The final eight: two classics, two favourites, and two possible giant-killers

The round of 16 at EURO 2024 is over. Half the teams advanced to the quarter-final, while the other half was to travel home. Among the next-round matches, two historic derbies and two games with firm favourites but also possible giant-killers. Initially, a two-day break awaits us, while the first two quarter-final clashes are set for Friday, July 5th. The duel between Germany and Spain is probably the biggest derby of the entire round, given that these teams continuously played a quality and appealing football. Clearly, there are no favorites here.

Another derby, as well as a replay of the EURO 2016 final, is the clash between France and Portugal. The Frenchmen want vengeance, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo is in no hurry to retire from international football and wants another trophy. It seems that neither team expressed its full potential, and squads with that many world-class players have to show their full capacity. Whether it will be in Friday night's quarter-final remains to be seen.

When goalkeepers steal the show

In the second part of the draw, the matches will be played a day later - on July 6th. The Netherlands will face the biggest surprise of the tournament - Turkey. The Oranje have a greater chance to advance, but nobody should write off the Turks, especially when hundreds of thousands of fans got their backs, as was the case in Germany so far. Ronald Koeman has the advantage in experience, but Vincenzo Montella may have another ace up his sleeve.

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In the end, would it be a sensation if Switzerland knocked out England after Italy? Based on what we've seen so far - not in the least. The Swiss have played attractive football so far and knocked out the reigning champion - Italy. On the other hand, England has nowhere near lived up to expectations. The Three Lions struggled in the group stage and failed to impress against Slovakia either. On the contrary, their performance in the round of 16 was even worse, and only Jude Bellingham's moment of ingeniousness and inspiration saved them from the verge of elimination. Now is the moment to redeem themselves in the eyes of their nation, which has been awaiting a major trophy for 58 years. If England win, they will send a message that they are ready to get involved in the trophy race. A loss would be a disappointment, but nothing new - football fans are used to it.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - 1/4 FINALS

Friday

19:00: (2.75) Spain (3.20) Germany (2.90)

22:00: (3.45) Portugal (3.10) France (2.45)

Saturday

19:00: (2.35) England (3.20) Switzerland (3.55)

22:00: (1.65) Netherlands (4.10) Turkey (5.80)