The Euro 2020 competition has advanced to the knockout stage and eliminations are underway. The Round of 16 began on Saturday, June 26 and teams have begun securing their spot in the quarterfinals.
The tournament featured 24 teams playing in six groups with 16 advancing to the knockout stage. Eight have advanced to the quarterfinals.
Here’s a look at how the bracket is shaping up as the competition moves another round closer to crowning a champion.
Switzerland
The Swiss came from behind against France to send the game to extra time and ultimately advanced in the penalty shootout after Kylian Mbappe missed the 10th kick. Forward Haris Seferovic was crucial in Switzerland’s victory, but France’s defense struggled as the game went on. Mbappe was poor from the field as well, missing several good chances. Switzerland will carry a lot confidence into the match against Spain knowing it has just taken out the defending world champions.
Spain
Spain was involved in arguably the wildest game of Euro 2020 in a 5-3 thriller vs. Croatia. The Spanish gave up a calamitous own goal early but stormed back with three goals only to see Croatia draw level in the waning minutes of the match. Alvaro Morata provided the winner in overtime and Spain added another goal for good measure to cap off a crazy contest.
Italy
The Italians are playing dynamic soccer at the moment, but needed extra time to break down a tough Austria unit 2-1. Ciro Immobile and Matteo Pessina continue to guide the Azzurri along, but will they be able to maintain their defensive record against a more talented offensive team?
Belgium
Belgium took out the reigning European champions Portugal 1-0 on Thorgan Hazard’s brilliant finish. This is a matchup of two tournament favorites and will be features some of the best attacking players in the world. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will have to be at their best for Belgium to beat Italy.
Czech Republic
The Czechs pulled off a stunning upset of the Netherlands after the Dutch went down to 10 men on Matthijs de Ligt’s handball. Patrik Schick is a great attacker for Czech Republic and the team has controlled the midfield well in this tournament.
Denmark
Denmark needed a blowout win over Russia in the last group game to qualify for the knockout round and then thoroughly beat Wales in the Round of 16. Despite losing star Christian Eriksen after a scary incident in the opening match, the Danes are rallying around him and finding their form. Could this be the Euro 2020 team of destiny?
England
The Three Lions overcome early struggles to put away Germany with a pair of goals in the final 20 minutes of match time and advance to the quarterfinals. Raheem Sterling broke up a 0-0 match with a goal in the 75th minute and Harry Kane scored his first ever European Championship goal to secure the victory. England has a lot of bad Euro history to overcome and this win over Germany was a big first step.
Ukraine
A red card in extra time left Sweden a man down the final 23 minutes of the match and Ukraine put him the winner in stoppage time of extra time. This is only the third Euro tournament for Ukraine and the first time the nation has advanced to the knockout stage. Suffice to say, this was a huge win.
