2 days Ago By The Straits Times
FILE PHOTO: The Euro 2024 match ball 'Fussballliebe' is pictured at Intersport Cary sports clothing store, on the eve of the start of the UEFA Euro 2024 soccer championship, in Ronda, Spain, June 13, 2024. REUTERS/Jon Nazca/File Photo FRANKFURT, Germany - 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 under way on Saturday.
SWITZERLAND v 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 v DENMARK June 29 – Dortmund, 21:00 Hosts Germany topped Group A with seven points while Denmark advanced in 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 v SLOVAKIA June 30 – Gelsenkirchen, 18:00 Engla.
