Euro 2024: Final 16 predictions

Eight groups down. 16 stay.

The shortage of jeopardy with a 24-team match did manifest in the course of the ultimate spherical of group stage fixtures at Euro 2024, with only a third of the perimeters that entered departing on the first hurdle.

Whereas the group stage in Germany did considerably simmer after a lightning-fast begin, we have now entered make-or-break territory. Knockout soccer beckons!

The final 16 has thrown up a pleasant array of ties. There are blockbusters, scope for upsets, and the possibility for pre-tournament underdogs to get pleasure from a deep run. We must always have lots of enjoyable over the 4 days throughout which the primary knockout spherical unfolds.

Listed here are 90min’s predictions for the final 16 at Euro 2024.

Saturday 29 June

The holders get the spherical of 16 underway on Saturday night as they face Group A runners-up Switzerland. Italy have thus far underwhelmed this summer time, though expectations weren’t precisely sky-high for the Azzurri heading into the match. They might’ve bowed out of the competitors if it wasn’t for Mattia Zaccagni’s last-gasp equaliser in opposition to Croatia on matchday three.

Quite the opposite, Switzerland have produced a typical Swiss marketing campaign so far they usually got here inside minutes of topping Group A. Many will fancy Murat Yakin’s aspect to knock the holders out right here, however Italy’s work with out the ball should not go unnoticed. It might be a slog.

Switzerland could be dealing with Denmark afterward Saturday if it weren’t for Niclas Fullkrug’s late header. The Borussia Dortmund struck late of their matchday three encounter to make sure Germany, who’d dazzled by their first 180 minutes of the match, topped Group A.

The hosts will face the Danes in Dortmund to spherical off the primary day of knockout motion. Denmark, semi-finalists three years in the past, stay well-drilled and practical, however they nonetheless lack a leading edge within the ultimate third.

Sunday 30 June

Georgia’s unlikely victory over Portugal means England shall be dealing with Slovakia on Sunday, having beforehand eyed a spherical of 16 conflict with the Dutch as an alternative.

Slovakia, although, will show stern opposition for this flat and unbalanced Three Lions outfit. Francesco Calzano has constructed his aspect within the picture of Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli. Their excessive press and slick build-up may catch England out, that is for certain. Gareth Southgate’s aspect should be improved from their unconvincing group stage efficiency, however they nonetheless topped a dire Group C.

There are narratives galore within the day’s late fixture because the workforce of the group stage face the story of the match thus far. Spain topped a tricky Group B with out conceding; breezing previous Italy and Croatia, whereas Georgia, courtesy of a memorable 2-0 win over Portugal, have progressed into the knockouts of their first main match.

The Spaniards have been glorious and at the moment are being tipped by many to go all the way in which, however they will need to have their wits about them in opposition to a Georgia aspect that thrives in transition.

Monday 1 July

France and Belgium met within the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, however it’s honest to say neither aspect are fairly as spectacular as they have been in Russia six years in the past.

The Belgians had life in opposition to Romania on matchday two, however a colorless exhibiting to spherical off Group E in opposition to Ukraine noticed supporters flip. Boos rung out at full-time, with any optimistic momentum seemingly sapped.

As for France, nicely, you’d wish to assume there’s extra to come back. They have been a tricky watch so far, however they’ve created probabilities at better regularity than the stylistically related England. Les Bleus often save their greatest work for the knockout levels, and now’s the time for them to kick into gear.

A rotated Portugal aspect succumbed to Georgia final day trip in what was the largest upset within the competitors’s historical past by way of FIFA rating differential. Roberto Martinez will return his starters for Monday’s final 16 conflict in opposition to a Slovenia workforce that pissed off England on Tuesday and can show stern opposition of their 4-4-2 mid-block

Tuesday 2 July

The spherical of 16 concludes on Tuesday, however do not worry, there are a pair of belters to get pleasure from. Why? Effectively, the Netherlands are actually on upset alert within the early kick-off as they face Group E winners Romania.

Ronald Koeman is working his magic as soon as extra with the Dutch struggling in Germany. Defeat to darkish horses Austria on matchday three consigned Koeman’s males to 3rd in Group D. Romania, who shocked Ukraine to open the match and earned some extent in opposition to Slovakia to prime their group, shall be licking their lips.

Then, to wrap the final 16 up, we must be in for leisure aplenty when Austria face Turkey. Solely Spain and possibly Germany have been extra spectacular than Ralf Rangnick’s Austrians this summer time, as their victories over Poland and the Netherlands noticed them earn prime spot in Group C over France.

Austria have scored six instances of their current two victories, they usually’ll be dealing with up in opposition to a defensively flawed Turkish aspect that boasts loads of expertise going ahead. There’s certain to be targets on this one.

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