Spain vs Germany, Friday 5pm
An absolutely sensational showdown kicked off the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. This red In the 4-1 win, he took 35 shots and had a ball possession rate of 75%. In that victory, Rodri returned from a suspension and scored the equalizer after Spain fell behind in the 18th minute.
It remains to be seen whether one or both will be available for Stuttgart with both Nacho and Ayoze Perez having fitness issues due to their debuts in Sunday’s game. That said, neither will start in Luis de la Fuente’s side, with the Spanish boss named in his preferred starting XI. Dani Olmo is vying for a starting spot after coming on as a substitute and scoring at the weekend and has replaced Pedri twice in the second half of Euro 2024 so far.
In Germany, Jonathan Tah returned from suspension and missed Germany’s 2-0 victory over Denmark. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is expected to return to the home side, although it will be difficult for Nico Schloterback who was outstanding in Dortmund on Saturday night. Antonio Rudiger has also recovered from a minor knock to his thigh and started at centre-back, showing no ill effects and is expected to keep his place.
Some German fans were hoping for Kai Havertz to be dropped in the last 16, but his penalty goal and all-round performance in the 2-0 win meant the Arsenal man should retain his place with Nicklas Fee Kruger was forced to compromise and sit on the bench again. Like De La Fuente, Julian Nagelsmann has his preferred XI and is unlikely to make any unforced changes. Prediction: Spain advances
Portugal v France, Friday 8pm
This week, goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the hero for Roberto Martinez’s side as Portugal needed a penalty shootout to beat Slovenia in the last 16. Not only did Costa save three penalties in the shootout, but he also expertly saved Benjamin Cescó’s winning goal late in the second half of overtime.
Rafael Leao, who returned from suspension in this hard-earned win, should retain his place on the left, while Martinez is unlikely to make any in the quarter-finals against France Change. Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty against Slovenia and has yet to score at Euro 2024 despite taking more shots than any other player (20), is likely to Will keep his position as he hopes to end his slump.
Deschamps needs to make at least one change after Adrien Rabiot picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in the 1-0 win over Belgium. Deschamps adopted a 4-3-3 formation in that game, and France won with Vertonghen’s last-minute own goal. France have yet to find their stride, scoring just three goals in four games: two own goals and a penalty. Deschamps may revert to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation against Portugal in Hamburg.
Ousmane Dembélé is likely to return to the team, Antoine Griezmann will serve as the No. 10 player, and N’Golo Kante and Aureliano Chumeny will serve as the core of the midfield. Nonetheless, Randall Kolo Muani came on as a substitute in Dusseldorf and it was his shot that beat Vertonghen and past Koen Castiels to seal France’s victory. Deschamps may be tempted to replace Marcus Thuram with the 25-year-old, who is yet to score or assist at the World Cup despite having 11 shots on goal. Prediction: France advance
England v Switzerland, Saturday 5pm
Jude Bellingham’s stunning late equalizer sent England’s last 16 tie against Slovakia into extra time as Harry Kane sealed a place in the quarter-finals. They will face Switzerland on Saturday but will miss Marc Gay through suspension. Ezri Konsa is likely to take up a place in the backline, with Gareth Southgate likely to move to a back three.
Kyle Walker can play at right centre-back, but it remains to be seen who will be at left-back. Bukayo Saka was moved to left-back against Slovenia, while Luke Shaw returned to training. Playing the Manchester United full-back straight on for the first time since February would be risky. Kieran Trippier has been England’s starting left-back at Euro 2024 but has struggled, often weakening his stronger right foot and slowing down the game.
Silvan Widmer was suspended for Switzerland’s 2-0 win over Italy last weekend but is expected to regain his place at right-back. Dan Ndoye fights for Widmer AzzurriShould play a more familiar attacking role against England in Dusseldorf.
This could see Fabian Rieder exit the team. Head coach Murat Yakin has a further choice issue up front as he weighs up Breel Embolo or London-born Kwadwo Duah ) should lead the team against England. But don’t expect Yakin to make wholesale changes to people or systems. Prediction: Switzerland advances
Netherlands v Türkiye, Saturday 8pm
The Netherlands produced an impressive performance to beat Romania 3-0 on Tuesday night thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Donyel Mullen. orange Reached the last eight. Ronald Koeman has no injury or suspension concerns for Berlin’s game against Türkiye. He may be tempted to change his attack, with double-goal substitute Mullen taking over from Steven Bergwijn on the right.
Turkey gave us a game of this World Cup, beating Austria 2-1 on Monday night to advance into this showdown in Berlin. Merih Demiral, who had scored just two goals in 47 appearances for his country before the game, scored twice to help Turkey reach the quarter-finals, but the centre-back’s celebrations in Leipzig left UEFA Got into trouble.
Vincenzo Montella can welcome the return of captain Hakan Calhanoglu and centre-back Samet Akedin, both of whom were suspended for the win over Austria. However, the Turkish coach will have to cope with the absence of Olkun Cocu and Ismail Juksek. After sticking to a 4-2-3-1 formation in the group stage, Montella used a three-man defense against Austria and may stick with this system against the Netherlands as well. Prediction: Netherlands advance
