The Euro 2020 round of 16 draws to a close with last two spots up for grabs for quarter finals.
Let’s take a look at tonight’s action.
England v Germany
TIMING:
The game kicks off at 9:30 pm IST, Tuesday, June 29.
HOW TO WATCH:
The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.
England
Efficient, calculated and ruthless- words usually associated with England’s opponents, but that is how the Three Lions have operated so far. Two one-nils in their group, either side of a tame goalless draw with Scotland has fans divided. With the players of great flair in Grealish, Foden and co. at the helm, England were expected to play with an attacking verve. Instead a measured, machine like approach has been employed by Gareth Southgate, their manager. It has yielded results, top of the group, no goals conceded and more cause for typical English optimism. However, they understand the task that awaits them in the last 16. They will need their captain Harry Kane , without a goal at Euros, to fire past Germany and you can hear the chants of “Its coming home” from a distance.
Players to watch:
Jack Grealish, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.
Recent Euro Form:
W, D, W.
Germany
Germany don’t seem their usual self in this Euro. They were minutes away from being eliminated by Hungary before a late goal. Their coach Joachim Low is leaving at the end of the tournament and they look vulnerable at the back. Even with all these factors, they will still go at Wembley, slight favorites such is their impressive record at major international tournaments. After an opening defeat at the hands of France, they recovered to beat Portugal and snatch that draw against Hungary. As always they have a good blend of experience and youth at their disposal with the ever present Thomas Muller still an influence. They have a talented trio of Serge Gnabry, Sane and Kai Havertz who can hurt the opposition on the counter as Portugal found out in their group game. Their only peril is that they have conceded goals in each of their three games so far.
Players to watch:
Kai Havertz, Thomas Muller and Robin Gosens.
Recent Euro Form:
L, W, D.
Two old foes renew their rivalry in another battle for supremacy. England will always laud the 1966 World Cup final triumph over their rivals, while Germany would point to subsquent success they have had since then, both against England and in international tournaments. Since 1966, they have met 4 times at major international events with Germany winning each time. Generations of English fans are used to German hurt, Gareth Southgate included, as he missed the decisive spot kick when Germany beat England in semis of Euro 96. Now is the chance for his story to come full circle. Standing in his way, Germany again.
Sweden v Ukraine.
TIMING:
The game kicks off at 12:30 am IST, Wednesday, June 30
HOW TO WATCH:
The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.
Sweden
After topping a group that contained Spain and remaining unbeaten, Swedish fans are brimming with optimism and rightly so. This is a quite a strong Swedish side with the likes of Emil Forsberg and Dejan Kulusevski leading the charge. They are in the knockout stages of Euros for the first time since 2004 and are hoping to go one better than the class of 1992 who reached the semi finals at home. They have a stubborn defence which was seriously tested by Lewandoski as Poland came from 2 goals down to level only for Viktor Claesson to score an injury time winner. This steeliness and ruthlessness will hold them in good stead as they look to continue their Euro 2020 journey.
Players to watch:
Emil Forsberg, Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak.
Recent Euro Form:
D, W, W.
Ukraine
Ukraine narrowly qualified for the last 16, being the last of the best third places side at the end of group stages. So far they have won one game against North Macedonia while losing other two. Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko knows they will be up against it against Sweden, but he will hold no fear having been the goal scorer in their only previous competitive meeting, at Euro 2012. Ukraine won that match 2-1. This time things are different Ukraine are facing perhaps one the best Swedish sides in years and as such will have to perform much better than they have so far. Ruslan Malinovskyi wil be the main goal scoring threat alongside the terrific creator Andriy Yarmolenko. Ukraine will be hoping for a bit of magic from these two to go past this round.
Players to watch:
Ruslan Malinovskyi, Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk.
Recent Euro Form:
L, W, L.
Sweden will be heading to Glasgow full of confidence and hoping to make a major impact at this Euros. However, as seen by the exits of Netherlands and France, the result is anything but for granted. Ukraine possess the attacking talent to breach the tough and organized Swedish defence. Sweden on the other hand have their own attacking prowess that can sweep aside any team. Whatever happens this tie will go down in history one way or the other.