With the impressive set of fixtures in the round of 16, the Euro 2020 witnessed an immensely dramatic affair of the matches unfolding. There were multiple upsets and surprises in the first phase of the knockout stages, and the teams qualified thoroughly deserve their spots in the quarter-finals.
During the initial day, Wales faced Denmark with Gareth Bale’s side dubbed as the favorites to make a surprise run in the tournament yet again. However, the Danish had other ideas. They handed them a thorough battering by scoring four goals without reply. Next up were Italy up against Austria, in a quest to prevent another upset on the same night. With the high intensity of the pressure that Austria applied, it took the game into extra time. However, an Azzurri managed to find the net twice into extra time to win the tie 2-1 after conceding a late consolation goal.
On the second day, the Netherlands faced Czech Republic to generate another upset for big teams. After De Ligt getting a straight red, the Czechs took over, scoring two to ease past the Dutch. With Belgium against Portugal up next, this game turned into an uphill task for Ronaldo and co. after conceding late in the first half. After none of the attacks really materializing, they went out with a disappointment.
With England beating Germany and Ukraine beating Sweden, these fixtures were bland as compared to Croatia vs Spain and France vs Switzerland. Croatia made comeback from two down before going out after extra time from conceding two goals. France, on the other hand, also made a comeback from one down, but couldn’t keep their two-goal cushion intact, as Switzerland scored two again to equalize, before winning it over penalties.
Italy face Belgium in the next round, with Spain and Switzerland facing off in the same pool. On the other side, Czech Republic and Denmark play each other, and England face Ukraine.
