12:25 PM
Everything is ready in Germany for the start of the round of 16 of Euro 2024, after a group stage that left several surprises such as the elimination of Croatia.
From this Saturday the game sheet per day will be two until Tuesdaywith unprecedented duels, classics and a lot of emotion in search of those classified for the quarterfinals.
This Saturday, at 11:00 am, Colombia time, they will face each other Italy and Switzerlandwhile at 2:00 pm they will Germany and Denmark.
They will play on Sunday England-Slovakia (11:00 am) and Spain-Georgia (2:00 pm), They will do it on Monday France-Belgium first thing in the morning and then they will face each other Portugal-Slovenia.
This phase will close on Tuesday with the duels Romania-Netherlands (11:00 am) and Austria-Türkiye (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 surprise.
Switzerland – Italy
The ‘Azzurri’ arrive at 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 the leadership of Julian Nagelsmann, Germany has been, along with Spain, the best team in the group stage, and is the clear favourite in its duel against Denmark, which secured second place in the discouraging Group C.
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Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand He warned that his team always “takes a step forward” against big teams, but the ‘Mannschaft’ will have the powerful atmosphere of Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion on Saturday, on their way to winning their fourth European Championship “at home”.
England – Slovakia
England can feel lucky to have lost to Slovakia in the round of 16, having secured top spot in Group C despite three disappointing games against ‘a priori’ inferior teams.
The coach Gareth Southgate is at the centre of criticism for the play of the ‘Three Lions’ and there is an urgent need for an improvement in the performance of one of the supposed favourites for the title.
Spain – Georgia
The combined of Luis de la Fuente 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 resting their first-team players in the match against Albania, everything seems to indicate that ‘La Roja’ will seal their passage to the quarter-finals in Cologne on Sunday.
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 as second in Group D, with only two goals in favor (1 from a penalty and another from Austria) and with Kylian Mbappé injured after his broken nose 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 starts as a big favorite in its duel against Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday, and the selectedr Roberto Martínez will have many of its fresh starters, after making rotations in the 2-0 defeat against Georgia, when the Seleçao had already secured the leadership of its group.
Slovenia have not shone too brightly in Group C, finishing third with three draws and scoring just two goals, but Slovenia’s men have Matjaz Kek They 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 draw, with only Italy and England on their hypothetical path to the final, and the match in Munich could serve as a vindication for the team. Ronald Koeman.
Austria – Türkiye
Austria is one of the big surprises of the tournament and, coached by Ralf Rangnick, has completed a remarkable group stage, finishing ahead of France and the Netherlands in key D with attractive football.
On Tuesday in Leipzig, they will have the chance to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history against Turkey. Vincenzo Montella, a team full of talent on the pitch and support in the stands.
