TEMPO.CO, Frankfurt - The line-up for the round of 16 at the European Championship in Germany is complete.
Here is a quick guide to the eight games which get underway on Saturday.
SWITZERLAND vs ITALY
June 29 – Berlin, 18:00
Switzerland impressed in the pool stages with their usual efficiency, while defending champions Italy stumbled into the last 16, though both teams were runners-up in their respective pools. The Swiss ousted France via penalties at this stage following a thrilling 3-3 draw in 2021 and will be similarly difficult to beat. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti feels his team are improving with each game, though. Five of the last six meetings between the sides have finished in draws and Switzerland’s last win over Italy was in 1993.
GERMANY vs DENMARK
June 29 – Dortmund, 21:00
Hosts Germany topped Group A with seven points while Denmark advanced to second place in Group C despite drawing all three games. Germany have scored more goals (8), had more possession (64.3%), and the best passing accuracy (93%) of any side as they extended their unbeaten run to seven games. Denmark will be underdogs but reached the semi-finals three years ago, where they lost in extra time to England.
ENGLAND vs SLOVAKIA
June 30 – Gelsenkirchen, 18:00
England limped through the pool stages and bar a strong opening against Serbia in their first game, looked underwhelming despite the array of attacking talent at manager Gareth Southgate’s disposal. They will view this as an excellent chance to advance but will find their fired-up opponents no pushovers. England managed only 10 attempts on target in their three pool games, scoring twice. That is not a title-winning form. The teams last met in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers where England claimed 2-1 and 1-0 wins.
SPAIN vs GEORGIA
June 30 – Cologne, 21:00
Spain were the most impressive team in the group stage with three wins, five goals scored and none conceded. They have reached the semi-finals at least in three of the last four Euros finals, winning the title in 2008 and 2012. Debutants Georgia surprised Portugal 2-0 to seal their last-16 place. Spain have won the last four meetings between the sides, all since 2021, including 7-1 and 4-0 victories.
