Euro 2024 has now reached its knockout stage, where the formidable contenders will aim to assert their dominance whilst the underdogs will strive to create upsets. The tournament’s unpredictability has already delivered surprises, making the upcoming Round of 16 packed with enticing and compelling matchups.
The action kicks off on Saturday, with defending champions Italy meeting Group A runners-up Switzerland in Berlin. Later in Dortmund, hosts Germany will take on Denmark, promising a day filled with thrilling football encounters.
Swiss can make life difficult for Italy
Italy started brightly against Albania but sat back against Spain, inviting pressure for much of the game. The defending champions needed a 98th-minute equaliser against Croatia to secure their place in the knockouts. The Italian defence has looked shaky, and if not for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s brilliance in goal, their performance would have appeared even more vulnerable. Offensively, they have lacked the killer instinct, which could hinder them again in the knockouts.
Switzerland, on the other hand, remained unbeaten in Group A with one win and two draws. Murat Yakin’s side are coming off a resilient performance in their previous game where they almost pulled off an upset against Germany. Switzerland will try to apply pressure on Italy from the start, with domination in midfield led by captain Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler, and their defence supported by experienced players like Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schär. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has also been solid between the sticks. Switzerland’s pressing has been effective, forcing teams to make mistakes or play long balls, and their offensive players will likely use the same approach against Italy to get early goals, as they have done in all their group-stage matches.
Considering momentum, quality, and overall balance, Switzerland appear stronger heading into this game.
Germany poised to dominate Denmark
Despite both teams remaining unbeaten so far in Euro 2024, the performances of Germany and Denmark have not been alike as they head into their knockout clash at the Westfalenstadion.
Hosts Germany have been dominating the tournament with convincing 5-1 and 2-0 victories over Scotland and Hungary in their opening two fixtures. Julian Nagelsmann’s side looked a bit off against Switzerland in their final group game, conceding a goal early in the first half, but a last-minute goal from Niclas Füllkrug ensured they stayed unbeaten and finished on top of Group A.
Denmark, despite being among the sides to finish unbeaten in the group stage, haven’t been able to replicate their performances from previous tournaments. The Danes settled for three draws whilst scoring only two goals during the group stage, with strikers Jonas Wind, Kasper Dolberg, Yussuf Poulsen, and Rasmus Højlund all remaining ineffective so far. Christian Eriksen has been their standout performer, but the absence of the suspended Morten Hjulmand in midfield could make things more difficult for Kasper Hjulmand’s side.
The hosts, with the backing of the home crowd, will be keen to return to their usual dominant selves against the Danes. With the likes of Jamal Musiala, Toni Kroos, and İlkay Gündoğan running the show in midfield, Germany could once again prove too strong for their opponents.