The round of 16 matches kick-off this weekend in the EURO 2020 competition. All 16 nations will play to see who moves onto the next round. This year’s round of 16 matches feature some mouth-watering encounters between European heavyweights, old rivalries, and underdogs still trying to keep the magic going. TGH will break down each match and determine who will move through to the quarter-finals.
Wales vs. Denmark
Denmark booked their spot in this round on the last matchday with a 4-1 win over Russia. Wales finished second in Group A to reach the knockout stages for the second successive EUROs. This is the first meeting between these two sides since a Denmark home and away win over Wales in the Nations League in 2018. Denmark should be full of confidence with their convincing win over Russia in their last match.
Prediction: Wales 1-2 Denmark
Italy vs. Austria
Italy are the first ever team to win all three group stage matches without conceding at the European championships. Austria have not looked great, but wins in a fairly easy group over Ukraine and North Macedonia have them here in the round of 16. Mancini has to decide between Veratti or Locatelli in midfield, which would be harsh for either to miss out. Italy have won their last 13 EURO matches and have kept a clean sheet in six out of seven matches. Expect Italy to walk into the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Italy 3-0 Austria
Netherlands vs. Czech Republic
The Dutch absolutely sailed through their group winning three out of three matches. Czech Republic held Croatia 1-1 and only lost 1-0 to England to be one of the strongest third-placed sides here. They have beaten the Netherlands in four of the last six meetings. But, Frank de Boer is getting the best out of his players and will continue that on Sunday.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-0 Czech Republic
Belgium vs. Portugal
This weekend’s marquee matchup is the last match on Sunday. Belgium won all three group matches, playing only one bad half against Denmark. Portugal are unbeaten in the last five meetings between these two, but they only finished third in their group with a 2-2 draw to France on the last day. Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku will renew their domestic rivalry this summer, with both gunning for the golden boot in this competition. Expect an exciting match on Sunday.
Prediction: Belgium 3-2 Portugal
Croatia vs. Spain
Croatia finally looked dominant in their last match, a 3-1 win over Scotland. Spain looked shocking in their first two 0-0 draws, but poured it on in a 5-0 win over Slovakia on the last day. Croatia won the last two out of three from Spain, but a 6-0 Spain victory is between those two results. Expect a low-scoring, defensive battle that could require extra-time.
Prediction: Croatia 1-2 Spain
France vs. Switzerland
France didn’t look like world beaters during the group stage, but still won it with back-to-back draws against Hungary and Portugal. Switzerland turned it on against Wales and Turkey to book a spot in this round, unfortunately they drew a tough opponent. France have the better players and should go through, but three of the last five meetings have ended goalless.
Prediction: France 2-0 Switzerland
England vs. Germany
This is the first meeting between these two since a goalless draw in 2017. England looked lackluster offensively in the group stage, but didn’t concede a goal on their way to top spot. Germany barely made it through Group F after barely drawing Hungary on the last day. Germany knows how to turn it on in the knockout phases of tournaments, and England look desperate for any goals. Raheem Sterling has scored both of England’s goals.
Prediction: England 1-2 Germany
Sweden vs. Ukraine
Sweden won a five goal thriller against Poland on the last day to win their group over Spain. They are unbeaten in their last eight matches. Ukraine got through as the third-place finisher in Group C after being predicted to win the group. Ukraine has been inconsistent and Sweden looks dominant so far.
Prediction: Sweden 2-0 Ukraine Â