Key Points
Euro 2024 round-of-16 fixtures are set following the completion of the group stage on Wednesday. Here’s the line-up (all kick-offs GMT):
Saturday, June 29
- In Berlin (1600): Switzerland vs. Italy
- In Dortmund (1900): Germany vs. Denmark
Sunday, June 30
- In Gelsenkirchen (1600): England vs. Slovakia
- In Cologne (1900): Spain vs. Georgia
Monday, July 1
- In Duesseldorf (1600): France vs. Belgium
- In Frankfurt (1900): Portugal vs. Slovenia
Tuesday, July 2
- In Munich (1600): Romania vs. Netherlands
- In Leipzig (1900): Austria vs. Turkey
As the group stage of Euro 2024 concluded on Wednesday, the tournament progressed into a highly anticipated knockout phase, featuring a mix of established football powerhouses and historic first-timers.
The next round promises an exciting blend of matchups, intense rivalries, and potential upsets, all set against the backdrop of remarkable stories from the group stage.
Saturday, June 29
Switzerland vs Italy (Berlin, 1600 GMT) The first match of the knockout stage will see Switzerland take on Italy in Berlin. Switzerland’s consistent performance in the group stage has set them up for a challenging clash against the Azzurri, who have shown flashes of their traditional defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
Germany vs Denmark (Dortmund, 1900 GMT) Host nation Germany will face Denmark in Dortmund. Germany’s journey through the group stage has been one of resilience and tactical adjustments, setting up an encounter with Denmark, known for their disciplined and strategic play. This match is expected to be a tactical battle with high stakes for both teams.
Sunday, June 30
England vs Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, 1600 GMT) England’s campaign has been marked by question marks over their tactics and correct usage of their star lineup. They will face Slovakia, a team that has shown tenacity and skill, managing to secure their place in the last 16. England will need to bring their A-game to overcome a determined Slovakian side.
Spain vs Georgia (Cologne, 1900 GMT) In one of the most talked-about matchups, Spain will go head-to-head with Georgia in Cologne. Georgia, making history in their first major international tournament appearance, stunned Portugal with a 2-0 victory, securing their spot in the knockouts. Spain, a team rich in talent and great form, will face a spirited Georgian side buoyed by their historic achievements.
Monday, July 1
France vs Belgium (Duesseldorf, 1600 GMT) A clash of titans awaits in Duesseldorf as France takes on Belgium. Both teams have navigated their group stages with strategic acumen, and this encounter is set to be one of the highlights of the tournament. Belgium, with their mix of veteran stars and emerging talents, will face a formidable French squad brimming with quality.
Portugal vs Slovenia (Frankfurt, 1900 GMT) Portugal will battle Slovenia in Frankfurt. Portugal, despite a shock defeat to Georgia, advanced as group winners and will be looking to assert their dominance against Slovenia. Slovenia, having shown resilience and tactical discipline, will aim to cause an upset against the experienced Portuguese side. Much is expected out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s arguably last Euro Championship Campaign.
Tuesday, July 2
Romania vs Netherlands (Munich, 1600 GMT) Romania’s journey to the knockouts has been one of grit and determination. They will face the Netherlands in Munich, a team known for their attacking flair and strong defensive setup. Romania, participating in their first knockout stage in 24 years, will seek to make their mark against the Dutch.
Austria vs Turkey (Leipzig, 1900 GMT) The final match of the last 16 will feature Austria against Turkey in Leipzig. Turkey’s dramatic victory over the Czech Republic secured their place, while Austria’s consistent performance has set them up for a competitive encounter. This match is expected to be fiercely contested with both teams eyeing a place in the quarter-finals.
Historic Achievements and Dramatic Clashes
The group stage of Euro 2024 was marked by several historic achievements and dramatic clashes.
Georgia’s 2-0 victory over Portugal was a historic milestone, marking their first win in a major international tournament and propelling them into the knockouts. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s early goal and Georges Mikautadze’s penalty ensured a memorable triumph for the Black Sea nation.
In Group F, Turkey’s tense 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic saw them reach the knockout phase for the first time in 16 years. A bad-tempered match in Hamburg witnessed the earliest red card in Euros history for Antonin Barak and a total of 18 yellow cards. Turkey, finishing second in the group, set up a last-16 clash with Austria.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s goalless draw with Ukraine saw them through to the last 16, though their fans reacted furiously to the result. Belgium’s coach Domenico Tedesco acknowledged the fans’ frustration but emphasised the importance of qualification. Ukraine’s valiant effort ended in heartbreak as they became the first team since the expansion to 24 teams not to progress with four points.
Romania and Slovakia both advanced from Group E following a tense 1-1 draw, with Romania topping the group. Romania’s qualification marked their first entry into the knockout stages of the Euros in 24 years, while Slovakia progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
Upcoming Challenges and High Hopes
As the last 16 approaches, the tournament is poised for more thrilling encounters and potential upsets. Teams like Georgia and Turkey will look to continue their historic runs, while traditional powerhouses such as France, Spain, and Italy aim to assert their dominance.
The matchups offer a mix of tactical battles, star-studded line-ups, and underdog stories, ensuring that Euro 2024 remains a captivating spectacle for football fans around the world.
The stakes are higher, the challenges greater, and the potential for memorable moments ever-present as the tournament advances into its knockout phase.
