Last Updated on July 3, 2024
The first Round of 16 match at Euro 2024 is set to take place in Berlin. Switzerland, who came second in Group A, will go head-to-head with Italy, the runner-up in Group B. Switzerland kicked off their tournament with a 3-1 win against Ukraine, followed by 1-1 draws with Scotland and Germany. If this game ends in a draw, it could lead to extra time and possibly penalties.
This match could be a chance for Switzerland to improve on their past performance against Italy, where they lost 3-0 in Euro 2020. Historically, Switzerland has been knocked out in the last two Euros’ Round of 16 after drawing 1-1 in regular time and then losing on penalties. The match is scheduled for Saturday, 29th June, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Defending champions Italy clinched their spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer against Croatia, continuing an unbeaten streak in nine international games. Despite a not-so-impressive start, Italy has consistently performed well in knockout stages since Euro 2016. Italy’s knockout games often extend to extra time, suggesting this match could also be closely fought.
Switzerland’s Silvan Widmer will miss the game due to a suspension, and their coach, Murat Yakin, might change the team’s formation to cover for him. On the other hand, Italy will miss Riccardo Calafiori due to a second yellow card. His replacement could be Alessandro Buongiorno, Federico Gatti, or Gianluca Mancini. The Swiss haven’t beaten their neighbors in over 31 years, a streak that includes five losses and six draws in 11 matches.
On the same day, Denmark will go on against the host Germany in Dortmund. In their last group stage match, Germany fought hard for a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench and scored a late equaliser, allowing Germany to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games across all competitions.
On the other hand, Denmark also drew 0-0 against Serbia, keeping their own unbeaten streak alive at seven games. Germany ended up topping their group with seven points, while Denmark secured second place in Group C with three points. The much-anticipated clash between Germany and Denmark is scheduled for June 29 at BVB Stadion in Dortmund.
Jamal Musiala and Niclas Füllkrug have been standout stars for Germany this summer in Euro 2024, with both scoring two goals. This makes them the top scorers for Germany and ties them at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts. Musiala has been particularly impactful, often scoring the first goal in crucial matches. For Denmark, Morten Hjulmand and Christian Eriksen have each found the net once, helping their team’s campaign.
Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, faces a challenge after Jonathan Tah received his second yellow card of the tournament against Switzerland and is now suspended for the game. Nico Schlotterbeck, from Borussia Dortmund, is likely to step in alongside Antonio Rüdiger, who might also be doubtful. The rest of the German lineup is expected to remain unchanged.
Denmark’s lineup has also been relatively consistent, but they will miss Morten Hjulmand, who is serving a one-game ban after getting a second yellow card in their draw with Serbia. Thomas Delaney is expected to replace him in Kasper Hjulmand’s starting eleven.