EURO2020 has already provided great drama for fans across the globe. The group stage has just ended and the round of 16 is approaching. Here are the three best round of 16 games at EURO2020.
Wales is the 17th-ranked team in the world right now behind the superstar power of Gareth Bale. The Welsh tied Switzerland, beat Turkey and lost to Italy, but fought tough even when they were down a man. They have advanced to what looks like an easier side of the bracket, which will give them hope that they can advance for a few more games. While they have recently struggled to beat some of the world’s elite like France, Italy and Belgium, those teams are on the other side of the bracket.
The most frightening moment of EURO2020 happened when star player Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s first game. Finland was able to upset Denmark following Eriksen’s exit. After a loss to Belgium, Denmark was able to advance after beating Russia 4-1. The energy when they defeated Russia was palpable. While Eriksen is one of their best players, Denmark is ranked 10th in the world. They have other good players who are capable of leading them to victory over Wales. It would be a good feel-good story for Denmark to keep their momentum going after defeating Russia.
Belgium is the top team in the world according to FIFA rankings. They have had a golden age of talent, which includes stars Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. While they haven’t won a European Championship or a World Cup yet, the time could be now. They haven’t lost since October 11, 2020 when they dropped a game to England 2-1. While they aren the world no. 1, they have the sixth-best odds to win EURO2020 according to Betway.
Portugal is a notable team for a variety of reasons. Not only do they have arguably the best player in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo, but they also won the EURO2016. A World Cup has eluded the Portugese, but they are ranked fifth in the world by FIFA rankings. Portugal has a tough round of 16 matchup, but they are fully capable of beating Belgium. Their only two losses since the start of 2020 have come to France and Germany (group stage). Portugal has what it takes to put Belgium to the test.
One of the two big powers facing off against each other in the round of 16 is England. The English are the fourth-ranked team in the world, but they have struggled. They were able to defeat Croatia and the Czech Republic in 1-0 matches. A 0-0 tie with Scotland was disappointing. England needs Harry Kane to step up and score some goals for England to reach their full potential. They have the capability to win EURO2020, but they need their offense to come through for them.
Germany is a national power, but they have also been struggling as of late. The world’s 12th-ranked team lost to France and tied Hungary, but they did defeat Portugal 4-2. Before EURO2020, Germany lost to Spain 6-0 in November of 2020 and then they were upset by North Macedonia on March 31. The Germans have inconsistent scoring, as some games they find the back of the net with ease and other times they just don’t score as much as a team of their talent should. If Germany can beat England, they will be heavily-favored to make it to the finals of EURO2020.
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