Drama, late goals, thrilling comebacks and a couple of epic upsets. The round of 16 has offered fans of European football a major feast. England beat Germany in the biggest of contests, Belgium warded off the reigning champions, Portugal, and Switzerland roared back to eliminate the world champions. So will the four quarter finals encounters be able to maintain the rhythm in what has so far been a greatly entertaining Euro 2020?
Here are our very own predictions for the quarter final matches, as we’re hoping not to do a mockery out of ourselves by the end of the round.
Switzerland – Spain
After a slow start to the tournament, the Swiss have surely picked up the pace. Vladimir Petkovic’s men sent shockwaves through the footballing world by eliminating the competition’s favorites, France, with a late charge.
The same can be said about Spain, who managed to score five goals in their last two matches following an underwhelming start to their campaign. But that’s not to say to La Furia Roja didn’t have their troubles against Croatia, as they had to negotiate their way to the Euro 2020 quarter finals after being taken to extra-time.
Despite earning the observers’ respect, Switzerland remain the underdogs, as Luis Enrique’s side contains enough talent to outscore them.
Prediction: Spain win another entertaining contest
It’ll be ?? Switzerland v Spain ?? in the #EURO2020 quarter-finals!
We’ve seen that match-up just a few times over the years…?@rogerfederer @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/2uPCFYw5yK
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 28, 2021
Belgium – Italy
After the exit of France, these two sides are arguably the biggest favorites of the tournament. The Belgians did just enough to earn a hard-fought victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, but they will be sweating over the fitness of Eden Hazard, and more importantly Kevin de Bruyne.
On the other hand, Italy found more trouble than expected against Austria, but Roberto Mancini’s deep squad offered him winning cards on the bench, as Federico Chiesa led the charge in extra-time.
Belgium have an incredible pool of talent, but it seems that the Azzurri have found their famous Grinta once again, and this could be make all the difference in the world.
Prediction: Slim victory for Italy
?? Belgium's Golden Generation vs. Mancini's free-flowing Italy ??
Quarterfinals looking sweet ? pic.twitter.com/j3aFVdvyNA
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 27, 2021
Czech Republic – Denmark
Few would have expected to see one of those two teams in the semi finals, but that is exactly what we’re going to get.
The Czechs delivered the first major upset of Euro 2020, as they booked their place in the quarter finals following a well-deserved win over the Dutch. Meanwhile, Denmark absolutely hammered Wales with four unanswered goals, as their incredible journey continues.
Even though the Czech Republic has been a solid team from the get-go, the Scandinavians have been operating on a very high level in their last two outings.
Prediction: Denmark with a big second half performance.
One of these sides will make the Euro semifinals:
?? Denmark
?? Czech Republic? Amazing pic.twitter.com/iszUQr8e7q
— Football Factly (@FootballFactly) June 27, 2021
Ukraine – England
After finishing third in their group, Ukraine were on the brink of elimination, but other results brought their hopes back to life. Andriy Shevchenko’s men decided not waste their second chance, as they managed to overcome Sweden who had been impressive earlier in the tournament.
As for the England, their major win over Germany at Wembley has cemented them as one of the main favorites to win Euro 2020 ahead of the quarter finals.
Whilst this is usually the part where the Three Lions end up succumbing their chances, they’re still expected to go through at the expense of their East European foes.
Prediction: England eventually break Ukraine’s resistance
Attention turns to Saturday! ?
In case you somehow missed it last night, the #ThreeLions will take on Ukraine in the last eight at #EURO2020. pic.twitter.com/KKbmbZxMNl
— England (@England) June 30, 2021