The first couple of matches in the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 will see Spain take on Germany at the MHPArena, while Portugal face France Volksparkstadion on the same day.
This tasty quarter-final could go either way, but the neutrals may just be tilting towards Spain. After finishing top of their group, having won all three games, the Spaniards put away Georgia 4-1 in the Round of 16. They play a standard 4-3-3, and the battle for possession in this one is something to keep a close eye on.
Meanwhile, Germany have also impressed in the tournament so far and, being the hosts of the competition, they will generate some much-needed support. The main question around Die Mannschaft will be whether Julian Nagelsmann goes for a natural winger in Leroy Sané or the more technical Florian Wirtz on the right-hand side.
Spain have a full bunch to pick from heading into this tie. However, bench players Nacho Fernández and Ayoze Pérez are two with question marks over their fitness.
Germany also have good news heading into this one, with Jonathan Tah returning from suspension. He will be expected to play as one of the centre-backs. The only other serious consideration for Nagelsmann is the position on the right wing: whether go to with Wirtz or Sané.
Spain
Form (all competitions, most recent first): W-W-W-W-W
Most recent result: Spain 4-1 Georgia, Euro 2024
European Qualifying: Finished 1st in Group A, with 21 points.
Germany
Form (all competitions, most recent first): W-D-W-W-W
Most recent result: Germany 2-0 Denmark, Euro 2024
European Qualifying: Host nation
Although Germany have done well in the tournament so far and have the backing of the crowd, I see Spain emerging victorious by a slender margin here. The youthful vibrance in the wide areas for Spain will make a difference on the day.
Spain 2-1 Germany
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
Defenders: Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte
Midfielders: Pedri, Jamal Musiala, Rodri
Forwards: Kai Havertz, Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata
Captain: Álvaro Morata
Vice-captain: Lamine Yamal
Also watch: UEFA Euro 2024 Quarter-finals preview
Portugal don’t seem too sure of themselves heading into this crucial final-eight fixture against France. They struggled to break down Slovenia’s defence in their previous match and nearly conceded due to a lapse in concentration towards the dying moments of that game. With Cristiano Ronaldo yet to score in the tournament as well, Roberto Martínez’ men are certainly there for the taking.
Meanwhile, France looked much better in their Round of 16 match against Belgium after a disappointing group campaign that saw them finish second to the now-eliminated Austria. Although they won their only knockout game so far by a single-goal margin, the number of chances that Les Bleus created would have filled Didier Deschamps with some confidence.
Portugal are good on the injury front and do not have any fitness problems to deal with heading into this tie.
The French will also be pleased to see Kylian Mbappé in full flow after he suffered a broken nose in France’s opener. However, they will be without midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who will be missing this tie due to suspension.
Portugal
Form (all competitions, most recent first): W-L-W-W-W
Most recent result: Portugal 0-0 Slovakia (Portugal win 3-0 on penalties), Euro 2024
European Qualifying: Finished 1st in Group J with 30 points
France
Form (all competitions, most recent first): W-D-D-W-D
Most recent result: France 1-0 Belgium, Euro 2024
European Qualifying: Finished 1st in Group B with 22 points
France were comfortably the better team against Belgium, while Portugal nearly bowed out against Slovenia in the Round of 16. Les Bleus look slightly the better side heading into this match and should win this game in regular time itself.
Portugal 1-2 France
Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
Defenders: Pepe, João Cancelo, William Saliba, Theo Hernández
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Thuram
Captain: Kylian Mbappé
Vice-captain: Marcus Thuram
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