These are the EURO 2024 quarter-final ties

Euro 2024 is entering its critical stage and the final on 14 July in Berlin is getting closer and closer. After a thrilling round of 16, where anyone could have qualified, these are the eight teams that have made it through to the quarter-finals: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, Turkey, England and Switzerland.

The quarter-finals will begin on Friday 5 July and will conclude on Saturday 6 July, with the four best teams of the tournament looking for a place in the final in the semi-finals. These are the pairings:

Spain vs. Germany (Friday 5 July - 18.00 CET at the Stuttgart Arena in Stuttgart)

This is undoubtedly the most attractive of all the ties. The level of play offered by both teams has been very high and it is very difficult to predict a favourite. La Roja overcame a Georgia side that gave them an early scare but were unable to withstand the attacks of Luis de la Fuente's men.

Germany struggled to get into the game. Denmark came out with no nerves and with the idea of giving the hosts a scare. Despite this, the Teutonic quality prevailed and the game opened up after Kai Havertz's penalty, although the film could have changed if Andersen's goal had been valid. Nevertheless, the 'Mannschaft' will be a tough nut to crack for Spain.

Portugal v. France (Friday 5 July - 21.00 CET at the Volsparkstadion in Hamburg)

Another of the major duels in the quarter-finals will be Portugal v. France. Two teams that are always among the favourites, although their level of play has not been very attractive. It took extra time for the Portuguese to overcome a resilient Slovenia side, who were willing to pay a high price and could even have taken the lead. 

As for France, criticism and doubts have been mounting as the matches have gone on. They struggled to overcome Belgium in a match that will not go down in the history of good football.

England vs. Switzerland (Saturday 6 July - 18.00 CET at the Dusseldorf Arena in Dusseldorf)

Undoubtedly, one of the big disappointments of this European Championship is England. They are not playing well and the criticism is mounting as the games go by. Nevertheless, they managed to finish top of their group and advanced to the quarter-finals in agonising fashion after coming from behind to beat Slovakia in extra time.

Up against them will be Switzerland, who have shown a better level of play and knocked out EURO holders Italy in the last 16. Murat Yakin's side were superior to the Azzurri, who were unable to put them in trouble and could have finished with a better scoreline.

Netherlands vs. Turkey (Saturday 6 July - 21.00 CET at the Olympic Stadium Berlin)

The Dutch national team made amends in their Round of 16 match against Romania. After a poor showing in the group stage, where they were one of the best third-placed teams, Ronald Koeman's men came out on top and were far superior to the Romanians. The 'Oranje' completely dominated and laid siege to the Romanians and could have scored even more.

Their opponents will be Turkey, who edged out Austria in the Round of 16 by a narrow 2-1 scoreline that could have gone either way.

 

July 2, 2024