And then there were 8 as the belated 2020 European Championships reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend.
The last-16 was certainly not lacking in drama & excitement with 22 goals scored across the 6 ties with leading contenders Holland, Portugal, France & Germany all departing.
The last-16 was certainly not lacking in drama & excitement with 22 goals scored across the 6 ties with leading contenders Holland, Portugal, France & Germany all departing.
Switzerland v Spain
Switzerland stunned World Champions on penalties to book their place in the quarter-finals. The Swiss produced a remarkable turnaround to come from 3-1 down with 10-minutes left to prevail 5-4 on penalties.
Spain, meanwhile, seem to be finding their rhythm after a slow start to the tournament. Luis Enrique’s men have scored no less than 10 goals in their last 2 outings.
Spain, meanwhile, seem to be finding their rhythm after a slow start to the tournament. Luis Enrique’s men have scored no less than 10 goals in their last 2 outings.
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La Roja had to survive a scare in the last-16 when being taken to extra-time by Croatia but goals from Mikel Oyarzabal & the misfiring Alvaro Morata ensured the 3-time European champions progression.
Given the two sides most recent outings, it seems reasonable to expect a goal-filled encounter. |
Belgium v Italy
Friday night produces easily the most fascinating tie of the quarter-finals as no. 1 ranked side Belgium take on a Italy side who have been near enough foot perfect up until now.
Roberto Mancini’s side have won all 4 of their games so far, scoring 9 times with Sasa Kalajdzic’s goal for Austria in the last-16 the only blot on the Azzurri’s copy book.
Roberto Mancini’s side have won all 4 of their games so far, scoring 9 times with Sasa Kalajdzic’s goal for Austria in the last-16 the only blot on the Azzurri’s copy book.
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Belgium boast a similarly impressive record this Summer also winning their 4 games and the Red Devils showed a determined resolve when repelling Portugal in the last-16.
Roberto Martinez is likely to be without star players Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard but the Belgians aren’t short of squad depth and look good value at odds-against to qualify for the semi-finals. |
Czech Republic v Denmark
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On Saturday, tournament dark horses Czech Republic & Denmark lock horns in Baku in what is a repeat of the 2004 quarter-finals.
A Milan Baros brace helped the Czech’s to the semi-finals in ‘04 and in Patrik Schick Jaroslav Silhavy has a similar striker with an eye for goal. The Bayer Leverkusen forward has 4 goals in as many games at EURO 2020. |
Ukraine v England
Finally, on Saturday night. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions leave the home comforts of Wembley to head to Rome where they’ll face Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine.
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The Ukranian’s qualified as one of the top 3rd placed teams before Artem Dovbyk’s stoppage time header sealed their place in the quarter-finals at Sweden’s expense on Tuesday evening.
England matched Germany’s record from 2016 in keeping 4 successive clean sheets at a European Championship. |
The Germans ultimately exited at the semi-final stage 5-years ago and the nation will be expecting the semi-finals at the bare minimum.
