As we approach the business end of this year's European Championships, only eight hopeful nations remain. Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, England, Switzerland, Netherlands and Turkey will all fancy their chances of going all the way, so without further ado, let's take a look at the enthralling Quarter Final fixtures we have to look forward to...
Germany v Spain
It’s unfortunate that these nations have to meet so early on in the tournament, as it feels as if both Spain and Germany are the only world class teams that have actually played attacking football thus far. The two highest scoring teams will meet in Stuttgart at 5pm on Friday night.
Before the tournament, there were questions asked whether a young German side would be able to cope with the pressure of being the hosts, however they have shown no signs of faultering so far. With joint top scorer, Jamal Musiala being the star man, the Germans have been lethal in front of goal. Regarding the starting XI, it will be interesting to see who Nagelsmann chooses to play left back against Spain’s in-form Lamine Yamal. David Raum started against Denmark but in a game where they will need to defend more, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Maximillian Mittelstadt replaced him.
With 38 year old, Jesus Navas being Spain’s only remaining member from the “golden generation”, it really does symbolise that it's a new era for Spanish football. With the likes of Yamal, Nico Williams and Pedri, this young, exciting Spain team have been a breath of fresh air in the Euros and are the only team with a 100% win record. Luis de la Fuente is expected to field the same starting lineup that beat Georgia 4-1 in the last round.
Prediction: 1-1 (Germany to advance)
Portugal v France
Neither Portugal nor France have been at their best so far, but it is clear that both teams possess a strong, winning mentality. Hamburg's Volksparkstadion will play host to this one at 8pm tomorrow night.
Portugal have their goalkeeper, Diogo Costa to thank for making it to this stage, following his heroics against Slovenia in the last 16. Porto's number one made a superb save in the last minute to deny Benjamin Sesko, then made history by saving all three penalties in the shootout. At the other end of the pitch, it was a night to forget for Cristiano Ronaldo who missed countless free kicks and a penalty in the match, but surely there's no way one of the greatest players we've ever seen will be dropped for the next round.
France have been slightly underwhelming so far, considering they have the best squad depth at the tournament. Despite Les Bleus' plethora of attacking talent, the three goals they have scored this tournament have consisted of a penalty and two OGs. Their masked, star man, Kylian Mbappe has showed glimpses of his best but is yet to score from open play at any European Championships, he'll be looking to get that monkey off his back tomorrow night. Adrien Rabiot is suspended for the match and will likely be replaced by Ousmane Dembele, with Antoine Griezmann adopting a more central attacking role.
Prediction: 2-0 France
Read more: Euro 2024 - the story so far
England v Switzerland
The Three Lions rode their luck in the last round with a last minute Jude Bellingham equaliser against Slovakia, followed by a Harry Kane winner in extra time. On the other hand, Switzerland couldn't have looked more comfortable against the Italians and have lived up to their name as potential pre-tournament dark horses. The pair will meet in Dusseldorf at 5pm on Saturday.
Like France, England fans have been frustrated with their lack of attacking intensity throughout the competition but could the late flurry against Slovakia be the spark the side need to get it together. Their hero that day, Bellingham, was potentially going to be suspended for the Switzerland match following a 'lewd gesture' he made after his goal, however England fans can breathe a sigh of relief that the midfielder has escaped a ban. Despite this, England will be without arguably their best player of Euro 2024, Marc Guehi, who is suspended. This could mean a start for Ezri Konsa at the back and maybe even another defender, as it is rumoured Southgate may revert to five at the back.
Switzerland have been a solid outfit ever since their opening win against Hungary. With a well-organised back five, progressive midfielders and dangerous attackers, Murat Yakin's side will be extremely hard to beat. Their best player so far, Granit Xhaka, suffered an injury scare during the Italy match, but thankfully for Swiss fans, he's been given the all clear to start on Saturday. Silvan Widmer was suspended for the match against Italy but should make his return against England. The right wing back could play a big part in the match as England have been criticised for having an imbalanced left hand side.
Prediction: 1-1 (England to advance)
Netherlands v Turkey
Berlin's Olympiastadion will play host to two of the most exciting teams of the competition so far. After a shaky match against Austria in the group stage, Netherlands looked like their old selves again in their 3-0 victory over Romania. As for the Turks, not many would have tipped them to get by Austria in the last 16, but they ended up being the deserved victors.
Netherlands have been a mixed bag this competition, but look like their regaining their form at just the right time. Their winger, Cody Gakpo has a great record in major tournaments and is joint top scorer going into the quarters. Furthermore, with the hold up play of Memphis Depay and the deep runs from midfield from Tijani Reijnders, Netherlands are looking dangerous with every attack they have. Donyell Malen came off the bench to score two against Romania, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Koeman starts him on Saturday night.
Like Portugal, Turkey have their goalkeeper to thank for getting to this stage. Mert Gonuk made one of the best saves in European Championships history to deny Austria's Christoph Baumgartner a last minute equaliser and ensure Turkey's place in the quarters. To add to this, 19 year old wonderkid, Arda Guler has been a revelation this tournament as well as left back, Ferdi Kadioglu, who will surely be getting a big move in the summer. Turkey will be without midfielders, Orkun Kokcu and Ismael Yuksek through suspension, however captain, Hakan Calhanoglu will be making a return to the starting lineup after serving his one match ban.
Prediction: 2-1 Turkey
Add comment
Comments