The knockout stages of Euro 2024 begin on Saturday with an Italian side that survived in the Group of Death, thanks to a 98th-minute goal from Mattia Zaccagni against Croatia, dueling against the Swiss. Switzerland were minutes away from winning Group A ahead of Germany before surrendering a stoppage time score to Niclas Fullkrug. The tournament hosts will play the second game of the Round of 16 against Denmark in Dortmund.
A thrilling final day in the group stage wound down with a late Turkey goal eliminating Czechia, and Georgia pulling off an upset of Portugal to earn a place in the knockout stage ahead of Hungary.
Only Denmark and Slovenia made it into the Round of 16 with just three points on the strength of three draws. Ukraine became the first nation ever eliminated in the group stage of the European Championship despite accumulating four points, finishing last in Group E.
Odds to win Euro 2024: England maintains favorite status
England, co-favorites with France when Euro 2024 began, is now the betting favorite to lift the cup on July 14 at Olympiastadion Berlin. France now has the fourth-best odds to win the tournament. Host Germany is third, just behind Spain, the lone team to win all of its matches in group play.
Betting lines for Euro 2024 Round of 16
Here’s a quick snapshot of the eight Round of 16 games. Two games will be played each day, from Saturday, June 29 through Tuesday, July 2.
Italy vs. Switzerland
The Italians crushed the Swiss 3-0 three years ago in Euro 2020 group play, but the teams tied 0-0 and 1-1 in World Cup qualifying matches. Switzerland striker Breel Embolo looks fully fit following an ACL tear and should start up front, as rumors swirl that he’ll be joining Bayern Munich after this tournament. Key defender Riccardo Calafiori is suspended for Italy, while the Swiss must make due without wingback Silvan Widmer.
Denmark vs. Germany
Denmark struggled in the World Cup after reaching the semifinals of Euro 2020 but has lost only two of 17 matches since returning from Qatar, winning 10 outright. The Danes won’t have key midfielder Morten Hjulmand due to yellow card accumulation. Germany defender Jonathan Tah is suspended, too, with Nico Schlotterbeck expected to start in his place in front of keeper Manuel Neuer, who will set a new German record for most caps in the Euros at 19.
England vs. Slovakia
Key playmaker Phil Foden left camp due to the birth of his third child, so England’s depth could be tested in this first elimination match. Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo may get his first start. A veteran defense is in place for Slovakia, which has never beaten the Brits, losing five matches and drawing once in six previous meetings. Newcastle United GK Martin Dubravka must put together a special match for Francesco Calzona’s squad to pull this upset. Slovakia has upset Belgium and led in all three of its matches.
Georgia vs. Spain
No one has more saves in this tourney than Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has excelled at Valencia in La Liga. He’s on the radar of larger clubs, leading Euro 2024 in most goals prevented. Spain goalie Unai Simon has also been exceptional, keeping three clean sheets. La Furia Roja beat Georgia twice in qualifying, winning by a combined margin of 10-2. They’ll look to contain the tourney’s top scorer, Georges Mikautadze, who has three goals.
Belgium vs. France
Belgium was booed off the pitch by its fans after a disappointing draw against a Ukraine side missing a few of its top players. It struggled in two of its three matches, top striker Romelu Lukaku blew an astounding amount of scoring chances, and a massive challenge against France awaits. These neighbors have met in larger matches than this one over the years, with the French winning 3-2 most recently in the 2021 Nations League semis.
Portugal vs. Slovenia
Losing to Georgia can be dismissed due to Portugal manager Roberto Martinez making wholesale changes in his starting 11 since a place in the knockout stages was already secured. Slovenia snapped Martinez’s 11-game win streak upon taking over the Portuguese side with a 2-0 conquest in a friendly on March 26, taking advantage of the absence of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. As a result, there’s no way Portugal will overlook the Slovenians despite being heavily favored.
Netherlands vs. Romania
The Dutch haven’t lost to Romania in 17 years, but come in as a third-place finisher facing a group winner. Cody Gakpo has been a force up front to help make up for Frenkie de Jong’s absence, but the Netherlands’ mixed results and lack of on-field cohesion suggests he’s sorely missed and Oranje is vulnerable. Veteran GK Florin Nita has been special for Romania, which is solid in midfield.
Austria vs. Turkey
Austria hammered Turkey 6-1 in Vienna in a March 26 friendly and has the second-most goals of any team in the Euros behind Germany. Since late 2022, Austria has won 14 of 19 matches, drawing three times and losing by a single goal to Belgium and France. Italy, Germany, Sweden and the Dutch have joined the Turks as victims, so the Austrians can’t be slept on. Given all the yellow cards Turkey received in slipping past Czechia, they’ll be down key players in Leipzig.
