Euro 2020 knockout-round preview: 16 questions for 16 teams

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This article was published 25/06/2021 (1899 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sixteen teams advanced to the second round of Euro 2020, all armed with the belief that they have what it takes to win it all. Getting there means erasing the mistakes of the group stage and harnessing what they do best. Here’s a look at one thing we’re wondering about each team as the knockout stage begins.

Saturday

Wales vs. Denmark

Noon, Amsterdam

• Can Wales defend set pieces? The Welsh conceded two goals in the group stage: one off a corner kick, the other from a free kick. They showed weaknesses both when defending deep and holding a high line. That marking needs cleaning up or they won’t go far.

• How will Mikkel Damsgaard fare as Christian Eriksen’s understudy? The 20-year-old is now clearly Denmark’s chief playmaker after Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in their tournament opener. Damsgaard’s ability to create against tougher competition will play a major role in their chances of moving on.

Italy vs. Austria

3 p.m., London

• How will Italy manage stiffer competition? The average world ranking of opponents in their 30-game unbeaten run is 64.6. The Italians, near perfect so far, should have no trouble with No. 23 Austria, but they’ll have to prove they can beat better squads to make a deep run.

• Can David Alaba lead an upset? Shifted from centre back to left back in Austria’s final group stage game, he was far more influential going forward, creating four chances. Austria must to resist the urge to solidify its defence by returning Alaba to a centre-back role. He will be needed more up front against Italy.

Sunday

Netherlands vs. Czech Republic

Noon, Budapest

• Can the Dutch defend? They conceded clear-cut chances in all three group matches. While seven of the remaining 16 teams allowed two goals or fewer in the round robin, the Czech Republic was one of them. The Netherlands’ back line needs to be just as stingy.

• Will Schick stick it to the Netherlands? Three goals for the Czechs in group play, all by Patrik Schick. They’ll need at least one more moment of magic from the 24-year-old striker. Shutting him down will be the priority for the Dutch on defence. He can’t let them.

Belgium vs. Portugal

3 p.m., Seville

• How much will Eden Hazard factor in? The Belgian midfielder’s minutes increased steadily throughout the group stage. Manager Roberto Martinez seems certain Hazard can get back being the heart of the Belgian team, a theory worth testing. But they must adjust if Hazard doesn’t perform.

• Is Portugal’s defensive organization here to stay? No survivor conceded more goals in the round robin than Portugal, in large part because of a 4-2 loss to Germany in which they were pushed back when short a man in midfield. They looked more cohesive against France, which must continue if they expect to beat the No. 1-ranked team in the world.

Monday

Croatia vs. Spain

Noon, Copenhagen

• Is Luka Modric up for it? Croatia didn’t wake up in this tournament until the midfield maestro did, and his individual performance going forward may be as critical to his country’s shot at advancing as any player at this stage.

• Will the real Spanish side please stand up? Spain scored one goal in its first two matches, then five against Slovakia. Is this an offensive juggernaut, or will finding goals still be a struggle? Either way, manager Luis Enrique needs strikers Alvaro Morata and Gerard Moreno to heat up — if he sticks with them at all.

France vs. Switzerland

3 p.m., Bucharest

• Can the French find another gear? They remain among the teams with the best shot at Euro 2020 glory, but didn’t stand out in the group stage. They need to find another level more consistently to take the title home.

• Can the Swiss forget the past? They haven’t reach the quarterfinal of a major tournament in 67 years, and were knocked out in the round of 16 at Euro 2016 — as well as World Cups in 2014 and 2018. It’s a storyline they can’t let get in their heads.　

Tuesday

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England vs. Germany

Noon, London

• How will the Three Lions line up? Less-proven Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka stepped up in the round robin, but manager Gareth Southgate generally turns to experience in big moments. Striking a balance is his best option.

• Can Germany rediscover its width? The talented but sometimes disjointed squad is on when it gets the best out of Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens on the wings. There will be space for the pair to push, and dominate, in what will likely be an open game against England.　

Sweden vs. Ukraine

3 p.m., Glasgow

• Is Emil Forsberg really Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s successor? The 29-year-old winger and attacking midfielder has shown positive signs with three goals to date. Ibrahimovic sets himself apart by thriving in high-pressure moments. We will soon learn if Forsberg can do the same.

• Can Ukraine leave the group stage behind? Breaking down Sweden’s well-organized defence will be a tall task for the lowest-ranked team to advance. Ukraine’s front line of Ruslan Malinovskyi, Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk has its work cut out.

Laura Armstrong is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @lauraarmy