After a year’s delay, the Euro 2020 is finally here and the group stage matches lived up to all the drama, excitement, hype and emotions that fans wanted. For most international tournaments, the fixtures tend to be too cagey, ultra defensive with conservative tactics just because of what’s at stake, however we have seen plenty of open ended contests at this early stage of the competition and it is making us crave for a lot more!
Without further ado, let’s look at some of the epic clashes from the Euro 2020 round of 16 stage that you should not miss out on!
1) England vs Germany
Over the many years, this particular fixture has had its fair share of controversy, goals and free flowing attacking football. A clash between two big names in the football world, England are all set to face Germany in the round of 16 clash at the Wembley stadium. If football news over the years has taught us one thing, it’s that the sport is unpredictable and it would be foolish to announce a winner. Both the sides have looked underwhelming in the competition so far, with Germany losing to France and narrowly avoiding defeat against Hungary. However, they have also convincingly defeated Portugal which tells us that the team can switch on and beat one of the best teams in the competition. That is a factor that England will be vary of, after all Germany is that one team that should never be underestimated. For England, while the team is full of talented individuals, they appear to have not found the right balance and consistency. Two goals, two wins and three clean sheets is not convincing enough so far for a team that is touted to win the competition. Whatever it may be, this is a match that you should not miss out on!
2) Belgium vs Portugal
If there was ever an exciting fixture, it’s definitely this one! In the last seven matches between the two sides, four have ended with both the teams registering themselves on the scoresheet. Belgium is in red hot form, having scored at least one goal in each of their last six international matches, but defending champions Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo in goal scoring form can never be underestimated. They have convincingly defeated Hungary 3-0 at the group stage of the competition and held off world champions France to qualify for the round of 16. Keep your popcorn ready because this will be one action packed match!
3) Croatia vs Spain
Mark our words, this contest between the two will be one of the closest match ups there could be at the Euro 2020. Both the teams started the competition poorly, but gradually found their footing and are now in momentum for an entertaining match. World Cup runners up Croatia won their last match against Scotland 3-1 at Hampden, with Luka Modric scoring a beautiful goal. This Croatian side may be old, but it has plenty of experience from players who represent some of the biggest football clubs in the world. As for Spain, a decade ago they would have been overwhelming favourites to win the competition but despite their 5-0 thrashing of Slovakia, the La Roja look toothless in attack and lack a clinical forward and decisive playmakers who can turn fixtures in their favour. On the plus side, Spain’s defense looks rock solid and the side has kept four clean sheets in the last five games. Keep an eye out, it might just be one of those fixtures you would regret not watching!
4) Wales vs Denmark
While not the most glamorous fixture compared to the others, it’s one between two teams that are very evenly matched. Wales may not have featured in many international tournaments, but their squad is brimming with talented players such as Gareth Bale, Daniel James, Aaron Ramsey to name a few. Having finished 2nd in the group stage (behind Italy), Wales convincingly swept aside Turkey with a 2-0 win and drew 1-1 against Switzerland. In comparison, Denmark were superb against Finland at the group stage but failed to score after losing their leader Christian Eriksen. They also lost to one of the tournament favourites Belgium but convincingly defeated Russia 4-1 to progress through to the round of 16. In the last ten fixtures between the two, the Danes have won 6 times compared to four victories for Wales. It is an interesting and underrated match up between two closely contested sides that we would recommend you don’t miss out on!
