're now in the Round of 16.
Poland never had any trouble in Group C. The team only scored two goals, one against Ukraine and Northern Ireland, but it also didn't allow a single goal in the opening round.
LIVE BETTING
Time and time again, we've talked about Robert Lewandowski in this spot, and we're going to do so again here. He's going to be the most dangerous player on the pitch on either side, but he's yet to put a ball in the back of the net.
The Swiss defense has statistically been good, allowing just one goal in the opening round of this tournament, but anyone who has watched this team has known better. The questionable defense allowed Albania a couple glorious chances in the first match day, and on the final match day, France cracked the bar a couple times and had a number of opportunities to score.
Especially the central defenders have struggled for Switzerland. We've seen some different combinations at the back for the Swiss because of those struggles, but the bottom line is that someone, whether it be Fabian Schar, Stephan Lichtsteiner or someone else, somebody had better get on the ball against Lewandowski when he's in dangerous spots, or he can change this game in a hurry.
QUICK PICK
This match is every bit as difficult to handicap as the odds suggest, but it's not supposed to be easy in Europe's premier tournament. Switzerland is sure to play a low line and let the game come to it just a bit, but Poland doesn't like putting a ton of pressure on the ball either and prefers to let Lewandowski make special moments happen.
The key man might end up being Arkadiusz Milik, a man who has quietly had four really good opportunities for Poland and for our money, has been the team's best player. Whereas Switzerland is going to try to make its magic out of the midfield with Xherdan Shaqiri, Poland is going to have the men up front to make things happen.
We alluded to the fact that just one moment of brilliance might make the difference in this one, and we're sticking with that. Poland is the team most likely to get that goal, and we think it will end up getting through.
Euro 2016 Odds: Poland 1, Switzerland 0
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The matchup between Switzerland and Poland will kick off on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. ET. This fixture from the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne can be seen live on ESPN.
