After a fascinating Round of 16, the Euros now reach the quarter final stage. Favourites France, defending champions Portugal and ever present Germany all have crashed out in what has been a tournament for the ages.
The remaining sides know what an opportunity this is to go all the way and be crowned as champions. Let’s take a look at what awaits in the quarter-finals.
Spain v Switzerland.
Timing:
The game kicks off at 9:30 pm IST, Friday, July 2
HOW TO WATCH:
The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.
Spain
Spain are bidding to win the European Championships for a fourth time, it will make them the most successful team in competition’s history. They had a real scare against Croatia in the last 16, letting slip a two goal lead, before eventually winning in extra time. They wouldn’t want to repeat the same pattern against an already pumped by Swiss side. Their performances continue to be indifferent and they would need to put their best foot forward to progress. With some of the big sides eliminated from the competition, Spain would relish their chances of going all the way. La Roja have great goal scoring sources and if they tidy up at the back they will be favorites for the trophy.
Players to watch:
Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres and Pedri.
Recent Euro Form:
D, D, W, W.
Switzerland
Fresh from pulling off the result of the tournament so far, Switzerland will be hoping to repeat their heroics against Spain. The thrilling shootout win over France meant Switzerland are in the quarter finals of the Euros for the first time. La Nati as they are known will be full of confidence and know no opponent will now scare them. Vladimir Petkovic has his side well drilled and fighting for every ball. Besides, this is no ordinary Swiss side, with their capabilities while on the ball well documented now. They will give Spain everything to worry about. Switzerland are not a side to be taken lightly.
Players to watch:
Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic and Steven Zuber.
Recent Euro Form:
D, L, W, W.
These two teams were involved in two thrilling games in the round of 16. While Spain survived Croatia’s comeback, Switzerland completed theirs beating France. Spain have history on their side at Euros. But this will be a feisty tie, Spain will have to dig deep to overcome what is a highly motivated and fearless Swiss side. The players that both sides have upfront could lead to a high scoring affair. It will boil down to which team can find it in themselves to give it one more push after the breath taking efforts of the previous round.
Italy v Belgium
Timing:
The game kicks off at 12:30 am IST, Saturday, July 3.
HOW TO WATCH:
The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.
Italy
Italy saw off a brave Austrian side in extra time in scenes reminiscent of Azzuri’s semi final win over Germany in the World cup winning year of 2006. Operating as a well oiled machine so far, this is Italy’s biggest test. Events of round of 16, means they will be seen as heavy favourities to win their first European Championship title since 1968. Roberto Mancini’s men are now on a 12 game winning streak. After missing out on the last World Cup, they are making their mark in a major international tournament in a big way. They will know the weight of expectations on them and as such will be determined to end their Euros trophy drought. With perhaps one of the best assembled Italian sides since 2006, anything else than making the final will be seen as a disappointment.
Players to watch:
Ciro Immobile, Frederico Chiesa and Manuel Locatelli.
Recent Euro Form:
W, W, W, W.
Belgium
Belgium have lived up to their tag as one of the pre tournament favourities so far. After easing through the group stages they knocked out defending champions Portugal in a statement win. Belgium have players that play with flair and goal scorers throughout the pitch. The threat carried by the attacking players is complemented by a well settled defence. Roberto Martinez has an opportunity at hand to win Belgium’s first trophy. Although Italy would have been the last team they would have liked to face them in their pursuit, win this tie and the world will sit up and take notice. Its a chance for Belgian players to make history, one that will never be forgotten.
Players to watch:
Romelu Lukaku, Thorgan Hazard and Dries Mertens.
Recent Euro Form:
W, W, W, W.
The immovable Italian defence meets the irresistible Belgian attack. Both teams recognized as early favourities after impressive starts to the tournament, now meet each other. Both teams have 100% winning records so far. Roberto Mancini has history with Roberto Martinez. Martinez’s Wigan upset Mancini’s all star Manchester City in the 2013 Fa Cup final. This tie is as mouth watering and titanic as it gets. Expect fireworks, clashes of styles and the best players going toe-to-toe for 90 minutes or more. This game could be a pivotal moment in the footballing history of either nation. One not to miss.