After a group stage full of drama, Euro 2020 reaches last 16 phase, with teams now facing each other in knockout games.
While most of the names were expected to reach this stage, there are a few surprises like Wales and Ukraine.
Here lets take a look at the first two games in the knockout round of the Euro 2020.
Wales v Denmark; Welsh grit v Danish fervour.
Wales reached the semi finals of last Euro 2016 in a sensational fashion. In this edition they have had to dig deep to qualify for the knockout stage. An impressive win over Turkey helped them finish second in the group. With players like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey leading the side, there is plenty of fire in this Welsh side.
Players to watch:
Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Danny Ward.
Recent Euro Form:
D, W, L
Denmark had a tragic start to the tournament. Their star player Christain Eriksen collapsed on the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest in their opening game against Finland. He has recovered for now, but won’t feature for the side. Danes lost that match and then suffered another defeat against Belgium. However, they bounced back in emphatic fashion hammering Russia 4-1.
Players to watch:
Kasper Schmeichel, Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Yussuf Poulsen.
RECENT EURO FORM:
L, L, W
Expect a highly entertaining but closely fought game. Wales know their momentum can again carry them a fair distance in the tournament. Denmark have recovered from the early suffering and are a side capable of holding their own. Worth noting is that the Danes top their World Cup Qualifying group, so it won’t be a straightforward game for Wales.
Italy v Austria; Favourites look to progress.
Italy go into their last 16 tie as hot favourites. They are unbeaten in their last 30 games. They are yet to concede a goal in the last 11 games. The traditional Italian defence at its best. Roberto Mancini’s side are favourites for their tie as well as to go all the way and win the entire thing. So far they have looked unbeatable and unbreachable.
Players to watch:
Ciro Immobile, Giorgio Chellini and Manuel Locatelli.
Recent Euro Form:
W, W, W.
Austria have impressed so far with two wins in the group stages. Their only defeat coming against The Netherlands. The tenacious Austrian side will be ready to go and try and upset the odds. This team is no push over and will be keen to make an impact at the Euros. They current crop have already made history, having become the first Austrian side to progress to the second stage of any major tournament for the first time since the 1982 World Cup.
Players to watch:
David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic.
RECENT EURO FORM:
W, L, W.
While Italy will be the overwhelming favourites heading into this tie, knockout games at major international tournaments are known for springing a surprise or two. This Austrian team can very well give their more illustrious counterparts a bloody nose and upset the Italian apple cart.