As the group stage of UEFA EURO 2024 concludes, the tournament’s excitement continues to build. From an initial pool of 24 teams, only 16 remain, each vying for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals. Here’s a look at the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 Round of 16 matchups and the journey of some of the standout teams.
Round of 16 Fixtures
- Switzerland vs Italy (Berlin, 29 June)
- Germany vs Denmark (Dortmund, 29 June)
- England vs Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, 30 June)
- Spain vs Georgia (Cologne, 30 June)
- France vs Belgium (Düsseldorf, 1 July)
- Portugal vs Slovenia (Frankfurt, 1 July)
- Romania vs Netherlands (Munich, 2 July)
- Austria vs Türkiye (Leipzig, 2 July)
Austria: Group D Winners
- Results: 0-1 vs France, 3-1 vs Poland, 3-2 vs Netherlands
- Coach: Ralf Rangnick
- Pedigree: Best finish – Round of 16 (2020)
Austria defied expectations by topping a challenging group. After an initial loss to France, they bounced back with impressive wins over Poland and the Netherlands, showcasing a dynamic and attacking style under Ralf Rangnick. This is Austria’s best chance yet to advance beyond the Round of 16.
Belgium: Group E Runners-up
- Results: 0-1 vs Slovakia, 2-0 vs Romania, 0-0 vs Ukraine
- Coach: Domenico Tedesco
- Pedigree: Best finish – Final (1980)
Belgium had a mixed group stage but secured their place in the knockouts for a third consecutive EURO. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne showing flashes of brilliance, they face a tough challenge against France.
Denmark: Group C Runners-up
- Results: 1-1 vs Slovenia, 1-1 vs England, 0-0 vs Serbia
- Coach: Kasper Hjulmand
- Pedigree: Best finish – Winners (1992)
Denmark advanced with three draws, marking their first back-to-back EURO knockout appearances. Christian Eriksen has been instrumental, and the team aims to replicate or surpass their 2020 semi-final run.
England: Group C Winners
- Results: 1-0 vs Serbia, 1-1 vs Denmark, 0-0 vs Slovenia
- Coach: Gareth Southgate
- Pedigree: Best finish – Runners-up (2020)
England, though not at their peak, topped their group unbeaten. With stars like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in their ranks, they hope to finally lift the trophy under Gareth Southgate’s leadership.
France: Group D Runners-up
- Results: 1-0 vs Austria, 0-0 vs Netherlands, 1-1 vs Poland
- Coach: Didier Deschamps
- Pedigree: Best finish – Winners (1984, 2000)
France remains unbeaten despite not winning their group. With Kylian Mbappé leading the attack, Didier Deschamps’ team is focused on adding another EURO title to their storied history.
Georgia: Group F Third Place
- Results: 1-3 vs Türkiye, 1-1 vs Czechia, 2-0 vs Portugal
- Coach: Willy Sagnol
- Pedigree: Debut
Georgia has been the revelation of the tournament, making a historic debut with an attacking flair. Star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been outstanding, and coach Willy Sagnol has inspired confidence and ambition in the squad.
Germany: Group A Winners
- Results: 5-1 vs Scotland, 2-0 vs Hungary, 1-1 vs Switzerland
- Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
- Pedigree: Best finish – Winners (1972, 1980, 1996)
Hosts Germany began with a bang and maintained their form to top Group A. Jamal Musiala has been a standout performer, and under Julian Nagelsmann, the team looks poised for a deep run.
Italy: Group B Runners-up
- Results: 2-1 vs Albania, 0-1 vs Spain, 1-1 vs Croatia
- Coach: Luciano Spalletti
- Pedigree: Best finish – Winners (1968, 2020)
Italy left it late to qualify but secured their place with a dramatic equalizer against Croatia. The defending champions are aiming to become only the second team to win back-to-back EURO titles.
Other Notable Teams
- Netherlands: A mixed start saw them qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Ronald Koeman’s side will need to find consistency to progress further.
- Portugal: Despite a group stage loss, Portugal remains a formidable opponent with a history of knockout stage success.
- Romania: Group E winners, they will look to emulate their 2000 quarter-final run.
- Slovakia: Surprised many with their win over Belgium and aim to continue their underdog story.
- Slovenia: Made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, driven by the performances of Jan Oblak and Benjamin Šeško.
- Switzerland: Unbeaten in the group stage, they look strong and well-organized under Murat Yakin.
- Türkiye: Entered the knockouts after a thrilling win over Czechia, showing resilience and determination.
Conclusion
The stage is set for a thrilling Round of 16 at UEFA EURO 2024. Each match promises high stakes and compelling narratives as Europe’s best teams vie for glory. Will traditional powerhouses like Germany, France, and Italy assert their dominance, or will we witness more surprises from the likes of Georgia and Austria? The journey to the final in Berlin is sure to be filled with unforgettable moments and fierce competition.
