Euro 2020: Top 5 Round of 16 games to watch out for

Bhargav
Italy have emerged as one of the teams to beat at Euro 2020
Italy have emerged as one of the teams to beat at Euro 2020

#3 Croatia vs Spain (28th June, Copenhagen)

Spain took their time to come to the party at Euro 2020.
Spain took their time to come to the party at Euro 2020.

After two disappointing draws to open their Euro 2020 campaign, Spain came to the party with a convincing 5-0 win over Slovakia in Seville. But with Sweden beating Poland in the other group game, the three-time winners had to settle for second place in the group.

Luis Enrique's men, who are without a Real Madrid player in their squad for the first time at a major tournament, will now meet 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists Croatia in a blockbuster Round-of-16 clash in Copenhagen.

Much like Spain, Croatia have taken their time to get into their groove at Euro 2020, beating Scotland 3-1 in Glasgow in their third game to reach the knockout round.

Spain and Croatia have split their four previous competitive meetings. In their last meeting at the Euros, Croatia beat Spain 2-1, but both teams have had several personnel changes since that meeting.

Both Spain and Croatia topped their respective Euro 2020 qualifying groups. But the latter have shown indifferent recent form and have largely relied on the ageing Luka Modric for inspiration.

While this game could go either way, La Roja would start as the marginal favorites.


#2 England vs Germany (29th June, London)

England topped their Euro 2020 qualifying group.
England topped their Euro 2020 qualifying group.

England may have scored just twice at Euro 2020, the fewest goals scored by a group winner in European Championship history.

But the Three Lions, one of two teams yet to concede a goal at Euro 2020, have gone about their business with efficiency and have displayed remarkable defensive resilience. England have conceded just once in their last nine games in all competitions.

For a place in the quarter-finals, the Three Lions will take on Germany at Wembley on Tuesday. Ahead of their eighth meeting against Die Mannschaft, England have failed to beat Germany in a knockout game since the 1966 FIFA World Cup final.

However, Germany have not looked at their fluent best at Euro 2020, losing to France and salvaging a last-gasp draw against Hungary either side of a convincing win over Portugal.

Germany are without a recognized striker at Euro 2020, and England have also struggled upfront at the tournament. Nevertheless, the Three Lions will fancy their chances against Germany, considering their superior defensive solidity and talent in their roster.


#1 Portugal vs Belgium (27th June, Seville)

Cristiano Ronaldo has matched the international goal scoring record with his goals at Euro 2020
Cristiano Ronaldo has matched the international goal scoring record with his goals at Euro 2020

Cristiano Ronaldo has single-handedly led Portugal's charge at Euro 2020. His second goal against France on Wednesday, his fifth of the campaign, kept the reigning champions in the tournament after Les Bleus overturned a 0-1 deficit to lead 2-1.

However, a loss to Germany and a draw against France meant Portugal finished third in their group and will now lock horns with top-ranked Belgium in a blockbuster Round-of-16 clash in Seville.

The Red Devils have been impressive at Euro 2020, winning all three games while conceding just once. Comparatively, Portugal's defense has been a huge cause for concern - the holders have shipped in six goals in three games.

Against the prolific Romelu Lukaku, who has scored 50% of Belgium's goals at Euro 2020, and the brilliant Kevin De Bruyne, Portugal will have their task cut out at both ends.

The reigning champions will have to get their act together upfront to complement their captain, who has been involved in six of Portugal's seven goals at Euro 2020. Portugal will also need their defense to redeem itself after forgettable outings against Germany and France.

Considering the array of attacking talent at both teams' disposal, this game could be an absolute humdinger. Despite a leaky defense, Portugal will fancy their chances against Belgium thanks to the imperious form of the 36-year-old Ronaldo, who seems to be a man on a mission at Euro 2020.

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