As the Euro 2024 competition moves forward, the excitement and intensity are reaching fever pitch as we approach the highly anticipated Euro 2024 Quarter Final stage. With the group stages and Round of 16 having provided no shortage of drama, surprises, and spectacular performances, the quarter-finals promise to elevate the excitement to new heights.
The Euro 2024 Quarter Final matches bring together some of the biggest names and most storied nations in football. Each match-up is fascinating, putting historical foes and forever competitors against one another in a bid for continental dominance. The stakes are higher than ever, with each side now only three wins away from European glory.
Here, we preview the key battles, star players, and potential storylines that promise to make the Euro 2024 Quarter Final a thrilling spectacle.
Spain vs Germany
Germany will face fellow championship contender Spain in their mouth-watering Euro 2024 quarter final showdown on Friday. The hosts will have their chance to take revenge for the Euro 2008 final, when Fernando Torres’s goal shattered the dream of the Germans. But this time the stage will be set in Germany’s backyard, the Stuttgart Arena, where the two teams already played in 2017. Football fans around the world are more than enthusiastic about this big clash.
Spain and Germany are tied with the most Euro titles, 3 each. One will continue on their journey to be the King of Europe for the next four years. Both teams had topped their groups, but it was Spain that got the perfect record, securing 9 points in the group stages. After beating their opponent comfortably in the round of 16, the two great teams will meet for a spot in the semifinals of Euro 2024.
Portugal vs France
Portugal vs. France is another exciting battle in the Euro 2024 quarter finals. This fixture takes us to the 2016 Euro Final, when Portugal defeated France 1-0 at home, thanks to Eder’s extra-time goal, which gave Portugal their first international trophy. Who can forget that moment when Cristiano Ronaldo left the field in tears following his injury in the 25th minute of the game and spent all the time on the lines supporting his team?
We have seen similar tears from Cristiano when Juan Oblak saved his penalty in extra time, but later he took his chance again and scored the first one in the penalty shootout and apologized to the fans right away. But it was Diego Costa, who was the hero of Portugal, who saved all three penalties for Portugal and led them to the Euro 2024 quarter final.
France, a finalist in the Euro 2016 competition, the 2018 World Cup champion, and the 2022 silver medalist in Qatar, has been exceptional in recent international competitions. Despite not being at their best, they are confident once again. They have yet to score in Euro 2024 and missed the title by a narrow margin in 2016. Will Mbappe and company defeat Cristiano’s Portugal and secure their spot to face Germany or Spain in the semifinals?
England vs Switzerland
England look set to play a back-three against Switzerland in their Euro 2024 quarter final on Saturday. After battling their way to the top of Group C, Gareth Southgate’s team narrowly avoided an overwhelming fright against Slovakia in the Round of 16. In 120 minutes of football, they only mustered two shots on goal; only Jude Bellingham’s solo heroics saved them from potentially disastrous consequences.
Switzerland, on the other hand, has impressed. Their one deficit came via a header by Niclas Füllkrug in the final minute, which kept them from winning Group A. They then thoroughly outperformed defending champion Italy in the Round of 16.
Without question, Switzerland will be the most formidable opponent England has encountered. This is going to be a tough game, given how the Three Lions have performed in their previous encounters against inferior opponents.
In the last 5 matches, these two played with each other, and it was England who came up front every time. Will the Swiss break the deadlock this time and keep their hopes alive in Euro 2024?
Netherland vs Turkiye
In the round of 16, the Netherlands easily defeated Romania 3-0, but hours later, a resilient Turkish team defeated Austria to set up an exciting quarterfinal match in Berlin on Saturday.
The Dutch will probably see more of the same in Berlin’s Olympiastadion, with lots of young talent on display. The Dutch have been dominating possession against Romania and Turkey, happy to let Austria have the ball and strike them on the break.
Arda Guler of Turkey has shown maturity much beyond his 19 years of age. He is a calm and skilled player who provides an outlet for his team’s counterattacks and assisted in the second goal against Austria, confirming their seat in the Euro 2024 quarter final.
Similar results were produced by Dutch winger Xavi Simons, who assisted the first goal for Cody Gakpo on the right wing against the Romanians.
The idea of a repeat of Euro 2008, where they reached the semi-finals, has Turkish supporters in Germany going crazy, despite the fact that the Dutch now seem to be clicking.
