KUALA LUMPUR: Euro 2024 is heating up with the competition reaching the knockout stage. Croatian Bojan Hodak, who coached Kuala Lumpur to the 2021 Malaysia Cup title, talks to Timesport and predicts which teams will reach the quarter-finals.
Switzerland v Italy (June 30)
Switzerland comfortably progressed from Group A with an unbeaten record, and Murat Yakin's side certainly don't appear overawed by any opponents.
Italy, under Luciano Spalletti, advanced as Group B runners-up after mixed results in the group stage, but remain as the dark horses of the tournament.
These two sides met in the group stage of Euro 2020, with Italy triumphing 3-0 in Rome, but this time it will be a tighter affair.
"Switzerland look quite good after a few matches, and Italy are not convincing, but the Azzurri are always tactically very good. They have individually very good players. I believe Italy will go through."
Germany v Denmark (June 30)
Hosts Germany finished strongly to top Group A, and Julian Nagelsmann's side will feel confident of progressing to a fourth Euro quarter-final out of the last five editions.
Denmark will fancy their chances of springing an upset. Kasper Hjulmand's men have proved themselves a difficult team to beat, with three draws in their three Group C matches.
These two teams have drawn three out of their last four meetings, which could indicate a tight contest ahead.
"Germany, playing at home, are the favourites. Sometimes this can be an important factor. They have all the support on and off the pitch and have been playing well. I believe Germany will go through to the quarter-finals."
England v Slovakia (July 1)
The Three Lions left a lot to be desired in their Group C campaign, but staying unbeaten was enough to send Gareth Southgate's men through as group winners.
Slovakia, who have already upstaged a leading nation with a shock 1-0 win over Belgium in Group E, will eye another upset under coach Francesco Calzona for their first last-eight spot at a major tournament since the country became independent in 1993.
England will be buoyed by a string of positive results from the previous clash against Slovakia, whom they have beaten five times from their previous six competitive and non-competitive matches.
"England have not performed well, but they will beat Slovakia due to their individual quality. Their players have yet to stamp their mark but the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka could make the difference in matches."
Spain v Georgia (July 1)
La Roja strode through as Group B winners with a 100% record and are now the heavy favourites to win the Euro under coach Luis de la Fuente.
The Georgians snuck into the knockout phase with a stunning win over Portugal in the final Group F match. The unlikely pair now vie for a place in the quarter-finals, and their coach Willy Sagnol will be looking to extend their fairy tale in Germany.
Spain have won six of seven matches against Georgia in all competitions, including in qualifying for this summer's finals, winning both fixtures by an aggregate margin of eight goals - 7-1 away and 3-1 at home.
"Spain look like the best team so far in the competition. Georgia are a positive surprise in the Euro, but against Spain, there's no chance."
France v Belgium (July 2)
Belgium are in pursuit of their first major international trophy, and coach Domenico Tedesco's side have shown nothing in Germany to suggest the target is beyond their reach after finishing runners-up in Group E to march into the round of 16.
France have not hit top gear under Didier Deschamps. It is surprising that with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, they could only combine for a total of two goals from three matches in Group D to finish runners-up.
The neighbours have met in several high-profile contests over the years, most recently in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the Nations League in 2021 – both won by France on their way to taking the trophy.
"This will be an interesting game. France were not convincing in the group stage, but they have a lot of quality players. Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku can make a difference, and it's their last chance to win a major title, but I pick France to advance."
Portugal v Slovenia (July 2)
Portugal have to get their shock loss against Georgia in their final Group F match out of their minds when they face Slovenia. Roberto Martinez's men have rarely clicked into top gear despite boasting one of the most talented squads in Germany.
Slovenia drew all their three games in Group C to finish third and squeeze into the knockouts of a major tournament for the first time as the fourth-ranked third-placed team under coach Matjaz Kek.
These two nations have only met once, in a friendly, which Slovenia won 2-0 in Ljubljana on March 26.
"Portugal will go through, but it will be much tougher than expected. Slovenia are a very organised side and have a good coach but it will be a very tight match."
Romania v Netherlands (July 3)
Surprise package Romania topped Group E but ended up with a tricky last-16 clash with the Netherlands. Coach Edward Iordanescu has already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockouts.
Ronald Koeman has struggled to get the Oranje firing, but they remain a threat going into the last 16, and a favourable result against Romania could spark their campaign.
The odds are heavily stacked against Romania, who have managed only three goals in 13 games against the Dutch, with their lone win coming from a 1-0 win in the Euros qualifier 17 years ago.
"The results are not good for the Netherlands in the group stage, but somehow their chances of reaching the quarter-finals look better compared to Romania."
Austria v Turkiye (July 3)
Ralf Rangnick has made Austria into one of the tournament's most exciting sides despite lacking star power. They won Group D, which included France, Poland and the Netherlands.
Turkiye boss Vincenzo Montella's mix of youngsters like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz and veterans like Cenk Tosun and Hakan Çalhanoglu saw them finish runners-up in Group F and advance to the knockout stage for the third time.
Rangnick's men will head into their first meeting at a major tournament with confidence, having whipped Türkiye 6-1 in a friendly only three months ago.
"This will be an interesting game. Austria look better as a team. They have been playing as a unit, and everyone works hard for the team. Türkiye have some good individuals, but Austria's collective quality will make the difference."
