England pulls through as Italy exit: Euro 2024 Round of 16 roundup

Switzerland showed themselves as true contenders for Euro 2024, ending the Azurri reign in a convincing 2–0 win at the Olympiastadion. The in-form Ruben Vargas smoothly turned onto his right foot on the edge of the Italian box, slipping in a perfectly weighted ball for Freuler to gallop onto. Freuler then dispatched a volley that deflected off Mancini to sail past Gianluigi Donnarumma, causing the Swiss to take the lead in the first half.

As the second half commenced, Italy were held in a deep slumber. The Switzerland took advantage of Italy’s lackluster restart, and inside 30 seconds of the half, Ruben Vargas produced a simply stunning finish. Switzerland will now face England in their second European Championship quarter-final in Dusseldorf on Saturday.

The tournament’s host, Germany, continue their run at Euro 2024 thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala. Their match against Denmark was saturated with drama as both teams had goals disallowed. The game was also suspended by Michael Oliver for close to half an hour due to an array of unpredictable lightning strikes and a torrential downpour. At the end of a dramatic match up, it is Germany who booked their place in the quarter-finals against Spain in Stuttgart on Friday.

In the dying embers of the game, Jude Bellingham produced an out-of-this-world overhead kick, sending the game to extra time where a header from Harry Kane put the Red Lions through to the quarter-finals

England looked to be heading home off the back of a disappointing display in the tournament, only for Real Madrid Golden Boy Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane to propel them through to the quarter-finals. Gareth Southgate’s side looked to be taking an early flight home after Euro 2024 top-scorer Ivan Schranz put the Slovakians ahead midway through the first half, capitalising on a mix up at the back. After the interim, a perfectly weighted ball from Harry Kane for Kieran Trippier met the boot of Phil Foden, who slotted the ball home for what was thought to be an England equaliser. Nonetheless, it was called offside.

With 13 minutes to go, Phil Foden attempted to redeem himself with a class delivery into the box for Harry Kane, only for him to head it home wide. In the dying embers of the game, Jude Bellingham produced an out-of-this-world over-head kick, sending the game to extra time where a header from Harry Kane put the Red Lions through to a quarter-final match up with Switzerland on Saturday.

Spain met Georgia in the Cologne stadium for The Crusaders’ first Euro knockout game in the country’s short history. It was an unexpected start for the Georgians who shocked the world by going 1–0 ahead from a Robin Le Normand own goal in the 18th minute. However, Spain quickly found an equaliser.

As the match resumed in the second half, a spectacular Spain gained momentum to leave the knockout newcomers Georgia dejected and helpless. Further goals from Spain impressed, and the team’s youngsters shone brightly, with Lamine Yamal becoming the first teenager since Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004 to assist multiple goals in a single tournament. William Sagnol’s team exits with pride after a memorable debut tournament while Spain advance to play Germany in the last eight on Friday.

Costa became the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a European Championship shootout, sealing Portugal’s dramatic victory

France narrowly advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a 1–0 victory over Belgium, thanks to a late own goal by Jan Vertonghen. Despite another lackluster performance in attack, Les Bleus secured the crucial win in the 85th minute. Adrien Rabiot’s booking for a reckless challenge on Jeremy Doku means he’ll miss the next match. Belgium’s ineffective attack was highlighted by their poor shot conversion rate (4.2%), with only Serbia (3.8%) performing worse. For the second time this tournament, France benefited from an own goal, continuing their wait for an open-play goal at Euro 2024. France will face either Portugal in the next round.

Portugal met Slovenia in the Round of 16 in a tie that promised many goals for the Portuguese but went on until penalty shootouts, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Following a match full of chances, in the 89th minute, Ronaldo had another opportunity to avoid extra time, but Oblak’s save kept Slovenia in the game. As extra time closed, Ronaldo missed a penalty after Diogo Jota was fouled, leading to heartbreak for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

However, Costa’s heroics turned the tide, denying Sesko a crucial goal and then stopping all three Slovenian penalties. Ronaldo redeemed himself by scoring Portugal’s first penalty in the shootout. The match highlighted Oblak’s brilliance, as he made six saves during the game. Nevertheless, Costa outshone him in the end, becoming the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a European Championship shootout and sealing Portugal’s dramatic victory. Portugal will now face France for a semi-final spot on Friday.

Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a commanding 3–0 victory over Romania, thanks to a first-half strike from Cody Gakpo and a late brace from substitute Donyell Malen. The Dutch dominated the game with 23 attempts on goal. Romania, playing their first knockout game since Euro 2000, started energetically and forced the Dutch to defend deeply in the early stages. However, Gakpo, the Dutch talisman, broke the deadlock with a crisp shot past Florin Nita, marking his third goal of the tournament. Further goals from the Netherlands confirmed that they will go on to face Turkey in the quarter-finals, with the prospect of meeting England in the semi-finals.

Eight teams remain in the tournament, and the Round of 16 is set to provide more entertainment and exciting matches

Ralf Rangnick’s Austria stumbled in the first knockout round on Tuesday in Leipzig. Merih Demiral scored the fastest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history after just 57 seconds and then doubled Turkey’s lead after the interval. Michael Gregoritsch gave Austria hope with a 66th-minute strike, but Vincenzo Montella’s team, saved by last-minute heroics from Mert Günok, held on to progress to the last eight in Berlin on Saturday.

Eight teams remain in the tournament, and the Round of 16 is set to provide more entertainment and exciting matches.