Euro 2024: How European Heavyweights Will Battle Delighted Underdogs in Knockout Phase

• The real drama of Euro 2024 begins with the knockout phase, which kicks off after the group stage ends next Wednesday, June 26
• Top countries like Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands have already qualified for the tourney's Round of 16
• Sports Brief examines each of the upcoming fixtures in the next round, featuring tournament heavyweights alongside ambitious underdogs

The last 16 match-ups for Euro 2024 were finalized on Wednesday night, with Georgia securing a spot in the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Pre-tournament favourites France and England, despite having some of the world's best forwards, struggled in the group stage, each managing only two goals in three matches.

Sports Brief examines each of the upcoming fixtures in the next round, featuring tournament heavyweights alongside ambitious underdogs:

Portugal cruise into Euro 2024 knockout stages, Georgia get historic first point

Football

Switzerland vs. Italy

Italy will face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday, still finding their rhythm after narrowly securing second place in Group B with a last-minute goal against Croatia.

The defending champions must be cautious of the Swiss, who will likely field four Serie A players in their starting lineup and have already shown their mettle with a 1-1 draw against Germany.

Germany v Denmark

Revitalised under Julian Nagelsmann, Germany have been alongside Spain the best team of the group stage and will rightly be considered favourites against Denmark, who laboured to second place in the dismal Group C behind England.

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said that his team always "step up" when facing the big nations but Germany will also have the backing of Dortmund's famous Westfalenstadion on Saturday as they seek a record-breaking fourth Euros title.

Belgium beat Romania to breathe new life into Euro challenge

Football

England v Slovakia

England will face Slovakia on Sunday after topping Group C, despite three underwhelming performances.

Coach Gareth Southgate faced backlash from fans following a goalless draw with Slovenia. England will need to improve if they are to justify their pre-tournament favorite status.

Spain v Georgia

Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, have been the most impressive team of the tournament, dominating Group B with a perfect nine points and a convincing win over Italy.

With key players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams rested in their last match, Spain are expected to advance easily in Cologne on Sunday.

However, Georgia, the tournament's fairytale team, showed their potential by upsetting Portugal.

France v Belgium

Monday's match in Düsseldorf between France and Belgium is one of the most intriguing of the round.

France have been underwhelming, securing second place in Group D with Kylian Mbappe scoring their only goal from a penalty.

Last-gasp Fuellkrug goal rescues top spot for Euro hosts Germany

Football

Belgium, despite playing well in moments, struggled with a cautious approach against Ukraine but managed to advance from Group E.

Portugal v Slovenia

Portugal are strong favorites against Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday. Coach Roberto Martinez will have a well-rested first XI after making several changes in their last match, which they lost to Georgia without affecting their top spot in Group F.

Slovenia, who finished third in Group C, have been unbeaten in nine games and defeated Portugal 2-0 in a pre-tournament friendly.

Romania vs. Netherlands

The Netherlands, who finished third in Group D behind Austria and France, will face Romania on Tuesday.

Romania, in the knockout stage for the first time in 24 years after topping Group E, pose a significant threat.

Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, who criticized his team's performance against Austria, will be relieved to be on the easier side of the bracket.

Euro 2024: Toni Kroos sends message to rival nations after Germany topped Group A

Football

Austria vs. Turkey

Austria, led by Ralf Rangnick, have earned the title of tournament dark horse after topping Group D ahead of France and the Netherlands with some exciting football.

Their match against Turkey in Leipzig on Tuesday promises to be entertaining, with Vincenzo Montella's talented side backed by passionate support.

Spain and Germain in same Euro draw

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that France and Spain will be on the same side of the draw as Germany and Portugal heading into the Euro 2024 knockout stage.

Pairings are determined by the outcomes of the previous round, ensuring a variety of potential match-ups where winners from one side face fellow winners.