The quarter-final lineup at UEFA Euro 2024 is now officially set. Defending Champions Italy and Belgium are out, while Turkiye and Switzerland have emerged as the tournament underdogs ready to challenge the big boys for Europe’s most prestigious trophy — the Henry Delaunay Cup.
Eight teams will be vying for glory in Germany. Among them are traditional powerhouses and emerging forces, each with their unique journey to this stage.
The draw for the knockout stages is pre-determined, leaving the road to the final in Berlin clear for each team.
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Quarter Finals Review
Germany vs Spain
Friday, July 5 — 7 pm (EAT)
Leading the pack is Spain, unbeaten and vying for their fourth EURO championship, propelled by emerging talents like Lamine Yamal — the youngest player to feature in the competition — and experienced players like Álvaro Morata. Their upcoming match against hosts Germany is set to be a standout moment, displaying a mix of veteran expertise and youthful energy under the guidance of their gaffer Luis de la Fuente.
La Roja are arguably the new favourites to win the Euros after breezing through their group, where they scored four goals against Georgia in their last-16 tie. But hosts Germany, eager to relive their summer fairytale World Cup 2006 victory, stand in their way of advancing in the quarters, after they knocked out Denmark in controversial circumstances.
Germany, the hosts, have impressed with their attacking prowess, led by Jamal Musiala’s goal-scoring exploits. Under Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical guidance, they seek to add to their impressive EURO pedigree, facing a formidable Spanish challenge in the quarter-finals.
France vs Portugal
Friday, July 5 — 10 pm (EAT)
Portugal, led by Roberto Martínez, has overcome the odds to remain in the tournament, overcoming Slovenia in a tense penalty shootout. With experienced veterans in the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, they face a stern test against France, who, despite a shaky start, boast talents like Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola under the experienced leadership of Didier Deschamps.
Portugal faced France on Monday night after being pushed to penalties by Slovenia. Les Bleus narrowly avoided extra time against Belgium, benefiting from a late own goal by Jan Vertonghen.
England vs Switzerland
Saturday, July 6 — 7 pm (EAT)
Rounding out the quarter-finals are England, led by Gareth Southgate, whose team has shown flashes of brilliance from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
England squeezed into the quarters by defeating Slovakia on Sunday, courtesy of a late Jude Bellingham wonder strike before Harry Kane’s early extra-time winner. They will play underdogs Switzerland after their comfortable win over a disappointing Italy side that saw the defending champions bungled out of the competition.
Former Arsenal star, Granit Xhaka, will be leading the Swiss charge, with in-form striker Breel Embolo aiming to net his second goal of the tournament.
Netherlands vs Turkiye
Saturday, July 6 — 10 pm (EAT)
The Netherlands will have Memphis Depay’s leadership upfront and the emergence of young talents like Cody Gakpo, to thank for making it this far on in the Euro 2024.
The Netherlands, winners in 1988, beat Romania 3-0 on Tuesday night, to book their last-eight place, where they will square it out with Turkey after the latter’s thrilling defeat of Austria in Leipzig. Turkey’s strength lies in its midfield, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu and emerging star Arda Güler, proving a menace to defenders.
The stage is set for the final in Berlin on July 14, and the road ahead promises to be exhilarating as Europe’s top teams battle it out to etch their name in history.
