UEFA Euro 2016: Expert Predictions for the Round of 16
As the knockout phase of UEFA Euro 2016 kicks off, excitement is at a peak with sixteen teams set to battle for spots in the quarterfinals. The competition’s bracket is notably lopsided, with many heavyweights such as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy grouped on one side, while Croatia, Wales, and Belgium headline the contenders on the opposite side. Below, we present in-depth previews and predictions for each of the thrilling matchups in the first knockout round.
Switzerland vs. Poland: Tight Contest Favors Polish Efficiency
Switzerland and Poland both head into this clash with strong defensive records, but the difference is expected to come from Poland’s attacking star power. Robert Lewandowski, who has been quiet so far, is predicted to break his drought by scoring the match’s only goal.
Projected Lineups:
| Switzerland | Poland |
|---|---|
| Sommer, Lichtsteiner, Schar, Djourou, Rodriguez, Xhaka, Behrami, Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Mehmedi, Embolo | Fabianski, Piszczek, Glik, Pazdan, Jedrzejczyk, Krychowiak, Maczynsky, Grosicki, Blaszczykowski, Milik, Lewandowski |
Expect a cautious midfield battle, with few clear-cut chances and a disciplined defensive approach on both sides.
Wales Out to Shine Against Northern Ireland
Wales continue their impressive run with the dynamic duo of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey expected to lead the team past Northern Ireland. With a predicted scoreline of 2-0, Welsh dominance in attack and creativity should secure their place in the next round.
Projected Lineups:
| Wales | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|
| Hennessey, Chester, A. Williams, Davies, Gunter, Allen, Ledley, Taylor, Ramsey, Vokes, Bale | McGovern, Hughes, McAuley, Cathcart, J. Evans, J. Ward, C. Evans, Norwood, S. Davis, Dallas, Washington |
Wales are expected to control the tempo, outshooting Northern Ireland and making the most of their opportunities.
Croatia vs. Portugal: Technical Battle with a Balkan Edge
Croatia, buoyed by an impressive group stage, take on a Portugal side relying heavily on Ronaldo. In this prediction, Croatia control possession and deliver dangerous crosses throughout the match. Nikola Kalinic and Ivan Perisic are once again expected to find the net, mirroring their previous group-stage exploits, while Nani provides Portugal’s sole goal.
Projected Lineups:
| Croatia | Portugal |
|---|---|
| Subasic, Srna, Corluka, Vida, Strinic, Modric, Badelj, Brozovic, Rakitic, Perisic, Kalinic | Patricio, Vierinha, Pepe, R. Carvalho, Eliseu, Mario, W. Carvalho, Gomes, Nani, Ronaldo, R. Sanches |
Despite Ronaldo’s best efforts, scoring remains elusive for him as Croatia’s collective strength prevails.
France vs. Republic of Ireland: Hosts Eye Victory After Tense Start
France are anticipated to face early frustration as Ireland’s defense holds strong during the first half. However, the tide is expected to shift in the champions’ favor after the break, with decisive goals coming from Griezmann and Giroud. Irish forward Shane Long may also get on the scoresheet, but France are tipped to advance.
Projected Lineups:
| France | Ireland |
|---|---|
| Lloris, Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Griezmann, Giroud, Payet | Randolph, Coleman, Duffy, Keogh, S. Ward, Hendrick, McCarthy, Brady, McClean, Hoolahan, Long |
France’s depth in attack is likely to be the difference maker in another closely contested showdown.
Germany vs. Slovakia: Defending Champions Set to Progress
Germany approach their fixture with Slovakia as clear favorites. Well-organized and efficient, the German side is expected to score in both halves, with Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil predicted to open their Euro 2016 accounts.
Projected Lineups:
| Germany | Slovakia |
|---|---|
| Neuer, Howedes, Boateng, Hummels, Hector, Khedira, Kroos, Muller, Ozil, Gotze, Gomez | Kozacik, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Hubocan, Kucka, Pecovsky, Mak, Hamsik, Weiss, Duda |
Slovakia’s defensive resilience may keep things tight early, but Germany’s attacking quality should ultimately prevail.
Hungary vs. Belgium: Belgian Talent to Outshine Underdogs
Hungary’s impressive scoring streak is expected to continue; however, Belgium’s individual brilliance and growing momentum give them the edge in this contest. Anticipated goals from Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Carrasco should secure a 2-1 win for the Belgian side, with Hungary’s Balázs Dzsudzsák likely providing their only goal.
Projected Lineups:
| Hungary | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Kiraly, Lang, Juhasz, Guzmics, Kadar, Gera, Kleinheiser, Lovrencsics, Elek, Dzsudzsak, Szalai | Courtois, Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Nainggolan, Witsel, Carrasco, de Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku |
Belgium’s pace going forward and creative midfield play should be decisive in this matchup.
Italy vs. Spain: A Classic Rivalry Settled by Penalties
Italy and Spain rekindle their historic rivalry in a match predicted to be high in technical quality and drama. Spain’s trademark possession may lead to the opening goal by Alvaro Morata, but Italy’s swift counterattack, culminating in a header from Pelle, forces the game into penalties. In a gripping shootout, Spain are expected to narrowly prevail.
Projected Lineups:
| Italy | Spain |
|---|---|
| Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, Florenzi, Eder, Pelle | De Gea, Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Fabregas, Busquets, Iniesta, D. Silva, Morata, Nolito |
Fans should anticipate a tactical battle with the outcome decided by narrow margins and penalty kick nerves.
England vs. Iceland: An Underdog Story Written in Extra Time
England face a tricky contest against debutants Iceland. Despite dominating much of the play, England are predicted to struggle in front of goal. Iceland, as they have shown throughout the tournament, are efficient and spirited, taking a surprise lead through Gylfi Sigurdsson. England’s Jamie Vardy may force extra time with a late equalizer, but an opportunistic strike from Birkir Bjarnason seals a historic victory for Iceland and sends shockwaves through the footballing world.
Projected Lineups:
| England | Iceland |
|---|---|
| Hart, Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Rose, Henderson, Dier, Rooney, Alli, Kane, Sturridge | Halldorsson, Saevarsson, Arnason, Sigurdsson, Skulason, Gudmundsson, Gunnarsson, Sigurdsson, Bjarnason, Sigthorsson, Bodvarsson |
Look for Iceland’s discipline and counter-attack style to pose real problems for England as another major upset may be on the cards.
Summary: Euro 2016 Round of 16 Set for Drama and Surprises
With powerhouse nations colliding and several underdog stories looming, the Euro 2016 Round of 16 promises thrills, tight contests, and moments of magic. Stay tuned for more analysis and predictions as the tournament progresses through its knockout stages.
