Spots in the knockout rounds are up for grabs in Germany, and the Sports Gambling Podcast Network previews the soccer action with our Euro 2024 Matchday 3 best bets.
The final round of the group stage will kick off on Sunday, starting with Group A. The two games remaining for each group will start at the same time each day before ending on Wednesday, June 26.
With multiple third-place teams eligible to qualify for the Round of 16, it allows more nations the opportunity to advance. This format also means all countries have something to play for.
There should be chaos and plenty of drama. So, now we need to pick out our favorite plays with our Euro 2024 Matchday 3 best bets.
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Euro 2024 Matchday 3 Best Bets
Scotland vs. Hungary – Half with Most Corners – 2nd (-115) BetMGM
Date: Sunday, June 23
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Network: FOX
When we get to the final match of the group stage, you now have to start thinking about the situation for the game. This fixture should have two teams that are pushing for a result until the final whistle.
A draw would not be enough for either team to advance. This should create a situation where the losing team will be pushing for a goal, pumping the opponent’s goal with shots and crosses late in the game.
For Scotland, this is a side that may have to keep pushing for goals even if the Tartan Army is leading in the second half. The heavy defeat to Germany could hurt their goal difference if it comes down to a tie to advance.
This bet also lends itself to a game of tired legs in the second half in what could be an open match.
The Yes on the Both Teams to Score is a heavy favorite at -185 odds. Plus, oddsmakers believe the second half will be the one with more goals.
Once you add it all up, I like this bet offered at BetMGM for more corners in the second half.
Spain vs Albania – Over 2.5 Goals (-132) FanDuel
Date: Monday, June 24
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Network: FS1
This European Championship has been filled with goals, and I like for that to continue here in this game. I particularly like the advantage Spain’s attack will have.
Yes, Albania did have a heroic comeback to secure a point against Croatia. However, the Eagles allowed 2.68 expected goals and five big chances, according to fotmob.com.
It was much the same in the opener against Italy. In the loss, the Italians racked up five big chances and found the back of the net twice.
It doesn’t help that Spain’s attack is much better than that of those two nations. Even if the Spanish squad is rotated, the backups will want to prove their worth for more playing time later in the tournament.
Another key factor is that La Roja will be missing its key defensive midfielder, Rodri. He is out with a suspension after picking up two yellow cards, and Spain doesn’t have a replacement.
I could see Spain covering this alone, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Albania finds the back of the net again.
Denmark vs Serbia – Denmark ML (+120) FanDuel
Date: Tuesday, June 25
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Network: FS1
I have been consistent in my fade of this Serbia side. The angle I tried with England didn’t work, but I was successful with Slovenia.
I’m going back against the Eagles here with a Denmark team that has been solid once again at a major tournament. In fact, you could make the argument that the Danes deserved to win both games.
In the opening draw with Slovenia, Denmark won the expected goals battle 1.66-1.10, finishing with more shots, shots on goal, and corners. This was followed up by having more possession and scoring opportunities than the Three Lions.
Serbia’s dramatic draw in the last game continued its trend of not being able to beat better opposition. Since September 2023, the Eagles have lost four of five games against opponents in this tournament.
They also can’t afford to play for a draw. This means a leaky defense will likely be left open because they are pushing for a result.
With Denmark also needing more than a tie, I like the Danes to claim their spot in the Round of 16 with a win.
Belgium vs Ukraine – Over 2.5 Goals (-120) FanDuel
Date: Wednesday, June 26
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Network: FOX
Belgium and Ukraine were two of the more disappointing teams in Matchday 1 of this tournament. The losses set up a great finale in Group E between two nations loaded with attacking talent.
The Belgians are led up front by Romelu Lukaku, who racked up 14 goals in qualifying. He will be getting fed passes and crosses by a group that includes Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku of Manchester City and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard.
Ukraine also boasts a dangerous attack, which is headlined by the Girona duo of Viktor Tsyhankov and Artem Dovbyk. The two combined for 32 goals and 15 assists in La Liga this season.
Both teams needing a result could set up a chaotic finish in this one. The Ukrainian team also has the added pressure of overcoming the three-goal loss in the opener, which damaged its goal difference.
I also don’t hate a look at both teams to score combined with this bet in a Single Game Parlay, but I’ll keep it simple for my final Euro 2024 Matchday 3 best bet.
