Euro 2020 - The Knockout stages

 The 2020 Euro has now reached the business end of the tournament - its here that the top 16 Nations are going to slug it out for the coveted Henri Delaunay Trophy. 

1) Wales vs Denmark : In the first of the knockout stage matches, 1992 Champions Denmark take on the unpredictable Wales. The teams seem evenly matched on paper, both playing tough physical games, with long balls into the opposition half. Despite Erikson ruled out out with the unfortunate medical issue in the first game, they still have enough depth in Damsgaard & Braithwaite upfront & Delaney, Christiansen & Schmeichel back defending - the Danes are known for their sudden pace & pressing game, though they have not particularly lit up the tournament as yet. Meanwhile Wales are led by the mercurial Gareth Bale, with proven players like Ramsey, Moore & James, who can tear apart any defense on their day. Its going to be a hard fought, but largely a boring physical game, I think, & Denmark may just pip the Wales finally. 

2) Italy vs Austria : Italy would certainly be the favourites to cross this hurdle, as they have been in sweeping form till now in the tournament, having won all the three group matches with relative ease, & not conceding a single goal to the boot. Austria, on the other hand qualified from group C, winning a tough match against Ukraine. I dont think they would cause much concern for the Azzurri, as Mancini's team look all set to wrap up this encounter. However, some experts are expecting a possible surprise result. 

3) Netherlands vs Czech Republic : The 1988 Champions, popularly known as Oranje team have displayed all the prowess to maraud their opponents, having won their Group matches quite easily. The team boasts of  a galaxy of stars in Memphis Depay, Winaldum, Frankie DeJong, deLigt, Dumfries, & many many more - known for their attacking flair, I think they will zoom past the Czech, who came through as one of the top 3 in Group Stages. The Czech have a real threat in Patrik Schick upfront, & have players who can defend, but, against the quality of Dutch, they would be lucky not to get mauled. 

4) Belgium vs Portugal : This will be a mouth watering contest, & I believe the game will go to the wire. The defending Champions Portugal have been quite unpredictable in the Group stages, winning a hard fought game against Hungary & then losing heavily to Germany, before managing a draw with the tournament favourites, France to sneak in. Ronaldo, as usual leads the goal scoring with five under his belt already & seems hungry for more. The team is not prolific, but has immense quality to spring a surprise, & Belgium will be well aware of that. The current World no1 team, Belgium is heavily stacked with classy players like Lukaku, Hazard, deBruyne, capable of scoring from all ends, & in Courtois arguably the best goalkeeper in Europe - a very strong team indeed, & we are looking at one of the best matches of the tournament. Hard to predict, as my heart goes for Portugal & head says Belgium. 

5) Croatia vs Spain : Another humdinger of a match, as Spain seems to have hit the goal scoring patch finally, after a slow start to the tournament. The team has some real stars of tomorrow in Pedri, Torres, Llorente, Garcia, along with seasoned players like Busquets, Alba, Koke & others. The team has good potential to go past Croatia, who are shepherded by Modric along with Perisic, Lovren, Kovacic, Vlasic in the ranks - the team looks a bit aging, but has the capabilities to spring a surprise. I belive, Spain will prevail a hard fought battle. 

6) France vs Switzerland : Tournament favourites, France have everything going for them on paper, with the likes of Benzema, Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud, Kante, Pogba, & Lloris under the bar - its the best team team & lauded by almost all as the tournament winners this time & against the Swiss, they should steamroll. However, the Swiss have Shaqiri, who can cause trouble to the blue defense, but, winning seems almost impossible. 

7) Germany vs England : Another humdinger to look forward to, as its always an epic battle between these two fiercest rivals of all times in Europe. Germany are always a force to reckon with, though this time around they are struggling a bit. However, they are the big stage team & always excel in knockout stages. England on the other hand have a well knit team, & are playing in front of a home crowd, but have struggled to score in the Group stages, & may hit a barrier here. I see a Germany run past this English side, just on big game presence. 

8) Ukraine vs Sweden : In the match of the minnows, Sweden seem more likely to go beyond Ukraine, given their fine performance against Spain in the Group stages. Ukraine, on the other hand scraped through till here, & would be proud enough, if they can put up a decent fight. 

Looking forward to some exciting football over the next two weeks, through late nights - it should be worth the efforts.