Euro 2020: Quarter-Finals Preview
It’s getting serious now…
We are down to the last 8 remaining sides at Euro 2020 after an exhilarating Round of 16 which saw 29 goals scored in just 8 games.
It saw Spain defeat Croatia 5-3 in a end-to-end thriller.
It saw Switzerland shock France with two late goals, forcing extra time and then penalties, in which the Swiss knocked the World Champions out.
It saw Belgium knock out the holders Portugal and of course it saw England finally get revenge on Germany, after countless years of hurt.
“Game 1 - My Prediction: Switzerland 1-3 Spain”
Switzerland may be riding the high which comes with the biggest upset of the competition so far but they come up against a Spanish side who have found their attacking rhythm and fluidity. They have a range of players who can hurt Switzerland’s defence and Yann Sommer in goal.
Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Pedri and even Alvaro Morata now he is finding his stride, are in form and are all exciting players.
Switzerland’s comeback against France wasn’t made out of luck, they deserved the penalty shoot-out which is then a complete 50-50. The way they isolated Kante and didn’t allow France to see the game out was impressive and their hero Haris Seferovic scored two late goals, both brilliant in different ways.
He now has a chance to put his torrid time in Spain when he played for Real Sociedad firmly behind him and change his perception in a country that saw a shadow of who he is now.
“Game 2 - My Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Italy”
This is seriously hard to call.
Italy were fantastic in the group stages but were less convincing against Austria and had to show a different side to their game. They dug deep and in extra-time, they found a way through Austria, twice in fact.
However, it will surely be worrying to Roberto Mancini the players that Belgium posses and the constant threat that Romelu Lukaku causes through his strength and power when he runs at any defence. Although, Belgium will be missing two-star players in Eden Hazard (who ran the show at times against Portugal) and Kevin De Bruyne.
Italy have a lot going for them, they are stronger defensively and have a world class keeper. Ultimately, I just believe Belgium will find a way to win in extra-time, as it really is now or never for this golden generation.
“Game 3 - My Prediction: Czech Republic 1-3 Denmark”
Czech Republic caused the other major upset of the Round of 16 when they defeated the Netherlands.
They showcased what they are all about, they have the ability to play eye-catching football but also the height and dangerous players in the air to go more direct too.
There have been several standout players of them but nobody comes close to Patrick Shick who is having an incredible individual tournament. With 4 goals in 4 games, he is just one goal behind Cristiano Ronaldo who currently leads the way for the golden boot.
As for Denmark, their remarkable story continued in emphatic fashion against Wales, with the 4-0 win their most impressive of the tournament so far.
Once again Mikkel Damsgaard proved why he is such an exciting talent, likewise with attacking full-back Joakim Maehle who scored a brilliant solo goal.
These talents as well as an experienced, solid core, make Denmark a difficult side to look past. The Czech’s will be a step up from Wales but I still think they will progress.
“Game 4 - My Prediction: Ukraine 1-2 England”
First of all I want to say a big congratulations to Gareth Southgate, I will be the first to criticism him when he gets it wrong so respect where it’s due when he gets it right. He did exactly that against Germany, changing formation to a back 5 to counter Germany’s back 5.
The reason that was so key was because Germany’s style of play which saw them thrash Portugal was all about getting the ball to their wing backs who in Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens, provided chance after chance. By playing a back 5, England were able to mummify that outlet by primarily Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier but also Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire if needed, who were playing either side of John Stones.
I still thought two holding midfielders was too negative and we saw when Jack Grealish came on what a difference he made, so surely he has to start against Ukraine. England should revert to a back four against Ukraine which should allow both Mason Mount and Grealish to start.
Sterling deserves to keep his place, Southgate’s unpopular decision to keep faith in Sterling has proven to be a success as he is England’s top scorer with 3 goals. Harry Kane getting his first goal was important too and for a player who feeds off confidence, expect more goals from him from now on.
All signs point to an England win, but it can’t be forgotten how strong Ukraine have been throughout this tournament. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s tournament came to life against Sweden and his lovely goal followed by a 121st minute assist in extra-time helped his nation to a massive victory.
An England win though means a return to Wembley for the Semi-Final, it’s quite simply an opportunity that doesn’t often come around and cannot be missed.