The 2024 European Championship has reached the last eight stage with crunch matchups to produce the semifinalists.
Majority of the powerhouses are still in the race for this year’s title although holders Italy fell to stubborn Switzerland in the Round of 16 following a 2-0 defeat on Saturday.
Three-time winners Germany and Spain remain in contention after eliminating Denmark 2-0 and Georgia 4-1 on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
However, one of the two giants’ journeys will end in the quarterfinals after they were paired together in the quarter finals.
On Saturday July 6, the Swiss will entertain England who survived a scare from Slovakia in the Round of 16.
The Three Lions were on the brink of elimination before Jude Bellingham’s volleyed strike levelled matters at the death-mark and later Harry Kane won it 2-1 for Gary Southgate’s charges in extra time.
Meanwhile, the 2016 winners Portugal needed penalty shootouts to eject Slovenia following a goalless draw after normal time and extra time on Monday.
Extra time treated us with dramatic scenes when Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty kick before Benjamin Sesko was denied by Diogo Costa in a keeper to beat situation.
Costa would continue his heroics in the post match penalty shootouts, saving three consecutive penalties for Roberto Martinez’s side to advance.
They will face the 2018 World Cup winners France on Friday in the quarterfinals which will be a repeat of the 2016 European Championship final won 1-0 by the Portuguese.
France’s Round of 16 was also not an easy ride facing Belgium on Monday but Jan Vertonghen’s own goal in the 85th minute handed Les Bleus a 1-0 win.
On the other hand, Netherlands were as convincing as Spain beating Romania 3-0 on Tuesday to book a date with Turkey on Saturday who edged Austria 2-1 on Tuesday.
Five of the quarterfinalists have won the European Championship before; hosts Germany and Spain have clinched it thrice, France twice, Netherlands and Portugal once.
England, Switzerland, and Turkey are still searching for their maiden European Championship title.
Quarterfinal Fixtures
Friday
Germany Vs Spain. This game will be broadcast live on NBS Sport
France Vs Portugal
Saturday
England Vs Switzerland
Netherlands Vs Turkey
