By Alex Al-Kazzaz
Euro 2024's Round of 16 is wrapped up. The tournament is now down to its eight competitors, and the quarterfinals are highly stacked. Hard-fought wins were a huge part of the Round of 16 and will likely be a huge part of the quarterfinals. The Euro 2024 final is less than two weeks away. Out of the eight competitors remaining, only one will be crowned champions of Europe.
Italy, the defending European champions, were ousted from the tournament in the Round of 16. For the time being, Switzerland has solidified itself as the tournament's dark horse, although Turkey may be the true dark horse. Whichever of the two, if any of the two, make it to the final four, then the true dark horse will be for certain. England was less than ten seconds away from elimination until Jude Bellingham again proved himself as a savior, and Harry Kane sealed the deal. France edged Belgium, while Portugal prevailed on penalties. Germany soundly beat Denmark, while Spain and the Netherlands won with ease, and Turkey picked up an impressive win against Austria.
Germany vs Spain
Germany overcame the challenges presented to them in their match against Denmark in the Round of 16. A total of nine shots on target and converting only two is a bad look for the Germans, especially since one goal was via a penalty. The Germans need to pick it up on the attack. The defense looks solid, but they've yet to square off against a fierce Spanish attack.
Spain looks fantastic. La Furia Roja's new golden generation is progressing well. A new era of success is dawning, and they're capable of winning the tournament. It would not look good for the Germans to be eliminated in the quarterfinals, but Spain is determined to do it.
Prediction: Germany wins 3-2
France vs Portugal
In what is Cristiano Ronaldo's final run at a Euro for Portugal, the Portuguese would love to end it with another Euro title triumph. Their win over Slovenia in the Round of 16 didn't look good, as the attack failed to capitalize on their scoring chances. Although France's attack is yet to score in open play, Portugal's defense will still have its hands full. And with France's defense looking very solid, Ronaldo & Company may be in for a tough test.
Kylian Mbappé has yet to make a strong impact in this tournament; this is his chance to do something. If he were to have a strong performance and help France win, this game could go down as a passing of the torch: Ronaldo to Mbappé. France is loaded on the attack and midfield, but the inability to score is their biggest problem. But Portugal's attack, while also loaded, has had its issues. So, the question is which defense will be able to hold it longer and better. And who will find a way to put the ball into the back of the net? As far as goalie goes, the advantage goes to Portugal, though French goalie Mike Maignan has been solid.
Prediction: France wins 1-0
England vs Switzerland
Switzerland has been on a tear. The team is motivated, focused, and ready for its next big challenge: England. While England is considered the favorite, are they? Their miracle over Slovakia will not repeat itself against Switzerland, so England can't play sloppy anymore. In Switzerland's case, being the underdogs won't harm them. On the contrary, it'll just motivate them further, which will increase their focus.
As far as talent goes, England easily outclasses Switzerland, but England has yet to make an impression so far, while Switzerland has done so since the start. It wouldn't be wrong to consider Switzerland the favorite.
Prediction: England wins 2-1.
Turkey vs Netherlands
Turkey is a solid team. Like Switzerland, they've got the motivation and focus to make a deep run. Most importantly, they have talent. Their win over Austria in the Round of 16 speaks for itself. Resiliency was a huge part of their impressive win, as well as their playing ability on the attack and defense. At Euro 2008, Turkey made the final four, and they're determined to do it again. They're not the favorites in the quarterfinals, but they weren't favored against Austria and got it done. They're capable of upsetting the critics again.
The Netherlands had a 1-0 lead over Romania for most of the game. It wasn't until the closing minutes that the Dutch scored two more goals to seal the win. Against Turkey, a 1-0 lead doesn't secure a safe passage for the Netherlands, so they'll have to maintain control of the ball and keep their attack alive against a strong and resilient Turkish defense. With Turkey's attack a threat, the Dutch better be ready to play defense.
Prediction: Netherlands wins 3-1.
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)