A quick preview of Euro 2020 Knockouts: Quarterfinals

Euro 2020 has been enthralling and full of drama. The knockout rounds have been just as good! Matches went to extra time, penalties, saw underdogs triumph, and good teams become great. That was just the round of 16, as the knockout rounds move into the quarterfinals and beyond, there’s bound to be even more craziness. Those quarterfinals kick off today. Here’s a quick preview of the Euro 2020 Knockouts: Quarterfinals.

2020 Knockouts: Quarterfinals

The final eight nations of Euro 2020 are composed of four giants of European football and four underdogs. There have already been great teams knocked out after just one round of the knockouts. Now there’s the potential for even more to be heading home. Here’s a look at the Quarterfinals matches:

Switzerland vs Spain | Friday, July 2nd @ 12:00 pm EST | ESPN
Belgium vs Italy | Friday, July 2nd @ 3:00 pm EST | ESPN
Czech Republic vs Denmark | Saturday, July 3rd @ 12:00 pm EST | ESPN
Ukraine vs England | Saturday, July 3nd @ 3:00 pm EST | ABC

These sides are going to give their all for the chance to make it to the final four of this competition. Take a look at how those round of 16 matches played out in our recap of all the action.

An in-depth look at every Euro 2020 Round of 16 match

Now, without further ado, here’s a look at the four matches and how each team has gotten to the Euro 2020 quarterfinals.

Underdog Switzerland take on rejuvenated giants Spain

Switzerland was a third-place team to make it to the Round of 16 out of Group A. They won once, lost once, and drew once. In the Round of 16, they drew France, played to a 3-3 draw, and then won a penalty shootout over the reigning world champs. Spain were runners up in Group B, winning once and drawing twice. In their first knockout round match, they were tied 3-3 with Croatia after 90 minutes but then scored two goals in extra time to get the win. Who will come out on top in this battle of the underdog and rejuvenated giants?

This match should be a knock-down drag-out affair between two teams who don’t back down. Switzerland has a real belief that they can win this whole thing after playing better than France. Spain looks like a European giant that is awakening at the right time. It’s clear that Spain will try to possess the match and keep the ball away from Switzerland so they don’t have opportunities to strike in transition.

Catch this match Friday, July 2 at 12:00 pm EST on ESPN.

Top team Belgium take on best team in tournament Italy

Belgium was a perfect team in the group stage. They won all three matches, scored seven goals, and conceded one. In the Round of 16, they took on a talented Portugal side and came out on top with a 1-0 win. Italy has been the best team at Euro 2020. They won all three group A matches, scoring seven goals and allowing none in. In the knockout rounds, they were tied with Austria 1-1 after 90 minutes, but they found the winning goal in extra time. Which of these two perfect teams will come out on top in the quarterfinals?

Both teams have had potent attacks and shut-down defense. This one will probably come down to who will be able to exploit the few attacking chances they’ll get. I wouldn’t be surprised if this match is nil-nil and goes to extra time or penalties to be decided. This could be the best game of the tournament so far with all of the quality on the field.

This match is on Friday, July 2 at 3:00 pm EST on ESPN.

Feel good stories Czech Republic and Denmark fight for Semis spot

The Czech Republic is another third-place team that went into the knockout rounds and got a win. They won one, drew one, and lost one at the group stage. The Czech team shocked the Netherlands 2-0 in a great showing for them. Denmark left things late on the final day of the group stage to claim second place in Group B. Their lone win was enough to get them to the Round of 16, where they dispatched Wales 4-0. Their fairy tale run continues into the quarters. Whos cinderella story will continue to the final four?

Both of these teams came out firing in the knockout rounds against teams that were proven to be hard to beat. This match between the Czech Republic and Denmark will be once with plenty of back and forth. It has the possibility to be the goal fest of the quarterfinals that comes down to the wire.

Watch these two underdogs square off on Saturday, July 3 at 12:00 pm EST on ESPN.

Surprising Ukraine will try to shock England who think it’s coming home

Ukraine is the third third-place team to make it to the quarterfinals of Euro 2020. In their group stage, their one win and good goal differential meant that they were allowed into the knockout stage. They played Sweden to a 1-1 match for 120 minutes, and just before penalty kicks were necessary Ukraine found the winning goal. England won Group D winning twice and drawing once in the group stage. In the Round of 16, they took it to and beat Germany 2-0. Will Ukraine shock Europe by beating England or will the Three Lions really bring football home?

Ukraine likes to dominate matches with possession and build-up that lead to chances. England is defensively sound, as they have not allowed a single goal past them at Euro 2020. The saying often times rings true that defense wins championships. This should give the edge to England who’s attack could now be coming alive at the right time.

Find this match on Saturday, June 3 at 3:00 pm EST on ABC.

Who will make the semifinals?

The Euro 2020 Knockouts: Quarterfinals matches have the potential to be some of the best in this tournament. I’d expect at least two of them to go to extra time and possibly penalties. The action begins today and carries into tomorrow. Here’s a look at where you can catch the action.

Switzerland vs Spain | Friday, July 2nd @ 12:00 pm EST | ESPN
Belgium vs Italy | Friday, July 2nd @ 3:00 pm EST | ESPN
Czech Republic vs Denmark | Saturday, July 3rd @ 12:00 pm EST | ESPN
Ukraine vs England | Saturday, July 3nd @ 3:00 pm EST | ABC

We’ll have you covered here at Philly Sports Network with in-depth recaps and quick previews of Euro 2020 Knockouts: Quarterfinals and the semifinals and final. Catch the games on the ESPN family of networks, then head to Philly Sports Network for analysis on all the matches.