FRIDAY:
SPAIN V GERMANY
This is a rematch of the 2008 final which Spain went on to win courtesy of a Fernando Torres goal.
Spain are likely to be back in the final at this tournament as they've arguably been the best team. They looked very impressive against Georgia and under manager Luis de la Fuente, they look more clinical than they were in the last two tournaments under Luis Enrique.
Germany have also looked impressive at this tournament and they certainly were against Denmark. They looked like Man City at times during that game in the way they moved the ball around.
But I think Spain will be the side that progress here.
PREDICTION: 2-1
PORTUGAL V FRANCE
These two sides were two of my favourites at the start of the tournament but are yet to show why.
Portugal needed penalties to get past Slovenia in the last 16 where they had keeper Diogo Costa to thank for with his three penalty saves.
Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to score at this tournament and I'm starting to think that his best days are well and truly behind him. He's been a wonderful player right throughout his career, but he is 39 and can't impact the game like he used to.
France are yet to convince at this tournament and they'll need to put in a performance here with this game being their first big test of the tournament.
Like Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe is also yet to arrive at this tournament. He has had his moments, but I still don't think he's had the tournament I was expecting him to have.
One reason why is because he's not being used in the right position. He's not had a lot of joy when playing as a central striker and I think he should be used more out wide, as he's more effective in that position.
We're yet to see the best of both sides at this tournament but one of them will prevail here and I think France will be that side as they have the stronger squad on paper.
PREDICTION: 0-2
SATURDAY:
ENGLAND V SWITZERLAND
England were lucky to beat Slovakia in the last round and will need to play better in this one as Switzerland have been a more convincing team to watch at this tournament.
Switzerland looked very impressive against Italy where they were the better side from start to finish. They were also a matter of seconds away from beating Germany in the group stages.
England have never lost to Switzerland and that moment from Jude Bellingham against Slovakia could be what kicks their tournament into life.
It will be a tough game for England as Switzerland are on organised side, but I think they'll find a moment of quality which will win them the game.
PREDICTION: 2-1
HOLLAND V TURKEY
Holland looked decent in their win over Romania in the last round, but they did waste a lot of chances despite winning rather comfortably.
Turkey were brilliant throughout against Austria where they showed character to both hold on to their lead and see out the game.
They had Mert Gunok to thank for that save he made which was the save of the tournament so far. It was similar to that save that Gordon Banks made in the 1966 World Cup final.
Turkey have won all but one game at this tournament with that game coming against Portugal where they looked open and were punished for it.
The Dutch might not be the most clinical side in front of goal, but they are still a dangerous team when they go forward.
Turkey will go for it, but I think the Dutch will hit them on the counter and punish them.
PREDICTION: 2-0
Comments