Euro 2016: Knockout Stages Preview
The fixtures for the knockout stages have been announced and after some last minute drama on the last day of the group stages and last gasp math to determine who qualifies and who does not we finally have our last 16 and there have definitely been surprises. Both Ireland's have certaily been a shock to qualify along with Iceland and Belgium. Wales topping their group along with Croatia and Hungary as well means that the draw was pretty one sided favoring the smaller teams who have never won, The Dark Horses!
One one side there are the dark horses while on the other we have the favorites.
My Predictions-
Switzerland 1-0 Poland Germany 2-1 Slovakia
Croatia 2-1 Portugal Italy 1-2 Spain (Extra time)
Wales 2-0 Northern Ireland France 2-0 Ireland
Hungary 0-2 Belgium England 1-0 Iceland
First of all i do believe that Poland do certainly have a solid back line but their strikers have not been at their best and Switzerland have scraped through but even they have looked solid and the pass master Xhaka will be the difference running the show in the middle of the park and dictating the tempo
Arsenal new-boy Xhaka might prove to be the difference against Poland
Croatia have emerged to be the in-form side of the tournament so far and played some fantastic football with Rakitic, Modric and Perisic showing their class to beat Spain. Their defense marshaled by Darijo Srna has also been tremendous. Portugal on the other hand scraped through with 3 draws in a group including Hungary, Iceland and Austria and did not play well. Against Austria and Iceland their attack was misfiring and they let in 3 goals against Hungary. Their attack is so deadly that it is bound to score and hence they will just lose out to Croatia. Ronaldo will probably score though but once again miss a bundle of chances. The misfiring striker has only performed in one match so far and maybe there is a glimmer of hope for more from him.
Croatia should have the upper hand against a below-par Portugal
Wales have shown that they are more than just Gareth Bale and everyone has chipped in with superb performances and with a strong team unity they are emerging as dark horses. Their best performance came against Russia when they demolished them 3-0 and they seem to be peaking at the right time. Northern Ireland have done well to get here but that wouldnt be the case without their keeper and will really struggle against Bale and co.
Wales have emerged as a shock challenger for the trophy and their superstar Gareth Bale is in tremendous form
Belgium recovered well to win their last 2 games in Group E and their attacking prowess has been highlighted well with their attackers seeming to get into a good rhythm. They should have too much quality for shock group winners Hungary who have played well so far but were dearly exposed against Portugal.
Belgium have a lot of talent but can they deliver when it matters most?
Germany have not played at the level of Brazil 2 years ago. The same efficiency has been there with their pass masters doing well but the clinical edge has been missing since Klose retired 2 years ago and they have dearly missed the leadership of Philip Lahm. Their defense has still been impeccable and if they find a striker who takes their chances then they can really reach the highs. Slovakia, who have been decent so far, mainly because of Hamsik will just be totally outclassed.
Germany have not hit top gear yet.
The repeat of the final 4 years ago proves to be a mouth watering contest and both Spain and Italy have played well at times throughout the tournament. Both teams have mean defenses and will be hard to score against. Italy have played well on the counter but not against opposition of Spain's calibre and the loss to Ireland may have dented their morale and halted the momentum. Spain seemed to have found a number 9 to finish of th e chances created by Iniesta and Fabregas and the presence of an in-form striker will give them the edge.
Morata may prove too be the difference once again
The hosts France have not been at their best but do have impact players who can make a real difference. Pogba and Griezmann need to get firing if les bleus are to go all the way. Payet and Kante have been outstanding and will be running the show once again. Ireland were hammered 3-0 by Belgium and i expect a similar scoreling against a young and dynamic French team.
France will need to improve if they want to win the title on home soil
England are quite lucky not to be facing Portugal after Iceland's last minute winner sealed 2nd spot for them. They have played some brilliant football but similar to other big sides have lacked a cutting edge and someone to finish their chances. They must be kicking themselves for not beating Slovakia because otherwise they could have got the easier side of the draw but they will have to tough it out. Iceland have played brilliantly so far but since they could only must a 0-0 draw with a hapless Portugal i dont expect their run to continue against England.
England need to start taking their chances
With at least one underdog qualifying for the final, i predict that Belgium will beat Wales in the quarters and face Croatia in the semis and win based on their attacking qualities. That is why i still believe that the Red Devils will win the trophy as it is all about peaking at the right time! There it is my predictions for what should be a thrilling knockout round with some dark horses possibly feeling that they have a real chance to win the trophy. Like, Comment and Subscribe if you enjoyed the content. :)
-Zorawar
