We're down to the last eight teams of Euro 2020 following Tuesday's final round of last-16 games. We take a look at the quarter-final matches.
Final list of teams to qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2020
Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine
Euro 2020 quarter-final fixtures
All times UAE
Switzerland v Spain, 8pm
Friday, July 2 in St Petersburg
Switzerland pulled off the shock of the last-16 by eliminating world champions France via penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer was the hero after saving Kylian Mbappe's decisive spot kick, but captain Granit Xhaka and striker Haris Seferovic were the driving force in the comeback to take the game into extra time. Arsenal midfielder Xhaka's passing has been as striking as his bleached blond hair, while Seferovic's double against Les Blues took his tally at the tournament to three. In Spain they face the most free-flowing team in terms of goals, with 10 scored in their past two games. Alvaro Morata silenced a few critics with a superbly taken goal in the 5-3 win over Croatia but it was his all-round performance that really caught the eye. Few front men have a better standup game than Morata and Spain's midfielders need little encouragement in bombing beyond the Atletico Madrid man knowing he is so comfortable controlling the ball at his feet. Unai Simon atoned for his gaffe that led to Croatia's first goal with some outstanding saves but there is a nagging sense that 'La Roja' have been made to look good by inferior opposition.
Prediction: Spain into the semis
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CROATIA RATINGS: Dominik Livakovic – 6: Stood strong to thwart Koke at start, and could only parry Gaya’s effort before Sarabia’s rebound found its way in off the goalkeeper to equalise. At one point, nearly mimicked Simon’s clanger. Strong save from Morata late on. AFP -
Josip Juranovic – 5: Alert enough early into the game to nip the ball away from Gaya whenever facing own goal. Great cross into box late into first half, but no one pounced upon it. Withdrawn with 16 minutes left on clock. AFP -
Duje Caleta-Car – 3: Strong defending to keep Morata at bay and was clearly intent on sticking close to his rival - sometimes a little too keenly. Incredibly, appeared to be off the pitch to get sip of water as Torres nipped in to score. Fine block from Olmo in extra-time. Reuters -
Domagoj Vida – 5: Just about in the right place to repel Morata’s misplaced header, even if grazed his arm. Wasn’t particularly at fault for any of his side’s concessions, and did well to stop Morata from grabbing Spain’s sixth. EPA -
Josko Gvardiol – 3: Will be disappointed he couldn’t prevent the diminutive Azpilicueta heading into net. Almost atoned only for Simon to deny him, but beaten too easily for Spain’s third - although no help from teammates. EPA -
Marcelo Brozovic – 4: Dished out a few meaty challenges in early proceedings and failed to get a hold of midfield. Booked midway through second half for dissent. Usually a more dynamic display from the Inter Milan midfielder. EPA -
Luka Modric – 8: Characteristically calm in possession, providing sublime through ball to Vlasic, who couldn’t convert. Sparked side’s late comeback when assisted Orsic. May be 35, and subbed off deep into extra-time, but remains country’s heartbeat. Reuters -
Mateo Kovacic – 6: Tenacious in the centre of the park and tireless too. Fizzed shot over from edge of area in the first half as he shone ahead of Modric and Brozovic. Subbed off with 11 minutes remaining. EPA -
Nikola Vlasic – 6: Struck side-netting from tight angle in first half, then followed it with penetrating run to drive through Spain midfield. Wasteful on the counter at start of second half. Taken off in 79th minute. AP -
Bruno Petkovic – 5: The Dinamo Zagreb target man showed the proverbial “few nice touches for a big lad” in the opening 45 minutes to allow his team to counter. Subbed at half-time, though. Reuters -
Ante Rebic – 6: Typically powerful runs at Spanish defence in first half as predictably proved a handful. At one stage offered a double pirouette, and later scuffed badly a shot from corner of area. His last contribution, swiftly subbed on 67 minutes. AFP -
SUBS: Andrej Kramaric – 5: Introduced at half-time for Petkovic and announced arrival with a couple of loose touches. Caught offside too many times when seemed to find space. However, sparked into life in extra-time, only to find Simon in inspired form. PA -
Mislav Orsic – 8: Brought on for Rebic not long after the hour as Croatia sought a way back into the contest. Duly delivered with five minutes of normal time left, prodding ball over line to make score 2-3. Then delivered pinpoint cross for equaliser. Nearly scored again in extra-time. Reuters -
Mario Pasalic – 7: Scored the injury-time equaliser to send the largely Croat support in the stadium wild in celebration. Timed run superbly, and powered home header just when team needed him most. PA -
Ante Budimir – 4: Introduced on 79 minutes and lacked a lot in helping out defence. Did spurn glorious chance in second-half of extra-time to make it 5-4 and set up another thriller finale. Josip Brekalo – N/A. Luka Ivanusec – N/A. PA -
SPAIN RATINGS: Unai Simon – 6: Inexcusable mistake from Pedri’s back-pass gifted Croats the lead. Perhaps he was watching Martin Dubravka in previous round? Really smart save from Gvardiol after, and outstanding stop in extra-time from Kamaric. EPA -
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8: The Chelsea captain finished off an excellent move that he began to head his team into the lead from inside six-yard box. Not the most obvious of goalscorers. That he lasted the full 120-plus minutes was a massive credit. PA -
Eric Garcia – 5: Gave away possession a little too much as felt way into the match, then didn’t do a lot wrong thereafter. Hardly a titanic performance, thought with his match run by the 72nd minute. AP -
Aymeric Laporte – 5: Good distribution from deep, although couldn’t marshal backline when Croatia rallied late on. France-born defender remains on course to meet country of birth in quarter-finals. AP -
Jose Gaya – 6: Coming in for Jordi Alba, the full-back was an energetic presence on the left flank, rushing forward whenever got chance. Saved shot created side’s equaliser. Faded in second half and was withdrawn 12 minutes from time. AP -
Koke – 6: Shot straight at Livakovic in 15th minute when he should have scored, his effort lacking conviction. Went down with a far-from-deadly forearm to the chest, while also sliced shot off target. Taken off on 78 minutes. Getty -
Sergio Busquets – 6: Was cool and composed, as you’d expect, for the most part at the base of Spain’s midfield. The captain didn’t have a huge bearing given his lack of sharpness, then subbed in first-half extra-time. AFP -
Pedri – 8: Aged 18, now the youngest player to start a European Championship knockout game, usurping Wayne Rooney. Great slide pass to set Koke through early on, then the own goal, although Simon at fault. Still, full repertoire of passing on display. AP -
Ferran Torres – 9: Lively start from the Manchester City wideman, who teed up Morata only to fail to covert. Soon stamped authority on match - brilliant centre for Azpilicueta to score, then classy finish to send side 3-1 up. Subbed in 88th minute. PA -
Alvaro Morata – 8: Appeared set for a normal night when supplied poor header unmarked in six-yard box, and had goal disallowed for offside. However, great control and volley in 105th minute to whack Spain in front, and was constant menace. Reuters -
Pablo Sarabia – 8: Slashed wide from acute angle 12 minutes in, but did markedly better to thrash home first equaliser on the rebound. Winger now has goals in back-to-back games. Withdrawn on 71 minutes as began to look leggy. AFP -
SUBS: Dani Olmo – 8: Brought on for Sarabia in 71st minute against the country in which he made his club name, for Dinamo Zagreb. Failed with an attempted lob, had another shot blocked before assisting Spain’s fourth and fifth goals, and struck a post. EPA -
Pau Torres – 6: Thrown into the action with 18 minutes remaining to help shore up the defence. Height and aerial presence were needed as Croatia pushed hard late on, yet he wasn’t up to the task. Defence run ragged at the death of normal time. AFP -
Mikel Oyarzabal – 7: Sent on in 88th minute when Spain looked on course to win. However, struck late on in first-half of extra-time to restore Spain’s two-goal lead and make safe the match. Jordi Alba – N/A. Fabian – N/A. Rodri – N/A. PA
Belgium v Italy, 11pm
Friday, July 2 in Munich
If Belgium's golden generation are going to finally win something, they are going to do it the hard way. Belgium breezed through the group phase before dethroning title-holders Portugal in the last 16. Next up is Italy, who survived a ferocious Austria onslaught over 120 minutes to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Roberto Martinez turned to experience for the match against Portugal with Thomas Vermaelen lining up alongside Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld and will likely place his faith in the old guard once again. A 1-0 win was secured courtesy of a Thorgan Hazard screamer but it is older brother Eden who could light up the Azzurri. The Real Madrid forward has underwhelmed so far, but possesses the tools to unlock an Italian defence moulded in the fires of catenaccio. That defence is likely to be made even harder than granite by the expected return of Giorgio Chiellini, with the 36-year-old Juventus centre-back returning to training after sitting out the last two matches. Matteo Pessina pushed his claims for a return tot he starting XI by netting the extra-time winner against Austria, but Roberto Mancini may stick with Marco Verratti to combat the control Kevin de Bruyne and Youri Tielemans will want to assume.
Prediction: Belgium book their tickets to the last four
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Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium celebrates with Thorgan Hazard after scoring their side's second goal during the Euro 2020 match against Denmark on Thursday, June 17, 2021 in Copenhagen. Getty -
Belgium's midfielder Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. AFP -
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters -
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku with Denmark's Jannik Vestergaard and Simon Kjaer. Reuters -
Belgium's Thorgan Hazard celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal against Denmark. AP -
Denmark's Simon Kjaer, left, and Belgium's Romelu Lukaku challenge for the ball. AP -
Yussuf Poulsen of Denmark celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the match. EPA -
A giant jersey in support of Danish player Christian Eriksen is displayed ahead of the match at the Parken stadium in Copenhagen. AP
Czech Republic v Denmark, 8pm
Saturday, July 3 in Baku
Whichever team comes up against the Danes they can assume the role of villains. But the Czechs won't mind playing the party-poopers if it secures them a first semi-final appearance at the Euros since 2004. The Czechs dominated the Netherlands in Budapest, with the 2-0 scoreline flattering the Oranje. Tomas Holes went from unknown to the second-most known Czech player behind Tomas Schick with a man-of-the match performance, with a goal and an assist. While the focus invariably falls on Schick, the Czechs have quality all over the pitch. Ondrej Celustka has been rock solid at the back while Vladimir Coufal is one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe. Denmark are not here out of sympathy though. The Danes demolished Wales 4-0 after putting four past Russia to make it out of a tough group. Kasper Dolberg was simply unplayable, giving the Welsh defence a masterclass in protecting the ball. He only played because of an injury to Yussuf Poulsen but Dolberg's link-up play with Martin Brathwaite, who starred in a wide attacking role, looks a winning combination. Five of the last six games between these two have ended in draws, and it feels like a tie that may need penalties to decide who advances.
Prediction: Czechs leave the party as Denmark dance into the night
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Andreas Christensen of Denmark reacts after the 4-1 Euro 2020 win over Russia in Copenhagen. EPA -
Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand celebrates with Denmark fans after it was confirmed Belgium had beaten Finland 2-0 in the other group match. EPA -
Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel celebrates. AFP -
Russia's Artem Dzyuba looks dejected. Reuters -
Denmark defender Simon Kjaer fights for the ball with goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. AFP -
Denmark's Andreas Christensen scores to make it 3-1. EPA -
Denmark's Andreas Christensen celebrates. AFP -
Russia's coach Stanislav Cherchesov. AFP -
Denmark's Yussuf Poulsen celebrates after the match. Reuters -
Denmark's Mikkel Damsgaard and Martin Braithwaite celebrate. Reuters -
Denmark's Kasper Hjulmand celebrates. Reuters -
Denmark's Daniel Wass and Jens Stryger Larsen celebrate. Reuters -
Denmark's Mikkel Damsgaard celebrates scoring their first goal. Reuters -
Russia's Artem Dzyuba in action. Reuters
Ukraine v England, 11pm
Saturday, July 3 in Rome
After needing results to go their way to make it to the last 16, Ukraine emerged victorious from a tough match against Sweden, making their numerical advantage count following Marcus Danielson's red card in extra time. Few balls will be struck better than the one Oleksandr Zinchenko hit to open the scoring but it is in defence where Ukraine will need to vastly improve if they are to cause an upset. England pulled off arguably their best performance in a knockout round with an impressive 2-0 win over Germany, with Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane on the scoresheet. The day belonged to Bukayo Saka, who will surely retain his place as part of that attacking troika, though he was withdrawn as a precaution on Tuesday. Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier outflanked their German counterparts as Gareth Southgate looks to have found a winning formula. And while all and sundry are crowing about England's supposed easy route to the final, in some aspects this match poses a bigger challenge than Germany. Euro 2020 has been largely a home tournament for England so far, but they travel to Rome where support will be in short supply. Beat Ukraine and they head back to Wembley for the semis and, a nation hopes, the final.
Prediction: England to win ugly
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ENGLAND RATINGS: Jordan Pickford 8 - Save from Werner his best moment of the first half. Tipped a hard Havertz shot over the crossbar after 48 as Germany started the second half well. Big shouts for key balls. Impressive. Race out to meet Muller who was clear – and shot wide. Getty -
Harry Maguire 8 - Picked out with a set-piece in England’s first threat – after 14. Headed on target again after 16. Strong against Muller - man of the match. Booked. AFP -
John Stones 7 - Calming players around him. Vocal, but tested in the back three. England’s defence isn’t the issue. EPA -
Luke Shaw 7 - Left wing back and wasn’t as involved as he’d hoped in the first half – England didn’t make use of their width. Super cross for the opening goal. He got forward more after Grealish came on. PA -
Kyle Walker 7 - Fine in the first half as he moved forward and corrected the mistakes of others in front. Urged crowd to support team in huge final 15 mins. AP -
Kieran Trippier 7 - Right wing back and started to find his range with free-kicks and crosses in a tight and cautious first half. Fouled in a yellow card challenge as he tried to force the game and attack. England don’t concede, but seldom score either. AFP -
Declan Rice 6 - Booked after 6 minutes as he gave a free-kick away just outside the penalty area under early German pressure. Thankfully for Rice, the shot was blocked by England’s wall. Played too many safe balls – the opposite of Pogba. Another who whipped up the crowd after the goal. Reuters -
Kalvin Phillips 7 - Good pass to Sterling after 29. Tidy, engaged and tried – and struggled – to bring Kane into play. Tried with Saka too but they didn’t connect. Clattered Havertz. Booked, but improved throughout the game. Getty -
Raheem Sterling 7 - Curling right foot shot well saved by Neuer after 15 as England woke up and stirred the crowd. Effective going one on one and his pace was one of the few true England threats from open play. Got into great positions but seldom chose the right option – until he scored. AFP -
Bukayo Saka 6 - Just 19 and the early (only) positive for England in the opening 15 minutes before he faded and became more peripheral. Inexperienced and needed more support from those around him. First player off. Reuters -
Harry Kane 6 - Poor in tournament and didn’t touch the ball for 21 minutes. Was almost in after 45 before a sliding challenge from Hummels. Golden Boot winner in the World Cup final, big disappointment in Euro 2020 up until the 86th minute. Went down clutching his knee after 56 but stayed on. Which was fortunate for England as he headed in the second. EPA -
SUBS: : Jack Grealish 8 - Brought on to a huge cheer after 68 as England needed to change – and score. Went to the left and made immediate impact. Fed Shaw to cross for the goal. And then Kane for the second. Game changer. Getty -
Jordan Henderson N/A - On for Rice after 88 minutes. AP -
GERMANY RATINGS: Manuel Neuer 6 - At full stretch, but still relatively untroubled, when pawing away a shot from distance by Sterling. No chance with either of the goals. Getty -
Matthias Ginter 5 - Booked for fouling Shaw early on. Sharp in the second half to snub out a break from Saka, but Shaw’s cross went through his legs for Sterling’s goal. EPA -
Mats Hummels – 6. Saved his side with head and feet a number of times in the first half, but played the pass to Gnabry which ended up in the Kane goal. AFP -
Antonio Rudiger – 4. Looked out of sorts with an unnecessary early foul on Saka. Could have stopped Sterling’s goal at the source but could not keep pace with the England forward. PA -
Joshua Kimmich 6 - Nothing like the influence he was touted to be. Did make one break that ended in a free kick on the edge of the box, and sent in some threatening crosses. EPA -
Robin Gosens 5 - Might have opened the scoring had he not been eased out of the way of a Kimmich cross by Walker and Trippier. Later booked for a foul on the latter. EPA -
Kai Havertz - 7. The brightest of the German attackers, and picked a fine pass for his Chelsea teammate Werner. Sweet hit was tipped over by Pickford with the score at 0-0. EPA -
Leon Goretzka 5 - Made one early break, but his influence was limited thereafter. Wasteful in possession a number of times. AP -
Toni Kroos 6 - Dictated the tempo of the German play with his range of passing, until his shin was bruised by Phillips. Limited involvement thereafter. AP -
Thomas Muller 5 - The veteran’s slide-rule pass sent Goretzka through on goal, and led to an early booking for Rice. Lashed wide when clean through and the goal gaping. Reuters -
Timo Werner 4 - Should have opened the scoring, but was thwarted by the outstretched leg of Pickford. His lack of potency led to him being withdrawn for Gnabry in the second half. EPA -
SUBS: Serge Gnabry 4 - No impact whatsoever after his second-half introduction, other than to give the ball away frequently, including for the move which led to Kane’s goal. AP -
Emre Can NA - Brought on too late to have any influence on proceedings. Getty -
Leroy Sane NA - No chance to do anything as he was introduced with his side 2-0 down and time running out. AFP -
Jamal Musiala – NA. Bizarre introduction for the former England age group player. It was as if Joachim Low was saying: “Have a look at what you could have won.” AFP
