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14/07/2024

Final: Spain vs England (15Jul)

Spain: Spain overcame a tough group of Italy, Croatia and Albania, before getting past Georgia, Germany and France to reach the final. Spain will fancy their chances, having won their last three major tournament finals, winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, and the World Cup in 2010. No European side has ever been successful in four consecutive World Cup/Euros final matches before. Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are back after suspension. Carvajal will be a straight swap for Jesus Navas, the only surviving member of Spain's Euro 2012 squad, while Le Normand should demote ex-Real Madrid skipper Nacho to the bench. Pedri and Perez shall have no part to play in Sunday's final.
In-form RB Leipzig playmaker Olmo will act as the focal point in between the enormously talented pairing of Yamal and Nico Williams. There was some brief concern over Alvaro Morata, who suffered a freak injury after being tackled by a security guard trying to help eject a pitch invader, but the Atletico Madrid man has trained normally and is expected to spearhead the charge.

Spain probable lineup (4-3-3):
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams

England: The Three Lions had not played well until, well, arguably Wednesday night’s semi-final, and they still have a final to win, but the fact they are there when so many doubted them is testament to the job done by Gareth Southgate and his team of never-give-uppers. With Luke Shaw back to full health, England arrive in Berlin with an empty medical room after making a brief yet effective appearance in the victory over Switzerland, Shaw replaced his deputy Kieran Trippier for the second half of the semi-final and came through unscathed, meaning that a start in Berlin is not beyond the realm of possibility. While added caution needs to be exercised over Shaw and his history of injuries, the ex-Southampton man - who memorably scored a two-minute opener in the Euro 2020 final - is surely in line for promotion to the first XI here, alongside an otherwise settled group of players. Another 3-4-2-1 shape should be adopted by Southgate, who will not reward Watkins's semi-final heroics with a start over three-goal captain Kane, supported as ever by the inverted Bellingham and Phil Foden.
Now the youngest player to start a major tournament semi-final for England's men's team, 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has slotted seamlessly into the Three Lions engine room and has more than justified his expected selection for the showpiece.

England probable lineup (3-4-3):
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane

Our view: Is this the end of a 58 years wait of a major tournament trophy for England. Against the in-form Spain, the wait might have to extend for another 4 more years. Kyle Walker will have a night to forget when Nico Williams start running at him on the right. Olmo might get his 4th goal of the tournament to clinch the golden boot award.

Final score: Spain 2-1

09/07/2024

Semi-Final: Spain vs France (10Jul)

Spain: Luis de la Fuente’s side are the only team to have triumphed in all five matches of this tournament in Germany, edging past Julian Nagelsmann’s hosts in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 extra-time victory. A more diverse approach, featuring quick passing and pace out wide, has proved mightily successful, as since the start of 2023, La Roja have the best win percentage of any European nation, winning 15 of their 19 games under De la Fuente. Right-back Dani Carvajal and defender Robin Le Normand must both serve suspensions, while Pedri was forced off in the early stages of Friday's quarter-final, due to a medial collateral ligament knee sprain and will not play again this summer. Veteran pair Nacho and Jesus Navas could therefore step into La Roja's back four, while Dani Olmo's stellar substitute display against Germany should see the Bundesliga-based star replace Pedri. Midfield mainstay Rodri has both attempted and completed the most passes of any player set to take part in Euro 2024's first semi. Up front, captain Alvaro Morata will again be supported by Nico Williams and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, the latter of whom has created 14 chances for his teammates at these finals - the most by any Spanish player at a major tournament since Xavi's total of 25 at Euro 2012, and also by any teenager to date.

Spain probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Simon: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz: Yamal, Morata, Williams

France: France will be looking to reach their fourth Euros final, having done so in 1984, 2000 and 2016, but only the second not played on French soil (Euro 2000 in the Netherlands). In stark contrast to the Spanish, however, Les Bleus have failed to impress so far at this edition. Deschamps’ men scraped past Portugal on penalties after a drab goalless draw on Friday, with France again failing to find the net. There have only been four goals scored in France’s five Euro 2024 matches (three for, one against), with those either penalties (2) or own goals (2). With the slate wiped clean at this stage, France have no disciplinary issues to worry about, but Kylian Mbappe's nose injury remains a source of concern for Didier Deschamps, as his team have lacked spark in the final third. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has scored only one goal from 20 shots at Euro 2024 thus far; indeed, his overall strike rate at European Championships stands at a meagre 3%. That is in stark contrast to his record at the World Cup, where a tally of 12 goals from 39 shots represents a 31% conversion rate. By contrast, Mike Maignan can boast a save ratio of 94% to this point - the best of any goalkeeper that has played more than one match in Germany and also since Iker Casillas during Spain's overall triumph in 2012. The AC Milan stopper has kept four clean sheets so far. Marcus Thuram and Ferland Mendy should overcome minor injuries, and Adrien Rabiot is back from a one-match ban, but it remains to be seen whether the latter can displace Mbappe's new Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who deputised in the French engine room against Portugal. Certain to start in midfield, N'Golo Kante has played the most games in European Championship history without ever finishing on the losing side - winning eight and drawing five - so can be considered Les Bleus' lucky charm.

France probable lineup (4-3-2-1):
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe

Our view: This is the sixth meeting between Spain and France at a major tournament, it is surely the turn of an inspired La Roja side to taste success again. Excluding penalty shoot-outs, France have lost just one of their last 16 European Championship matches, in addition to conceding only one goal in their last seven internationals. Spanish speed and flair might initially be stunted by a stubborn blue wall, but they will ultimately find a way through Europe's toughest defence and claim a deserved place in the final.

Final score: Spain 2-1

09/07/2024

Semi-Final: Netherlands vs England (11Jul)

Netherlands: Ronald Koeman’s team were unconvincing in the group stage but, unlike their opponents in Dortmund on Wednesday, have clicked into gear in the knockouts. For the Dutch, it will be a sixth semi-final at the Euros. They have lost their last four, with their one victory coming in 1988 – they went on to win that tournament, with Marco van Basten scoring one of the most famous goals in the competition’s history in the final, which took place in Munich. The Netherlands, meanwhile, have a major selection call to make in the final third, as the half-time introduction of Wout Weghorst against Turkey turned their quarter-final tie on its head. Ronald Koeman has just announced that he will stay in post until 2026. He has left the door open to the Burnley striker partnering Memphis Depay from the start; however, another impact role from the bench is more probable. Either one or both of Depay and Cody Gakpo have been directly involved in 63.5% of the Oranje's goal attempts so far this summer, and six of their nine goals. Koeman is likely to stick with his starting XI on Wednesday evening, with Bart Verbruggen in goal, Virgil van Dijk skippering the side from central defence, and Xavi Simons playing a link-up role between midfield and attack.

Netherland probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay

England: England have staggered and stuttered their way through Euro 2024, but they are nevertheless in another semi-final. For the third time at a major tournament under Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions are in the last four – the only competition in which they have failed to reach that stage since the start of the 2018 World Cup was in Qatar in 2022. The return of Luke Shaw has been eagerly awaited: the Manchester United defender missed England's first four matches while completing his return from a hamstring injury, but after appearing briefly against Switzerland he has now declared himself ready to start. Marc Guehi must now battle it out with Ezri Konsa for a place in defence upon his return from suspension, though it remains to be seen whether it will be a three or four-man rearguard that lines up in Dortmund - or a hybrid of both. Harry Kane was taken off during extra time last weekend, but having since confirmed he was only suffering from cramp, the Three Lions' record goalscorer will be fit to build on a fine record in the European Championship's knockout phase: no player has ever scored more times in the elimination rounds.

England probable lineup (3-4-2-1):
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Bellingham, Foden; Kane

Our view: England's history against Netherlands has been littered with defeats: of all nations they have faced more than 20 times to date, only versus Brazil do they have a lower win-rate (27%). The trend is likely to continue in this semi-finals, as the Oranje's talented attackers are starting to click and will surely punish another tame Three Lions performance. If Southgate's side cannot improve, they are set to miss out on the final.

Final score: Netherlands 3-1

05/07/2024

Quarter Final: Turkey vs Netherlands (7Jul)

Turkey: Turkey are looking to win three consecutive matches at the European Championship for the first time, and only the second time at major tournaments overall, after doing so at the 2002 World Cup as they reached the semi-finals. Turkey will be welcoming back influential skipper Hakan Calhanoglu, but two more midfielders must now serve a suspension: Orkun Kokcu will miss out on playing against the country of his birth, and Ismail Yuksek is also sidelined after receiving two bookings. It remains to be seen whether Tuesday's hero Merih Demiral will be sanctioned by UEFA for his controversial celebrations, so Samet Akaydin is on standby to fill in at the back. Nineteen-year-old duo Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler are among no fewer than eight men at risk of missing a potential semi-final, but boss Vincenzo Montella will not be mulling over such matters ahead of such a crucial match.

Turkey probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Gunok; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Ayhan, Yokuslu; Yildiz, Calhanoglu, Yilmaz; Guler

Netherlands: This is Netherlands first European Championship quarter-final since 2008, when they lost 3-1 to Russia, and they have only progressed from three of their last nine knockout ties in the competition. With Xavi Simons starting to fulfil his potential, and Gakpo picking up two 'Man of the Match' awards and in contention for the Golden Boot, Oranje fans are starting to dream. Ronald Koeman is likely to select a very similar XI on Saturday night, with Bart Verbruggen in goal and Virgil van Dijk captaining the side from centre-back. However, Steven Bergwijn was substituted at half time due to an injury, thus Donyell Malen is likely to be selected to link up with Denzel Dumfries on the right flank. Two men sure to start up front are Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo - scorer of three goals in four Euro 2024 appearances so far - and Memphis Depay, who is just four strikes short of Robin van Persie's all-time Oranje record (50).

Netherlands probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay

Our view: Both teams can be explosive in attack. However the resilent Oranje defense should be able to hold off the Turkish waves of attacks with Gapko continuing his form by scoring the decisive winning goal.

Final score: Netherlands 3-2

05/07/2024

Quarter Final: England vs Switzerland (7Jul)

England: The condemning headlines were almost filed, knee-jerk social media reactions prepared and clamours for a new manager half typed out as Gareth Southgate’s England tenure seemed set to end with a whimper against Slovakia. Centre-back Marc Guehi is ruled out for a second yellow card. With Guehi out of contention and England struggling for attacking inspiration with their 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 setup, Southgate is reportedly considering a change to a three-man defence for Saturday, where Ezri Konsa is the favourite to step in for his banned teammate. Despite returning to full training before the knockouts began, Luke Shaw is yet to earn any minutes for England at the Euros and should not be thrown back into the first XI after almost five months out, so Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka may act as Southgate's wing-backs.

England probable lineup (3-5-2):
Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Stones; Trippier, Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Saka; Kane, Toney

Switzerland: Switzerland are set to appear in the quarter-finals of a major tournament for just a fifth time, and only their second at the Euros after 2020. They have been eliminated at this stage in all four of their previous attempts; the most any European nation has featured in quarter-finals of major tournaments without ever participating in a semi-final. Switzerland also means Declan Rice vs. Granit Xhaka as a current and former Arsenal midfielder collide, and the latter is thought to be winning his race to be fit for the weekend despite a brief scare over an adductor injury; scans showed that there was nothing seriously wrong with him. Yakin is therefore expected to have a clean bill of health and faces the best kind of selection predicament on the right, where Silvan Widmer returns from a one-game suspension after Dan Ndoye excelled in his place in the win over Italy. One solution for Yakin would be to move Ndoye into the front three at the expense of Fabian Rieder and recall Widmer to his usual right wing-back position, where a fascinating battle with Saka could materialise.

Switzerland probable lineup (3-4-2-1):
Sommer; Schar, Rodriguez, Akanji; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo

Our view: A slight thinker cannot immediately cure England's lacklustre attacking play, and many will feel that the Three Lions do not even deserve to be in the quarter-finals. However the quality of the England players are good enough to secure another 1 goal victory for the 3 Lions.

Final score: England 1-0

05/07/2024

Quarter Final: Portugal vs France (6Jul)

Portugal: Roberto Martínez had Diogo Costa to thank for his penalty heroics against Slovenia as the Porto goalkeeper spared Cristiano Ronaldo’s blushes in Frankfurt. Ronaldo saw an extra-time spot-kick saved by Jan Oblak, reducing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to tears at the interval before stepping up to score in the shootout. Roberto Martinez is likely to name an unchanged side. This is include the misfiring Ronaldo, who has now fired 20 shots on goal without scoring at the tournament; only four male players have had more without success in the history of the Euros. Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceicao appear to be first in line for promotion from the bench, but Silva and Rafael Leao have nailed down their spots in the Selecao attack, while Vitinha and Joao Palhinha should be in no danger of ceding their midfield spots either.

Portugal probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo

France: France have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games, the most of any side at the tournament, yet they are not being helped by the players in front of them. Deschamps tried to reignite Les Bleus‘ attacking spark with a three-man strike force against Belgium, but the pickings were slim. A trio of Mbappé, Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann were preferred, with Randal Kolo Muani introduced late on, but it proved to be another largely blunt display. Adrien Rabiot is suspended. Any of Ousmane Dembele, Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana or Warren Zaire-Emery could take Rabiot's spot depending on what formation Deschamps favours, and the only possible Bleus absentee should be Kingsley Coman, who like Phil Foden earlier in the tournament has left the camp for the birth of his child. Rabiot formed a part of a diamond midfield for Les Bleus in Dusseldorf, allowing Marcus Thuram to spearhead the charge alongside Mbappe, but the Inter Milan striker was hooked with just an hour played and is certainly at risk of dropping out for Kolo Muani.

France probable lineup (4-3-1-2):
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Griezmann; Mbappe, Kolo Muani

Our view: A Portugal side scoreless in two matches facing a France side to have shipped just one goal in their last six matches points to more offensive misery for Portugal. The trickery & pacy Les Bleus forwards will be key to breakdown the Portugal defense and bring the curtain down on Ronaldo's Euros career.

Final score: France 1-0

04/07/2024

Quarter Final: Germany vs Spain (6Jul)

Germany: No host nation has ever been eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the UEFA European Championship, with all four previous host quarter-finalists progressing. Germany have an excellent record at this stage, too. This will be their 19th quarter-final tie across the World Cup (14) and European Championship (5), the most of any European nation at the two major tournaments. They have progressed from 15 of their previous 18 (83%), including all four at the Euros (1996, 2008, 2012, 2016). As for Germany, Nagelsmann could once again tinker with his starting lineup and will ponder whether to recall centre-back Jonathan Tah - who served a suspension in the last 16 - at the expense of Nico Schlotterbeck. Left-back Maximilian Mittelstadt was dropped against Denmark, but he will be looking to force his way back into the first XI ahead of David Raum, while Florian Wirtz could return on the left side of attack at the expense of Leroy Sane, allowing Musiala to move over to the right. Niclas Fullkrug scored an equaliser in the aforementioned 1-1 draw with Spain at the 2022 World Cup, but he is not expected to displace Kai Havertz as the central striker, while a midfield triumvirate of Kroos, Robert Andrich and Ilkay Gundogan is set to remain intact.

Germany probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Raum; Kroos, Andrich; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz

Spain: After winning all 3 group matches at a European Championship for the first time since 2008, Spain remain the only nation at Euro 2024 who boast a perfect record from four matches after coming from behind to beat Georgia 4-1 in the last 16 on Sunday. Spain boss De la Fuente is likely to name an unchanged starting lineup on Friday, with 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal and Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams set to join captain Alvaro Morata in a three-man attack. Both Olmo and Mikel Merino will be pushing to start ahead of Pedri in centre-midfield, but the latter is still expected to continue in the first XI alongside Rodri and Fabian Ruiz. Nacho Fernandez has recovered from a minor foot injury to make himself available for selection, but he is unlikely to displace either of Le Normand or Aymeric Laporte in central defence, while Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should continue as full-backs.

Spain probable lineup (4-3-3):
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams

Our view: It will be a tight affair between the 2 super powers. No more than two goals have been scored in their past six of the last seven encounters in all competitions. It could even go down to penalties to decide who progress to the semi-final.

Final score: Draw 1-1 (Germany wins on penalties)

02/07/2024

Round of 16: Austria vs Turkey (3Jul)

Austria: Austria have qualified for the knockout stages of a major tournament for only a fourth time, also doing so at the 1934 and 1954 World Cups and Euro 2020, losing 2-1 to Italy in the round of 16 in the latter. So it is hardly like the pressure is on, but given their displays so far, there is a feeling they can really go deep in this tournament. Since Rangnick took charge in June 2022, only three European nations - Portugal, Netherlands and Spain - can boast a higher win percentage, with one notable victory taking place in a friendly fixture just over three months ago. Wolfsburg winger Patrick Wimmer must serve a suspension. Either Konrad Laimer or Christoph Baumgartner should therefore step up from the bench. Record caps-holder Marko Arnautovic will battles it out with Michael Gregoritsch to spearhead an aggressive attack, while any two from Max Wober, Kevin Danso, Gernot Trauner and Philipp Lienhart will start in central defence.

Austria probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic

Turkey: This is Turkey third time to reach the Euros knockouts, after 2000 and 2008. However, they have yet to win a knockout tie in 120 minutes in the competition. They progressed past Croatia in the quarters on penalties 16 years ago, before losing 3-2 to Germany in the last four. But this new generation holds no fear. Abdulkerim Bardakci is back from suspension and should join Merih Demiral at the heart of Turkey's back four, with Vienna-born Mert Muldur likely to feature at right-back; left-back Ferdi Kadioglu created more chances from open play than any other player during the group stage. In midfield, Okay Yokuslu, Kaan Ayhan and Orkun Kokcu are all vying to replace the influential Calhanoglu. Should Juventus star Kenan Yildiz (19 years and 59 days) and Real Madrid's Arda Guler (19 years and 128 days) both be selected, it will be just the second time any nation has started two teenagers in a knockout game at the Euros. Some 10 players are walking a tightrope in terms of suspension, with each only one yellow card away from missing a potential quarter-final - Yildiz and Guler being the most notable.

Turkey probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Gunok; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Yokuslu; Kahveci, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz

Our view: A talented Turkish squad possess the tools to unlock almost any opponent and this could come handy when dealing with the Austrian press. There will be end to end actions however it will be very close battle

Final score: Turkey 3-2

02/07/2024

Round of 16: Romania vs Netherlands (3Jul)

Romania: This is the first time Romania have reached the knockout stage of a major tournament (World Cup/Euros) since Euro 2000, when they were eliminated by Italy at the quarter-final stage. Romania have only progressed from one knockout tie in major competitions in their history, beating Argentina 3-2 in the 1994 World Cup last 16. Romania boss Iordanescu, who has lost left-back Nicusor Bancu to an accumulation of yellow cards; the 31-year-old was cautioned for the second time in the group stage against Slovakia. Right-back Vasile Mogos and Deian Sorescu - who is more comfortable in an attacking role - are considered the two main contenders to replace Bancu, and the former could be given the nod owing to his defensive nous, thereby shifting Andrei Ratiu out to the left. On a brighter note, two-goal man Marin has been training fully after a brief period on the sidelines due to overload, and Iordanescu has the best kind of attacking dilemma, where Ianis Hagi, Dennis Man, Florinel Coman and Valentin Mihaila are all battling for two spots either side of Denis Dragus.

Romania probable lineup (4-3-3):
Nita; Mogos, Dragusin, Burca, Ratiu; R. Marin, S. Marin, Stanciu; Hagi, Dragus, Coman

Netherlands: The Netherlands have lost each of their last three knockout-stage matches at the UEFA European Championship, beaten by Portugal in the 2004 semi-finals, Russia in the 2008 quarter-finals, and Czech Republic in the last 16 of Euro 2020. They could become only the second nation to lose four consecutive knockout matches in the tournament’s history, after Yugoslavia from 1968 to 2000. All the Dutch players should be available for selection in Munich, but a tactical change is expected in midfield, after Joey Veerman was sacrificed after just 35 minutes of the final group loss to Austria. The PSV Eindhoven man - who cut a crestfallen figure on the bench - will surely drop out for returning star Simons, whose recall will push Tijjani Reijnders into a deeper role alongside Jerdy Schouten, who will miss any quarter-final if he is cautioned on Tuesday. In-demand Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee is now training fully once more following a brief illness, but having broken his Euros duck last time out, Memphis Depay's spot in attack is surely safe as the 46-goal man chases down Robin van Persie's all-time men's record of 50 for the Netherlands national team.

Netherlands probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Reijnders, Schouten; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay

Our view: Romania loss to a disappointing Belgium side showed that the big boys can still expose their frailties, and they had two goalkeeping errors to thank for their opening success over Ukraine in the group phase. While the Netherlands have not shown what they are truly capable of so far, however their experience could be good enough to see them thru to the quarter-final.

Final score: Netherland 1-0

01/07/2024

Round of 16: Portugal vs Slovenia (2Jul)

Portugal: Portugal may have topped Group F at Euro 2024 but Roberto Martínez will still want more from his side when they meet Slovenia for their last-16 clash on Monday in Frankfurt. Roberto Martinez will recall a number of key men for Monday's game, with Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Vitinha among them. However, Ronaldo has not found the net in any of his last seven tournament appearances - his longest such drought across the Euros and World Cup - and has had 19 shots in both competitions since last scoring versus Ghana at Qatar 2022; Goncalo Ramos waits patiently in the wings. After picking up two yellow cards - both for diving - Rafael Leao will be available and could start on the Selecao's left wing; Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceicao have both worked their way into contention, though. Five Portuguese players would miss out on the quarter-finals if booked again: Ronaldo, Francisco Conceicao, Joao Palhinha, Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves.

Portugal probable lineup (4-3-3):
Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, Palhinha, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Leao

Slovenia: Slovenia will play their first-ever match in the knockout stages at a major tournament. Slovenia coach Matjaž Kek will likely task Adam Gnezda Cerin with stopping the creative Vitinha on Monday. The midfielder made more high-intensity pressures (196) than any other player in the group stage, while only Georgia’s Giorgi Kochorashvili (161) made more specifically in the defensive half than Gnezda Cerin (148). Another resolute defensive showing can be expected in Frankfurt, too, as Slovenia have averaged just 32% of the ball so far in this competition. With a full squad available now that Sturm Graz midfielder Tomi Horvat has returned to Germany after the birth of his daughter, Kek's sole change could see Jure Balkovec replace the suspended Erik Janza at left-back.
Slovenia need more from their forward pair. Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko started all three Group C but they’re yet to score from a combined 12 shots between them.

Slovenia probable lineup (4-4-2):
Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko

Our view: The outcome will lies in whether Slovenia hardworking defence can handle the huge fire power from Portugal. The underdogs will sacrifice possession to their opponents and hit on the break thru the paces of the front 2. This match could end in penalties which Oblak will come out on top of it.

Final score: Draw 0-0 (Slovenia win on penalties)

01/07/2024

Round of 16: France vs Belgium (2Jul)

France: France went into Euro 2024 among the favourites to win the whole thing given the talent at their disposal and recent pedigree in major international tournaments. However, they also only managed to finish as runners-up in their group as surprise package Austria topped the section. Mbappe will undoubtedly be fine to spearhead the France charge here, and Deschamps is expected to have every single one of his troops available to him. The France boss opted to demote Antoine Griezmann to the bench for the final Group D draw, but an immediate return to the first XI is on the cards for the Atletico Madrid man, whose reinstatement should see France revert to their 4-2-3-1 shape. Who is sacrificed for Griezmann is the subject of much speculation, but Adrien Rabiot has reportedly been rehearsing on the left during training, so Bradley Barcola will likely be demoted to the bench. In addition, Deschamps is also expected to axe the under-performing Ousmane Dembele and instead go for a 4-3-1-2 formation, which would see Marcus Thuram reinstated to the tip of the attack alongside Mbappe. Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate suffered a recent knee injury scare, but there would have been no chance of the defender displacing William Saliba or Dayot Upamecano either way.

France probable lineup (4-3-1-2):
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Thuram, Mbappe

Belgium: The Red Devils will be appearing in the knockout stage of a third consecutive European Championship, having reached the quarter-finals at both Euro 2016 and Euro 2020. the Belgians have scored just three goals in six games across the last two major tournaments (2022 World Cup & Euro 2024). Belgium head coach Tedesco will have Dodi Lukebakio back at his disposal on Monday following his suspension and could recall the Sevilla man to the XI at the expense of Leandro Trossard, who was ineffective against Ukraine, but Yannick Carrasco was a threat last time out and is a contender too. Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier remain the only two injury concerns for Tedesco to contend with, and while both are heading in the right direction with their respective recoveries, neither should be involved in Dusseldorf. Tedesco's defensive dilemma would be further complicated if Wout Faes picks up a suspension-inducing yellow card on Monday, but the Leicester City man did himself justice last week with a goal-saving block to deny Ukraine's Artem Dovbyk and is a guaranteed starter regardless.

Belgium probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Carrasco; Lukaku

Our view: While both countries possess an incredible amount of attacking firepower, however goal conversion has been poor which give rise to a dull affair. Kylian Mbappe could be the key to unlock the Red Devil's defense and a single goal could be enough to send the Les Bleus thru to the quarter-final

Final score: France 1-0

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