The first knockout round of the ongoing EURO 2020 tournament came to an end on Wednesday, June 30th. The Round of 16 featured some thrilling encounters and finally, eight teams have qualified for the quarterfinals of this year European Championship. Hot favorite Belgium knocked out reigning champion Portugal, while Switzerland stunned 2018 World Cup winner France in a penalty shootout. Therefore, we can expect more exciting matches in the quarter-finals stage. The second knockout round of the competition will start on July 2nd (Friday). The teams who qualified for the UEFA EURO 2020 quarterfinals and fixtures has been discussed in this article.
UEFA EURO 2020 Quarter-Finalists
Eight teams have qualified for the quarterfinals in the 16th edition of the European Football Championship. Let’s see who have advanced to the second knock-out round of the tournament.
Wales vs. Denmark
There was a lot of expectation from Gareth Bale’s Wales side prior to their Round of 16 clash against Denmark. But Wales were comprehensively outplayed by Denmark in the Amsterdam stadium in the Netherlands, and eventually lost 4-0. The game was fairly one-sided, as Denmark took complete control after taking an early lead. Denmark’s top player was Kasper Dolberg, who scored two goals in the 27th and 48th minutes.
Italy vs Austria
Result: Italy win 2-1(Extra Time)
The four-time World Cup champion Italy had a fantastic time in the group stage but labored in their first knockout round encounter against Austria. Italy had to play extra time to qualify for the quarter-finals. Federico Chiesa (95) and Matteo Pessina (105) both scored in the 2-1 victory for Italy over Austria.
Netherlands vs Czech Republic
Result: Czech Republic win 2-0
The Czech Republic upset the Netherlands in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory. The Netherlands were expecting a comprehensive victory, but the Czech Republic had other ideas, and they were keen to make a statement in the encounter. However, the Czech Republic had the advantage after Matthijs de Light’s red card in the 55th minute.
Belgium vs Portugal
Result: Belgium win 1-0
Belgium midfielder Throgan Hazard’s stunning goal rocked the reigning European Champion Portugal and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Hazard’s lone goal in the 42nd minute was enough to knock Portugal out of the competition.
Croatia vs Spain
Result: Spain win 5-3 (Extra Time)
It was one of the most thrilling Round of 16 games. Croatia surprisingly leveled the score in injury time, but ultimately lost the match 5-3 after extra time. The 2010 World Cup champion Spain now seems to have a good chance to reach the final.
France vs Switzerland
Result: Switzerland win 5-4 (Penalty shootout)
It was the most shocking result in the Round of 16 stage because France were the favorite to win this year’s European tournament. First and foremost, scoring three goals against France was a significant accomplishment, and later Switzerland went on to win the match in a penalty shootout.
England vs Germany
Result: England win 2-0
This English national team is regarded as one of the best in their football history, therefore there is a lot of expectation from the British fans. The ‘Three Lions’ beat Germany 2-0 in the tournament’s first knockout stage, thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.
Sweden vs Ukraine
Result: Ukraine win 2-1 (Extra Time)
Ukraine emerged victorious in the final Round of 16 fixtures on Tuesday. They have advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Sweden 2-1 in extra time. Ukraine will face one of the favorites England in the next round.
Bottom Line
We saw several upsets in the UEFA EURO 2020 round of 16, which makes the tournament even more intriguing for everyone. Among the hot favorites, only Belgium and England still remain in the competition. However, we can anticipate the deserving national team to win the trophy in the end.There will not be easy games in the quarterfinals. The teams must give it their all to advance to the semi-finals.
Source: United News of Bangladesh