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UEFA Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals Preview

UEFA Euro 2024 is now reaching its climax at the business end of the tournament, with eight nations vying for a spot in the semifinals and a chance to be only one game away from the final to be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on the 14th July.
George Boxall
Published on 07/04/2024 at 11:37
3-minute read
Euro 2024 is reaching crunch-time with the quarter-finals coming up on Friday 5th & Saturday 6th July. We take a look at the key storylines ahead of the four matches, including France's huge clash against Portugal…

Spain vs Germany (Stuttgart, 18:00 CEST) 

As two of the best performing sides so far at Euro 2024 it  wouldn't have been a surprise if these two faced each other in the final in Berlin in 10 days time. Yet, fate has dictated that the two will face off in a huge quarter-final clash in Stuttgart on Friday evening. It will be a fourth meeting between Spain and Germany at the Euros, with their last meeting in the competition coming in the 2008 final won by La Roja.

Spain downed the hopes of Georges Mikautadze and an underdog Georgia side (4-1) thanks to goals from Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo. Meanwhile, Germany have been living up to their status as tournament hosts, and are looking to avoid becoming the first host nation to be eliminated at the quarter-final stage. Die Mannshaft have looked impressive so far, having seen out a 2-0 win over Denmark in the last 16 thanks to a penalty from Kai Havertz, and a killer-goal via Jamal Musiala.

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Portugal vs France (Hamburg, 21:00 CEST)

France will be once again seeking revenge for the 2016 final with another huge clash against Portugal in the quarterfinals as they look to reach the semi-finals of the Euros for the fourth time in the last five major tournaments. Les Bleus needed an own goal in the 85th minute via Jan Vertonghen to edge past Belgium in their previous outing, whilst Portugal were pushed to penalties by Slovenia. Despite a penalty miss by Cristiano Ronaldo in normal time, Portugal would prevail in the ensuing shootout. A huge clash awaits Roberto Martinez and Didier Deschamps, one that is a surefire recipe for fireworks in Hamburg.

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England vs Switzerland (Düsseldorf, 18:00 CEST)

The Three Lions have had somewhat of an underwhelming Group Stage, with draws against Denmark (1-1) and Slovenia (0-0) following an initially hopeful but conservative win over Serbia (1-0). Gareth Southgate's side were even on the precipice of elimination from the tournament against Slovakia when they were being led 1-0 going into added time in the Round of 16.

Jude Bellingham had other ideas when his spectacular overhead kick brought England level in the 95th minute, precipitating a comeback in extra-time when Harry Kane headed the Three Lions into the lead, and into the quarter-finals. Switzerland have been the ultimate underdogs so far in the tournament, getting a surprise (but deserved) win against Italy in their previous outing thanks to goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas.

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Netherlands vs Türkiye (Berlin, 21:00 CEST)

The Netherlands managed to see off an upstart Romanian side in their Last 16 (2-0) thanks to goals from Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo to seal their spot in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile Turkey, often cited as perennial underdogs, are finally living up to that status following a win against much-fancied Austria (2-1) thanks to a double from Merih Demiral.

READ MORE: 

>>Roberto De Zerbi: What to expect from Marseille's new man?


 

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