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Euro Quarter-Final
The UEFA Euro 2024 quarterfinals are set to kick off on Friday, featuring a highly anticipated lineup of matches. The Euro quarter-final starts on July 5, Spain will face Germany in Stuttgart, and Portugal will take on France in Hamburg. The following day, England will play against Switzerland in Düsseldorf, and the Netherlands will face Turkey in Berlin. With national pride on the line and a chance to move one step closer to winning the Henri Delaunay Trophy, the quarterfinals are a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
Spain vs Germany
Spain and Germany Football History
Spain and Germany have gone head to head 26 times before, the most recent being in the 2022 World Cup where they ended in a 1-1 draw. In all-time records, the teams are fairly matched with Germany claiming 9 games, Spain 8 games, and 9 draws. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals the two teams faced off going over 70 minutes without scoring, only the fourth time to do so. Spain scored in the 73rd minute ending the game 0-1.
Both teams have been historically dominant in the Euros, tied for most titles with three. Germany dominated in earlier Euro history, winning in 1972, 1980, and 1996. On the other hand, Spain have been dominant more recently winning in 2008 and 2012, they also won the second tournament ever held in 1964.
Key Points Spain vs Germany – Friday, July 5th
The quarter-finals will open with two of the favorites for the tournament, host country Germany, and Spain. Spain have dominated throughout the tournament, being the only team that has won every game in the group stage. Spain is the clear defensive powerhouse, allowing only one goal in the euros so far. Even then it was an own goal, proving the Spanish have an elite defense which will be key to moving on in the tournament. Spain’s defense isn’t the only asset it has, the team has scored 9 goals in 4 games, only second to Germany with 10. An impressive 7 players have scored for the Spaniards, including Fabián Ruiz the only player to record 2 goals.
One key player for Spain will be 21-year-old Nico Williams, the young left-winger has speed, great playmaking abilities, and can capitalize on opportunities. On the other side of the field right-winger Lamine Yamal has been dominant and one of the best wingers in the tournament but has been unable to find the net. Spain is in a great spot heading into the match versus Germany but will have many obstacles to overcome if they want to make the semi-finals.
Germany have been dominant in their Euro run thus far, beating Scotland 5-1, Hungary 2-0, and securing a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in the group stage. In the round-of-16 the Germans dominated over Denmark with Kai Havertz recording a penalty kick and Jamal Musiala scoring a goal, his third of the 2024 Euro. Germany’s tendency to find the net had been key for their success, in tandem with the German home-field advantage.
After a disappointing performance in Euro 2020, midfielder Toni Kroos announced he would retire from the German National Team, however, he decided to make a comeback as the Euro Tournament was in his home country. Kroos has proved to be a pivotal veteran for Germany this year, being a leader and playmaker. Another important player for Germany is Niclas Füllkrug, scoring two goals, however, both goals came after coming off the bench. Füllkrug has yet to start for Germany despite his success. Will Nagelsmann give Füllkrug the opportunity to start or will he continue to start Havertz?
Portugal vs France
Portugal and France Football History
France and Portugal have faced off many times throughout football history, with France dominating most of the time. In 28 total games, France have won 19, while Portugal have won 6. The last time the two teams faced was in the 2020 Euros Group Stage with the game ending in a 2-2 draw. Portugal and France were both eliminated in the Round of 16 later that tournament, but still, the teams are no strangers to the Henri Delaunay Trophy. Both teams have won the tournament, Portugal recently in 2016 and France in 1984 and 2000.
Key Points Portugal vs France – Friday, July 5th
On Friday night, Portugal and France will compete for a spot in the semi-finals. Portugal who topped Group F in the group stage will face the French team that finished second in Group D. The spotlight will be on the highly anticipated duel between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé two Real Madrid icons, one a veteran and the other the club’s new transfer. This is not the first time the two players have shared the field. In the 2017-18 Champions League, Ronaldo and Madrid beat Mbappé and PSG 5-2. However, both players have severely underperformed in the tournament so far. This game could be the stage where both players find their ground and lead their team to victory.
On the Portuguese side, there is speculation about whether Gonçalo Ramos should replace Ronaldo in the starting lineup, While Ronaldo’s veteran experience is invaluable, Ramos has shown sparks of brilliance and could give the needed change to challenge France’s backline. Will Roberto Martínez choose to highlight the battle between Mbappé and Ronaldo, or give Ramos a chance?
The French manager Didier Deschamps also might consider making some changes to his lineup giving Randal Kolo Muani a chance, as Marcus Thuram has struggled to deliver so far. Thuram has not been able to make a significant impact in the competition. In the game against Belgium, Thuram had a huge chance to score in a 0-0 game however, he headed the ball and ended up being wide of the net, lacking the quality playmaking skills Deschamps needs. This could lead him to turn to Randal Kolo Muani as a potential game-changer. The young forward’s pace and agility could be the key to unraveling Portugal’s defense.
England vs Switzerland
England and Switzerland Football History
The English and Swiss have competed 27 times before with England coming out on top 19 times total. Switzerland have won 3 of those games and 5 games ended in a draw. Half of the last 10 games played were in the European Championship so both teams should be prepared to face each other. Of those 5 games, England won four and the other was a draw. Neither team have ever won the Euro but the English came close in 2020 only losing to Italy in a shootout in the finals.
Key Points England vs Switzerland – Saturday, July 6th
England and Switzerland started off the tournament with a fairly easy ride through the group stage but faced difficulties in the knockout stage. Switzerland knocked out defending champion Italy to reach their second quarter-final in a row. England just nearly lost to Slovakia but scored in stoppage to push the game to extra time. Just minutes into extra time captain Harry Kane scored a goal which led to the team advancing and Slovakia getting knocked out. Cole Palmer could be a good option to the English starting lineup, the young midfielder has shown his ability to make passes at crucial moments. His performance has opened the conversation with Gareth Southgate if Palmer deserves a starting spot.
Another change Southgate could make to the English lineup is switching Phil Foden to right-wing. Foden has struggled to make a consistent impact on the left wing, moving Foden to the right-wing could play to his strengths. This switch could also see Bukayo Saka moving to left back where he has previously excelled for both his club and country.
On the Swiss side, Remo Freuler has been a star performer for Switzerland, leading the midfield. His ability to break up offensive play and initiate opportunities has been key for the Swiss team. Freuler’s leadership will be crucial against England’s dynamic midfield, as he will need to neutralize threats and maintain possession under pressure.
If England wants to excel they will need to avoid penalties, the team’s history with penalties is relatively poor. This is paired with the presence of Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who is known for his exceptional penalty-saving abilities.
Netherlands vs Turkey
Netherlands and Turkey Football History
Turkey came into the 2024 Euros looking for revenge after finishing last in the 2020 Tournament without a single point. Turkey have already exceeded fan’s expectations for this year but will aim to bring back their first-ever Euros win. On the other hand, the Netherlands won the tournament once in 1988 but have not made it past the quarter-finals since 2008. The two teams are only semi-familiar with each other having only faced off 14 times. The Netherlands have a slightly better record winning 6 games, but Turkey have won 4. Recently, the two teams have been fairly matched going 2-2-1 in the last 5 games.
Key Points Netherlands vs Turkey – Saturday, July 6th
To close out the quarter-final the Netherlands and Turkey will face off to become the last of the four semi-finalists. Netherlands had a disappointing performance in the group stage going 1-1-1 but had an explosive game against Romania in the Round of 16 winning 0-3.
Turkey will receive a significant boost with the return of captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu who was suspended for the Austria game after receiving two yellow cards in the matches against Georgia and the Czech Republic. Çalhanoğlu’s vision and passing range make him a critical playmaker for Turkey.
Memphis Depay, who has been the lead of the Dutch attack, has struggled to find the back of the net, scoring only one goal in the tournament so far. His recent struggle to convert chances has put more pressure on the Netherlands offense. If Depay doesn’t find his scoring ability, manager Ronald Koeman may need to introduce Wout Weghorst earlier in the game. Weghorst could provide a different angle to the Dutch attack, with his physical presence, especially against a strong Turkish defense.
One of the most exciting battles will be between Dutch winger Cody Gakpo and Turkish defender Merih Demiral, both players had explosive games in the round of 16. Gapko notched a goal and an assist in the game against Romania while Demiral scored twice in the game against Austria. Gakpo’s pace, dribbling skills, and ability to cut inside and shoot make him a constant threat. Demiral, known for his tough tackling and physicality, will need to be at his best to contain Gakpo while also focusing on offensive opportunities.
At the other end of the pitch, the Turkish forward Baris Yılmaz will go head-to-head with the Netherlands’ defensive star and captain, Virgil van Dijk. Yılmaz’s speed and agility have been crucial for Turkey’s attack. Van Dijk, renowned for his aerial dominance, composure, and leadership, will aim to neutralize Yılmaz’s threat. This battle between both players will be a key factor in determining the success of Turkey’s offensive efforts.
