As Americans, the Euros is simply a spectacle where some of the world’s strongest nations compete for European football stardom. For those overseas, the time from early June to July every four years is when one’s national pride reaches an all-time high. From countries like North Macedonia searching for a single victory, to those such as France, reigning World Cup champions, football unites those nations like no other. As we approach the weekend, 8 of the 24 nations remain, all grasping for the chance to be crowned European champions.
Match 1: Spain vs. Switzerland
In what should be the most highly anticipated match of the four, Spain takes on Switzerland in Saint Petersburg. While these two countries aren’t the highest ranked of the remaining 8, both sides had to endure 120 minutes of hard fought football to reach this point. For Spain, two late goals from Croatia forced extra football but resulted in Spanish dominance and a 5-3 finish in favor of the Spaniards. Conversely, Switzerland were required to complete a much more difficult task, conquering the reigning World Cup winners in France. Similar to the Croatians, the Swiss potted two late goals to take France into extra time. This ultimately solved nothing and the resulting penalty shootout saw the unlikely Switzerland side on top. In this opening match of the Quarterfinals, expect to see a lot of early action and passion from the two sides, emotions will surely be riding high. Although Spain definitely outclasses the Swiss as far as individual talent is concerned, I predict a heroic victory from Switzerland in Russia.
Match 2: Italy vs. Belgium
To cap off the first day of Quarterfinal action, the long awaited heavyweight bout between World #7 Italy and World #1 Belgium will take place in Munich. While both sides boast potent offenses, it has been their defense that has shone through, a surprise to no one. Only allowing one goal each through the tournament so far, it would be likely this will be a possession battle, each team waiting for the other to make a mistake. Another key battle to watch for in this match would be the two lethal Serie A strikers, Romelu Lukaku for Belgium and Ciro Immobile for Italy. Both strikers enjoyed 20+ goals this season in Italy and would be sure to capitalize on any loose chances conceded by the opposing side on Friday. While I could see this match going either way, I believe Italy will edge out the strong Belgian side, continuing their surprisingly dominant run in Euro 2020.
Match 3: Czech Republic vs. Denmark
Two teams coming off impressive Round of 16 victories, the Czech Republic and Denmark are sure to be an entertaining matchup this Saturday in Baku. Denmark, coming off back-to-back 4 goal performances have looked dominant since losing on the opening day to Finland. For this Danish side that match will have an asterisk, a day in which their star man, Christain Eriksen, collapsed on the field and it is still a shock that the match continued later that day. Ever since, the Danes have been poised to fight and have shown amazing resilience. Their opponents, the Czech Republic, are also on the heels of statement victory, knocking out the Netherlands with a confident 2-0 scoreline. The Czechs will be looking to make up for the last time they made the Euro Quarterfinals in 2012 which resulted in a 1-0 loss to Portugal. Despite their strong recent performances, I do not think they will have what it takes to slow the stampeding Danes.
Match 4: England vs. Ukraine
Is it really coming home? England set their sights on a Ukraine side who are riding high after a last minute winner against Sweden. Saturday night in Rome will see an England team who have not conceded this tournament matched up against a country who has scored just three goals in their last seven games against the Three Lions. Two players who will undoubtedly have a major impact on the outcome of this match are the Manchester City boys, Raheem Sterling for England and Oleksandr Zinchenko of Ukraine. Both men scored important goals for their counties in order to get them to this point, and will look to prove something in this head-to-head matchup. While English Manager, Gareth Southgate, will have some options when it comes to Saturday’s team sheet, I find it unlikely that he will make any changes from the side that ended England’s 55-year drought against Germany. Ukraine will certainly have some work to do in order to crack the English backline, however long balls over the top have seemed to pose a slight issue for Southgate’s side. On paper this seems like a cut and dry victory for England, but this is a team that takes time to find the back of the net. If Ukraine can jump ahead early, they may have a good shot at the victory, however I believe England will be the ones victorious in Rome.
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