12:25 PM
Everything is ready in Germany for the round of 16 of Euro 2024 to begin, after a group stage that left several surprises such as the elimination of Croatia.
Starting this Saturday, the schedule of games per day will be two until Tuesday, with new duels, classics and a lot of excitement in search of those who qualify for the quarter-finals.
This Saturday, at 11:00 am Colombia time, Italy and Switzerland will compete, while at 2:00 pm Germany and Denmark will do so.
On Sunday, England will play Slovakia (11:00 am) and Spain will play Georgia (2:00 pm), on Monday, France will play Belgium first thing in the morning and then Portugal will play Slovenia.
This phase will close on Tuesday with the matches between Romania and the Netherlands (11:00 am) and Austria and Turkey (2:00 pm).
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Below is an analysis of each of the matches, in which some of the heavyweights of European football will have to face the ambition of small teams willing to spring a surprise.
Switzerland – Italy
The Azzurri head into Saturday’s match in Berlin against Switzerland with a lot of work still to do, after securing second place in Group B in the final seconds of their match against Croatia (1-1).
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The current champions will have to be extremely vigilant against Switzerland, which could have up to four Serie A players in its starting eleven and who already demonstrated in the draw against Germany (1-1) that they are capable of standing up to the favorites.
Germany – Denmark
Resurrected under Julian Nagelsmann, Germany have been, along with Spain, the best team in the group stage, and are clear favourites in their duel against Denmark, who secured second place in the daunting Group C.
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Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has warned that his team always “step up” against big teams, but the Mannschaft will be counting on the powerful atmosphere of Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion on Saturday as they look to win their fourth European Championship “at home”.
England – Slovakia
England can count themselves fortunate to have lost to Slovakia in the last 16 after securing top spot in Group C despite three disappointing games against seemingly inferior teams.
Coach Gareth Southgate is at the center of criticism for the ‘Three Lions’ game and urges him to improve the performance of one of the supposed favorites for the title.
Spain – Georgia
Luis de la Fuente’s team has been the most impressive so far in the tournament, leading the complex Group B with nine points out of a possible nine and a symbolic victory against Italy.
After having rested their starters in the match against Albania, everything seems to indicate that the ‘Red’ will decisively seal their place in the quarterfinals on Sunday in Cologne.
However, Georgia is living a fairy tale in this tournament and showed what it is capable of by beating Portugal (2-0), a warning that Spain should not underestimate.
France – Belgium
Perhaps the most unpredictable clash between two great teams that are still in their best form and who will face each other on Monday in Düsseldorf.
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France qualified second in Group D, with just two goals scored (one from a penalty and one from Austria’s own goal) and with Kylian Mbappé injured after his nose fracture in the first match of the tournament.
Belgium has added very good minutes but has a worrying lack of scoring efficiency and its match against Ukraine (0-0) disappointed the fans and put its qualification to the round of 16 from Group E at risk.
Portugal – Slovenia
Portugal start as big favorites in their duel against Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday, and coach Roberto Martínez will have many of his fresh starters, after rotating in the 2-0 defeat against Georgia, when the Seleçao had already secured the leadership of your group.
Slovenia has not shined much in Group C, finishing in third place with three draws and having scored just two goals, but Matjaz Kek’s men are unbeaten in nine games and defeated Portugal 2-0 in a pre-tournament friendly.
Romania – Netherlands
The Dutch have completed a disappointing first phase, finishing third in Group D and will need to be cautious on Tuesday against Romania, who have reached the last 16 for the first time in 24 years as leaders of Group E.
Despite this, the ‘Oranje’ have fallen on the easier side of the table, with only Italy and England on their hypothetical path to the final, and the match in Munich can serve as vindication for Ronald Koeman’s men.
Austria – Türkiye
Austria are one of the tournament’s big surprises and, coached by Ralf Rangnick, have completed a remarkable group stage, finishing ahead of France and the Netherlands in Group D with some attractive football.
On Tuesday, in Leipzig, they will have the option of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in their history against Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey, a team full of talent on the pitch and support in the stands.
2024-06-28 17:26:15
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