Euro 2024: The last 16 predictions

The bottom eight teams. 16 left.

The lack of risk in the 24-team competition was evident in the final round of group stage matches at Euro 2024, with a third of the sides qualifying from the first round.

While the group stage in Germany is doing well after a very fast start, it has now entered a make-or-break zone. Knockout Ball is exciting!

The last 16 have made many good ties. There are blockbusters, scope for upsets, and the chance for underdogs to enjoy a deep run. We should have a lot of fun in these four days when the first round of clicks appear.

Here we are 90 min predictions for the Last 16 in Euro 2024.

Saturday 29th June

The teams will meet in the last 16 on Saturday evening as they will face the runners-up in Group A in Switzerland. Italy so far it's not clear this summer, although it wasn't expected for the Azzurri going into this tournament. They would have bowed out of the competition had it not been for Mattia Zaccagni's goal that ended Croatia's draw on matchday three.

Instead, Switzerland have produced a typical Swiss campaign so far and come within minutes of topping Group A. Many will favor Murat Yakin's side to knock out the managers here, but Italy's work off the ball should not be overlooked. It could be a slogan.

Switzerland will face it Denmark later on Saturday had it not been for Niclas Fullkrug's late header. Borussia Dortmund struck late in their third game of the match to confirm In Germanyhappy with their first 180 minutes of the tournament, they topped Group A.

The hosts will face the Danes in Dortmund to complete the first day of the playoffs. Denmark, who reached the semi-finals three years ago, remain punchy and effective, but they still lack the edge to make the cut in the final third.

Sunday 30 June

Georgia's unexpected victory over Portugal means In England will face each other Slovakia on Sunday, they were previously looking at the round of 16 with the Dutch instead.

Slovakia, however, will prove a strong opposition to this flat and uneven Three Lions outfit. Francesco Calzano has built his side in the image of Napoli's Luciano Spalletti. Their high press and solid build-up could catch England, that's for sure. Gareth Southgate's side need to improve on their lackluster performance in the group stages, but still topped Group C.

There are many stories to be told about the night game as the team that will enter the group stage is facing the story of the competition so far. Spain topped the tough Group B without dropping a point; the wind passes through Italy and Croatia, while Georgiawith a memorable 2-0 win over Portugal, they progressed to the knockout stages of their first major tournament.

The Spaniards played very well and are now being tipped by many to go all the way, but they must be smart about themselves against a Georgia side that thrives in transition.

Monday 1 July

France again In Belgium they met in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, but it's fair to say that neither side is as impressive as they were in Russia six years ago.

The Belgians were in good health against Romania on matchday two, but the result shows that they are relegated to Group E against Ukraine and saw the fans turn their backs. The boos are at full blast, and any positive momentum seems to have died down.

As for France, you'd like to think it's coming. It's been a tough watch so far, but they've created more chances than England's similar style. Les Bleus usually save their best work for the knockout stages, and now is the time for them to kick into gear.

A is rotated In Portugal The team was defeated by Georgia last week in what was the biggest upset in the history of the tournament according to FIFA rankings. Roberto Martinez will return his starting players for Monday's last 16 match against a Slovenia the team that frustrated England on Tuesday and will show opposition in the 4-4-2 in the middle of the block

Tuesday 2 July

The round of 16 concludes on Tuesday, but fear not, there are bands to enjoy. Why? Well, the In the Netherlands they were upset in the first game as they will face the winners of Group E Romania.

Ronald Koeman is working his magic and the Dutch are struggling in Germany. Defeat to dark horses Austria on day three dropped Koeman's men to third place in Group D. Romania, who stunned Ukraine to open the tournament and earned a point against Slovakia at the top of their group, will be licking their lips.

Then, to wrap up the last 16, we have to get into the entertainment there In Austria face garlic. Only Spain and perhaps Germany have performed better than Ralf Rangnick's Austrians this summer, as their wins over Poland and the Netherlands saw them top Group C ahead of France.

Austria have scored six points in their last two wins, and will face a defensively flawed Turkey side with plenty of talent going forward. There must be goals in this.

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