Euro 2020 | Last 16 Predictions | Is Football Coming Home?

We have now reached the business end of the tournament, the last 16 is here. Whoever loses, goes home, without any further ado, let's start the predictions. 
 
Wales vs. Denmark
The opening game of the round, Wales have been impressive, however this is where we will see how good they really are, they face a Denmark side who will be motivated after their win in the last group game to get here, they will want to win this game and progress for Christian Eriksen. This one will be settled in normal time, without the requirement of extra time and penalties. 

Predicted Winner: DENMARK. 

Italy vs. Austria  
Italy for me have been the standout team of the tournament, scoring goals without conceding, we normally associate them for playing at a slow tempo, this has been the reverse of that. Austria may have Marko Arnautovic back from suspension for this match. There is a clear winner here.

Predicted Winner: ITALY.
 
Netherlands vs. Czech Republic 
The Oranje are one of my picks to win this competition (spoiler alert) they have been nice to watch in an attacking sense, whereas in defence? not so much at times, you'll see what I mean if you have watched their matches. Czech Republic will feel they have a chance of progressing and will hope Patrik Schick scores the goals to help them provide a shock result here, if you can call it that. We will find out for sure.

Predicted Winner: NETHERLANDS.

Belgium vs Portugal
This is the game of the tournament in terms of star quality, seeing as it is a knockout game, it is difficult to see how this will start, will teams go for it in the first fifteen to twenty minutes to win the game early? or will it be a cagey ninety minutes plus? Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are the two key players for Belgium. Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo, a player that has been written off by many because of his age, he is currently tied with Ali Daei for the most international goals (109) a record that may be broken here, however, it may not be enough for Portugal to progress.

Predicted Winner: BELGIUM. 

Croatia vs. Spain
Croatia are always an interesting side in tournaments, they are so tough to beat, the World Cup finalists play a Spain side that have been poor in the group phase, so their elimination here will not be a shock.

Predicted Winner: CROATIA.

France vs. Switzerland
France won their group as we know, yet they seem like they haven't been at their sparkling best, which is a dangerous sign for their opponents Switzerland, it will be interesting to see how the Swiss play this one strategically, however, their efforts will ultimately see them lose. Paul Pogba will be the difference, he is France's best player in terms of creativity, it is also interesting to note that Kylian Mbappe' hasn't scored a goal in this tournament, yet.

Predicted Winner: FRANCE.

England vs. Germany
Two great rivals in international football history meet at Wembley this Tuesday at 5pm. Twenty Five years since Gareth Southgate missed THAT penalty, he will want to put that behind him as England manager, while The Three Lions haven't been scoring that many goals, we have seen Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka put in some standout performances. Raheem Sterling has scored both of the team goals so far and will look to add to that, it has to be said that Harry Kane has been terrible, he has been linked for a move to Manchester City, however, he needs to be professional, put that move to one side and focus on this game and score some goals.

Germany cannot be underestimated, they destroyed Portugal in the group phase with some outstanding build up play and got the result they needed vs. Hungary. Thomas Muller's experience has proved vital, very much looking forward to this one, I would love for England to win here, because then the interest in the country for this tournament will grow, is football coming home? I'm not so sure. 

Predicted Winner: GERMANY.

Sweden vs. Ukraine
I feel sorry for Sweden and Ukraine here because no matter happens in the game above, not many people here in England will be tuning in to watch this one, this will be a good game without a doubt, could there be extra team and penalties? it's possible!

Predicted Winner: SWEDEN. 

The review for the Last 16 games will be available on Wednesday 30th June.  

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