EURO 2020 Last 16 Preview; Netherlands battle Czech Republic and defending champions Portugal take on Belgium.

Euro 2020 continues with another two exciting clashes tonight, as teams look to reach the quarter finals.

Lets take a look what lies in store for tonight.

Netherlands v Czech Republic

Timing:

The game kicks off at 9:30 pm IST, Sunday, June 27.

How to watch:

The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.

After missing out on previous two major tournaments the Netherlands have turned up for this one in style. They started off with a trademark exciting win 3-2 over Ukraine and have won all three of their group games. Frank De Boer’s side isn’t the typical Dutch side you would expect, but their steeliness coupled with a familiar attacking verve may hold them good against a motivated Czech side.

Players to watch:

Georginio Wijanldum, Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong.

Recent Euro Form:

W, W, W.

Czech Republic started their campaign with an impressive win over Scotland. A draw with Croatia was enough to see them progress. Czechs have always had a good team going into the international tournaments but somehow flatter to deceive. They have some impressive players in the playing XI that could make an impact. This is the first time they have reached the last -16 of Euros as an independent nation and would be hoping to continue that run.

Players to watch:

Patrick Schick, Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal.

Recent Euro Form:

W, D, L.

Netherlands and Czech Republic have a history of pulsating clashes. They played out a 5-goal thriller in Euro 2004 group stages with the Czechs winning 3-2. With the attacking prowess on both sides and a place at quarter finals at stake, this could be the tie of the round. The expectation will be on Netherlands to progress, but they will underestimate the Czech side at their own peril.

Belgium v Portugal

Timing:

The game kicks off at 12:30 am IST, Monday, June 28.

How to watch:

The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.

This could perhaps be the last chance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ to make an impact at an international tournament. A star studded line up was expected ease through their group which they duly did, winning three games, scoring 7 goals in the process. A forward in fine goal scoring form in Romelu Lukaku and the return of midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne bodes well for the Belgium side.

Players to watch:

Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard.

Recent Euro Form:

W, W, W.

After surviving the Group of Death, Portugal progressed to the last-16 in the same fashion they did in Euro 2016, as one of the best third placed sides. But this shouldn’t mean the defending champions should be taken lightly. Its well known the powers Ronaldo can summon once a tournament reaches it’s business end. A man who lives for the big occasions. But this is a Portugal side more than just about Ronaldo. In the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota they have players that can hurt the opposition across the pitch. Arguably this Portuguese team is better than the one which triumphed in France in 2016.

Players to watch:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota.

Recent Euro Form:

W, L, D.

Player for player there may not be a better side than Belgium at this Euros, save except for France, but can they deliver the nation’s first major trophy remains to be seen. Portugal have suffered an indifferent start to the tournament, but you won’t put it past Ronaldo to make the occasion his own and keep their title defense going. Something’s got to give.