The 2024 European Championship is heating up as the tournament progresses into the round of 16. The group phase saw several surprises, with favorites like England, France, and the Netherlands falling short of expectations. Teams such as Croatia and Serbia also failed to make it to the knockout phase, leaving fans and experts alike in shock.
In the round of 16, the favorites have mostly prevailed, with Switzerland delivering a surprising 2-0 victory against defending champions Italy. England, after a lackluster performance, managed to secure their place in the quarter-finals thanks to a last-minute goal by Jude Bellingham and a decisive strike by Harry Kane in extra time against Slovakia. Germany also advanced by defeating Denmark 2-0, setting up a challenging quarter-final match against a dominant Spanish team.
Upcoming matches promise more excitement, with France set to face Belgium in Düsseldorf. Both teams had a rocky group stage and will be looking to prove their worth. Austria, considered a dark horse, will go up against Turkey, with Austria aiming to continue their impressive run. The Netherlands will also face Romania, and Portugal is set to play against Slovenia, a team with little experience at this level but known for their defensive solidity.
Portugal, the 2016 European champions, are clear favorites against Slovenia, who are making their first appearance in the round of 16. Despite a surprising loss to Georgia in the group stage, Portugal quickly secured their spot in the knockout phase. However, Slovenia's previous victory against Portugal might give them a psychological edge.
France, after a laborious group stage, will rely on their strong defense to overcome Belgium. The French team has only conceded one goal so far, and their historical advantage over Belgium in international competitions could play a crucial role. Belgium, despite a shaky start, will count on their potent attack led by Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku to challenge the French defense.
- The 2024 European Championship matches are being broadcast live on various TV channels and streaming platforms, including ARD, ZDF, RTL, and MagentaTV. Fans can also catch the action on beIN SPORTS and M6.
- The match between Portugal and Slovenia will take place at the Frankfurt Arena, with kickoff scheduled for Monday, July 1 at 9 p.m. The France vs. Belgium match will also be held on Monday, July 1, starting at 6 p.m. in Düsseldorf.
- Switzerland's victory over Italy in the round of 16 has set the stage for an exciting quarter-final clash with England. Germany's match against Spain will be a significant test for Julian Nagelsmann's team, given Spain's dominant performance so far.
