UEFA Euro 2024 Preview: Quarterfinals

UEFA Euro 2024 Preview: Quarterfinals

The Round of 16 at Euro 2024 was pretty straightforward besides maybe two upsets. Hopefully, the quarterfinals go the same way. In the Round of 16, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France took care of business in the top half of the bracket. While the Netherlands took care of business, England pulled off a miracle win over Slovakia. Turkey needed a legendary save from Mert Günok to get by dark horse Austria, and Switzerland knocked out the defending champions Italy.

Now it’s time for the Quarterfinals of Euro 2024 so read on for all you need to know about the next four matches,

Spain vs Germany – July 5

The most exciting match in the Euro 2024 Quarterfinals has to be Spain vs Germany. The two nations with the most Euros titles face off here. Spain continued to look like the best team at Euro 2024 against Georgia in the Round of 16. The Spaniards were dominant after falling down 1-0 after an own goal from Robin Le Normand . Rodri leveled it a little before the half, and Fabián Ruiz made it 2-1 just six minutes into the second half. From there Spain dominated and proved why they are one of the favorites to win Euro 2024. Germany had a much straighter Round of 16 match. They won 2-0 over Denmark. A penalty from Kai Havertz broke the deadlock before Jamal Musiala secured the win.

Spain has been riding the youthful talent to make it to the Quarterfinals. 16-year-old Lamie Yamal has been superb so far, and paired with 21-year-old Nico Williams they have become a dangerous attack. Williams scored once in the Round of 16, while Yamal created quite a few chances. For Spain to win this Euro 2024 Quarterfinals match they will need to continue to dominate the midfield with Pedri , Rodri, and Fermín López . This trio has been solid so far but has yet to reach their peak. Germany has an experienced midfield with Toni Kroos and İlkay Gündoğan . For them to win they will need Musiala to continue his great start as he is tied for the lead in the Golden Boot race with three goals. I am looking for Havertz to keep his momentum going in attack but that will be tough against the Spanish backline with Dani Carvajal and Aymeric Laporte leading the way.

Prediction

Spain has looked like the most complete team through four matches at Euro 2024. While Germany may be the host, the last host nation to win was France in 1984. I have Spain edging out the hosts 2-1 in a thriller of a match.

Portugal vs France – July 5

These have been two of the more disappointing teams at Euro 2024. Portugal could have very well lost to Slovenia in the Round of 16 with a missed penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and a massive save from Diogo Costa to deny Benjamin Šeško of an extra-time winner. Portugal needed penalties to get by the Slovenians. Costa stepped up in a big way with three saves in the shootout. France also continued their poor play with a 1-0 win over Belgium. The only goal came from an own goal which the French have seen a lot of. They have yet to score from open play with two own goals and a penalty from Kylian Mbappé . Their winner against Belgium was an 85th-minute own goal from Jan Vertonghen .

Both teams have the potential to win this match in the Euro 2024 Quarterfinals. For Portugal to win they need to figure out how to play around Ronaldo. It may sound rough but it seems like the top goalscorer in international football is trying too hard to be the difference maker. The likes of Bruno Fernandes , Rafael Leão , and Bernardo Silva will need to step up to carry one of the best to ever grace the pitch. For “Les Bleus” to win they need to remember who they are. Besides Mbappé, the French have Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram leading the line. The French will be missing Adrien Rabiot in midfield as he is suspended after his second yellow card. This means N’Golo Kanté and Antoine Griezmann will need to step up.

Prediction

France has looked so bad on the attacking end so far at Euro 2024, that it feels like something will have to change. Portugal seems like the stronger team on merit so far, and their depth may be enough to get another win over France like they did in the Euro 2016 Final. However, I am kind of expecting an Olivier Giroud cameo, and think that will be the difference. I have France winning 2-1 in extra time.

Netherland vs Turkey – July 6

Two teams I thought would not make it to the Quarterfinals at Euro 2024 proved me wrong in very different fashions. The Netherlands dominated Romania for the majority of their Round of 16 match. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 20th minute and had a second ruled out midway through the second half. They broke through in the last 10 minutes with Donyell Malen scoring a pair of goals to win 3-0. Turkey meanwhile led from the get-go with a goal just 56 seconds in with a goal from Merih Demiral off a corner. The center-back scored a second in the 59th minute before Austria got one back. However, Austria continued to challenge the Turkish defense and a majestic save from Mert Günok in the closing seconds stunned the footballing world.

Now, they look ahead to the Quarterfinals. For the Netherlands to move on the attack will need to continue flowing. They have scored multiple goals in three of their four matches. Gakpo continues to thrive with the national team and leads the way with three goals. While their strength may be their defense, it was less than impressive in the group stage. They managed a clean sheet against Romania, and the play of 21-year-old goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has been top-notch. Turkey will be getting a boost for this match with their captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu returning after a one-game suspension for his second yellow card. However, they will be missing three players for yellow card suspensions. This includes the goalscorer vs Austria, Demiral who has been given a two-match ban for a hand signal he made in celebration, as well as midfielder Orkun Kökçü who assisted the winner against the Czech Republic. This will mean that Turkey will need a big performance from 19-year-old Arda Güler who has a goal and assist so far at Euro 2024.

Prediction

Two of the most impressive fan bases at Euro 2024 will turn Berlin into a party for the Quarterfinals. The Netherlands looked impressive at points but fell to the team that Turkey just beat. Despite that, the Dutch seem to be a far stronger team. I see them winning 2-0.

England vs Switzerland – July 6

England and Switzerland have looked about as far apart from each other at Euro 2024 as any teams facing off in the Quarterfinals. On one side we have an England team that really should have lost to Slovakia if it was not for a bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham in the 90+5 minute to send it to extra time. In extra time, Harry Kane scored a minute in to give England the 2-1 lead which they managed to hold on to. They have looked very unimpressive so far and will need a lot to change to get by a very good Swiss team. Switzerland on the other hand dominated the defending Euro champions in Italy 2-0. They have looked very good and have found goals from all over. Seven different players have scored for the Swiss at Euro 2024. The defense has also only gotten better as the tournament has progressed.

The word surrounding England is that a big formation change will be coming for this Quarterfinals matchup. It seems like they will be switching to a back three which comes after centerback Marc Guéhi was shown a second yellow card at the Euros and suspended for this match. This change may be what England needs to allow their dangerous attack to finally get flowing. Phil Foden needs to step up since he has been rather terrible so far. In training the past few days, Foden and Bellingham have been playing as the number 10 sitting behind the striker. This is a change from Foden starting all four matches on the left wing. For Switzerland to take the dub and advance to their first-ever semifinal at a major tournament, they will need to have a strong defensive performance. Manuel Akanji , Fabian Schär , and Ricardo Rodríguez have been great so far. They will have their work cut out for them against a new-look England side. In the attack, expect a big performance from former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo .

Prediction

As bad as England has played thus far, I think the change in style will be noticeable against Switzerland. This seems like the most crucial game for Gareth Southgate’s side in years. With his job on the line, I expect a big performance from England. While I can very well see Switzerland playing spoiler, I do have England winning this 3-1.

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