The Euro 2024 tournament has reached a thrilling juncture with the Round of 16 set to ignite football fans worldwide. The knockout stage promises intense matchups as top teams battle for a spot in the quarter-finals. Here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming fixtures and what to expect from each clash.
Saturday, June 29
Switzerland vs. Italy (19:00)
The first Round of 16 match sees Switzerland take on Italy in a highly anticipated encounter. Switzerland, put up a thrilling challenge against Germany to make it to the round of 16. Though Italy has a better Euro history and is favorites to proceed to the quarter-finals; Switzerland has had a better Euro performance so far than Italy.
Germany vs. Denmark (22:00)
The second fixture on Saturday features Germany against Denmark, promising a clash of styles and strategies. Germany, with their rich footballing history and tactical versatility, will look to dominate possession and control the game’s tempo. Though Germany is playing at home, Switzerland seemed to out-match them in the last group stage match.
Germany is likely to return with a banger. Denmark on the other hand has not put up a very strong performance. They were in the same group as England but none of the teams in this group seemed to outmatch the others. It likely to be a tight fixture in favor of Germany.
Sunday, June 30
England vs. Slovakia (19:00)
England faces Slovakia in the first Sunday fixture, with the Three Lions aiming to improve their performance in this tournament. England has only scored two goals in three games while Slovakia has managed to score in all their last three matches.
England seems to be the favorite in this fixture but Slovakia could be a luckier team. Both teams have been sold defensively and England seeks to continue their unbeaten run in Euro 2024.
Spain vs. Georgia (22:00)
The final match on Sunday pits Spain against Georgia, a game that many expect to be a showcase of Spain’s possession-based football. Spain is the only team in this tournament with maximum points.
Georgia comes in this match as underdogs but has boasted their confidence after defeating Portugal in a 2:0 matchup in their last group match.
Monday, July 1
France vs. Belgium (19:00)
Though this would have been a mouth-watering clash as France takes on Belgium; it is hard to expect a good match. Both teams have been having average performances. Belgium only made it to the round of 16 after a goalless draw with Ukraine.
France remains the favorite in this clash but Belgium can still put up a challenge. France has only scored no go in open play. They only have two goals to their name; a penalty goal by Mbappe and the Austrian own goal.
Portugal vs. Slovenia (22:00)
The Round of 16 concludes with Portugal facing Slovenia, a match where the Portuguese are favorites but cannot afford complacency. The team needs to be more sharp in the 18-yard box. They had over 20 attempts in their last group match but without converting a single shot.
Slovenia could have seemed like an easy match for Portugal unfortunately, it is one of the few teams in Euro 2024 that have not lost a single match. They were able to secure a point from England. Portugal will go into this match knowing that Slovenia will likely force this game to go into a draw.
The Euro 2024 Round of 16 promises to deliver high-stakes drama, apart from Spain, there is no other team that has put on a show to convince people that they will move on smoothly to the quarter-finals.
