After a couple of days, breathtaking and story-making for a few days where the Euro 2020 round 16 was knocked out, it’s time to turn our attention to the next step – the quarterfinals.
When all 16 matches have been played, we now know who the last eight teams in the competitions will face in an attempt to make the last four and be within reach for the final step.
In anticipation of what should be another dramatic round of matches, we decided in 90 minutes to rank how entertaining each of the four quarter-finals will actually be.
Kasper Hjulmand celebrates after Denmark beat Wales in the round of 16 / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
In any case, this tie is far from being a “headliner”.
Let’s not twist it, both sides have provided entertainment during their Euro 2020 travels – Patrik Schick has lit the competition with his 50-yard strike against Scotland and the goal that confirmed the Netherlands’ shock exit from the tournament, while Denmark have shown real character after Christian Eriksen’s collapse on match day one to produce two phenomenal performances against Russia and Wales in consecutive games (make four in each).
There will be bright sparks on both teams and while Denmark boasts the more potent creative threats, they are well matched tactically and in their strong forms.
It’s a draw in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals – it’s going to be fun to watch. But it will probably not be the most fun to watch.
Italy beat Austria in overtime at Wembley to reach the last eight / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Two favorites for the crown go against each other in this huge quarter final.
Both have special players who can pull strings, produce magic and carry out the killer moment; both teams have shown dizzying defensive solidity and bottle; and both teams will enter the match in ridiculous form – it will be close, although Kevin De Bruyne may be missing.
Such tight games do not often provide exciting display, but with the players on display, who will not enjoy this match?
It will probably be an intense game of cat and mouse for the most part, but for those little moments that can determine who makes the final four, it’s a must.
Gareth Southgate will take England to consecutive major tournament semi-finals / JUSTIN TALLIS / Getty Images
Is anyone tired of hearing Three Lions by The Lightning Seeds, Frank Skinner and David Baddiel yet? No, did not think so.
England’s next step in the tournament comes in Rome when they face Ukraine. The creative commitments will lie with the three lions, as space and opportunities will be difficult to bring against what will surely be a rigidly established Ukraine side, so a free-flowing and risk-taking strategy is necessary to do this. tie – or even durable – watch.
In this sense, the likes of Raheem Sterling and perhaps a starting Jack Grealish are key.
Ukraine is a very well-drilled team and can pick and choose moments to build attacks. They proved their worth in an incredibly dramatic victory over Sweden, where Andriy Shevchenko’s men snatched a 120 minute winner to seal their place at this stage.
They play in a structured, collective and considered way that can hold up against teams that can be considered favorites. They will have a game plan and will no doubt stick to it for as long as they can.
The quality of this game depends solely on the fact that the England players trust their undeniable quality, play with the freedom to express themselves and produce the football we know they can.
Spain defeats Croatia in a classic European Championship knockout tie / Pixsell / MB Media / Getty Images
During the two rounds of 16 ties in which these two sides participated, there were 14 goals. It tells you everything you need to know.
Spain has refuted the idea that they are incapable of scoring by scoring five goals in two games in a row – the first nation to do so at a European Championship – and is now the Euro 2020 top scorer. La Roja has players who can open games in an instant in their ranks. Like Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia and later, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal were the key to stretching the game against Croatia, while 18-year-old Pedri continues to enchant with his ability to tear up the lines with his movement and skill – the midfield battle should be captivating in this quarterfinals.
Their tenderness at the back will surely have been looked at by Luis Enrique, but with a midfield where the only defensive presence is a slightly slack Sergio Busquets, you would expect Xherdan Shaqiri and Breel Embolo to enjoy some space in dangerous positions between Spain’s lines – especially the latter showed what a handful he can be against France last time.
Switzerland, with their system, may look like a defensive unit, but in their giant-killing round 16 with France, they showed that they are more than comfortable holding on to possession and hovering forward with threats when the opportunity arises.
They are a site that so-called favorites must be very tired of. With the quality they have all over the field combined with their obvious gravel and fighting on the big occasions, they are more than worth causing big disruption – just ask Didier Deschamps.
