After some thrilling and some not so thrilling first knockout round matches, the Quarterfinals are set and look to be incredibly exciting with some huge matches.

Clash of the Titans

Host nation Germany takes on three time champions Spain in a massive match that is set to take place on Friday, July 5th. It is a bit unfortunate that this match is a quarterfinal since both of these teams have been among the best in the tournament and both would be deserving of a spot in the latter stages. Spain have looked silky all tournament being led by young wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, while Rodri has carried his fine club play over to his country, controlling the game for the Spanish. Germany have been firing on all cylinders led by rising star Jamal Musiala who has three goals in four games. Germany have looked solid defensively and will look to carry that momentum into the game to try and stifle the potent Spanish attack. 

World Cup runners-up France will take on 2016 champions Portugal in a hotly contested match on Friday the 5th as well. Both teams seemed to struggle a bit against their respective first knockout round opponents, but got the job done in the end. Both of these teams will need to elevate their game, especially in attack, if they want to best the other. Cristiano Ronaldo has still yet to score in this tournament and will look to get off the mark against France to give his side the best chance of going through. Kylian Mbappe has looked a shadow of himself so far in the tournament, and while dealing with a broken nose, he will look to step up and lead his nation into the next round with his stellar play. 

Potential Upsets

England have looked far from convincing this tournament, needing to be saved by a ridiculous Jude Bellingham bicycle kick in the dying embers of the match against Slovakia. On the other hand, Switzerland have looked one of the best teams in the competition and have been clicking on both offense and defense. While England may be the favorite on paper, don’t sleep on the Swiss led by captain Granit Xhaka who will try to book their place in the semi-final. England will need to raise their game and create better offense if they want any chance of going through. 

The Netherlands convincingly defeated Romania in their previous game, but will face more of a challenge against a Turkey side that beat a solid Austria team. Turkish starlet Arda Guler provided two assists in the win, and will look to assert his influence on the game to help his side past the Dutch. Cody Gakpo continues his stellar play for the Netherlands scoring against Romania to bring his goal tally to three in the tournament. Turkey have looked solid this tournament and will look to use their unity as a team to bring down the Dutch in a hotly contested match on Saturday, July 6th.

Tune in and don’t miss a match this weekend as it’s set to be a good one! Don’t forget to get all of your Euros gear at SoccerPro today!