The next stage of Euros 2024, i.e., the knockout stage starts tonight. And everyone has only one question on their minds. Which team will progress and which team won’t? So here is a brief preview and prediction on the Euros 2024 Round of 16.
Italy vs Switzerland
In the first match of the knockout stages, the Swiss will take on the defending champions Italy which shall be an entertaining game. Switzerland are one of those teams who have overperformed in this tournament to get into the knockout stages. Granit Xhaka has been on fire for Switzerland but that won’t be enough when they go up against the Azzurri on Saturday night. In what will be a tense game with both sides having a chance, Italy will go through to the Quarterfinals. Don’t be surprised though if Donnarruma wins the MOTM for Italy after a Penalty Shootout masterclass.
Germany vs Denmark
Up next we have our hosts Germany, taking on Denmark whose defence has been absolutely class this tournament. Germany though is one of the favourites and for good reason. Die Mannschaft have shown that they can attack their opposition in different ways and will cause enormous trouble to the Danish defensive trio of Christensen, Vestergaard, and Andersen. And eventually, Germany will be able to break the deadlock with maybe Fullkrug scoring the winner in what may prove to be a low-scoring encounter.
England vs Slovakia
The Three Lions have a massive point to prove and landing on the relatively easier side of the knockout bracket has done them a favour. The enormously talented English side will be up against the Slovaks who are in the knockouts solely thanks to their grit after finishing 3rd in their group. But they shouldn’t be taken lightly or else England might suffer the same fate Belgium a few days back. Regardless, this should be an easy English victory.
Spain vs Georgia
One would be stupid to bet against Spain in this one. Not only have La Roja proved themselves to be the best team in the tournament after breezing past their group of death, but they remain the only team to not have conceded a single goal. And for a Georgian team who only last September conceded 7 goals in 74 minutes to this very Spanish team during the Euros Qualifiers, doesn’t stand a chance against them. An interesting thing to point out is that Georgia has the highest goal scorer, Mikautadze, and the best goalkeeper, Mamardashvili, in the tournament both amongst their ranks.
France vs Belgium
A French team who haven’t scored a single time from open-play vs a Belgium team who are not what they used to be. In this clash of heavyweights, it shall be individual battles that decide the game. Kevin De Bruyne or Greizmann? Who would run the midfield? There are 2 key battles in this contest. Firstly, Jeremy Doku vs Jules Kounde down the flank. And Amadou Onana vs the French Midfield. Onana has been absolutely class for Belgium enabling Kevin De Bruyne to venture forward without having the risk of getting exposed at the back. But France will in the end this one.
Portugal vs Slovenia
Another easy game to call. While Slovenia is a threat from outside the box, the Portuguese talent on the pitch will prove to be just too much in the end for Jan Oblak and his men. While Slovenia hasn’t conceded many goals this tournament, that statement won’t hold after Portugal is done with them. Fans might also get to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal of the tournament.
Romania vs Netherlands
This match would be played with lots of intensity. Not just among players but also among fans as well. Across all the teams present in the tournament, the Netherlands and Romania have some of the, if not the best fanbases present. And fittingly the match will be played at the Allianz Arena. Munich will be buzzing for this one. But sadly for the flocks of Romanian fans walking into the stadium, the Netherlands will outclass them on the pitch with Cody Gakpo starring for the Dutch.
Austria vs Turkey
To round off the first knockout round, Austria will take on the Turks. This feels like a blockbuster in the making. Both teams have already been involved in two of the best group-stage matches in the Euros of all time. And both the teams have been impressive in the group stages. Austria more so, as they managed to top their group which included France and the Netherlands. Now who would’ve thought that? Ralf Ragnick has surely made this team overperform out of their skins and they’ll push through the Turkish challenge as well. But the Turks won’t back down so easily. So expect a thrilling game of football when these two teams go head to head in the Round of 16.
