The Euros this year have produced some first-class football and some surprising results. This article looks at the upcoming quarter finals and the chances of your team reaching the next round.
Poland Vs Portugal
Poland's best ever Euro performance: Quarter Final round, 2016
Portugal's best ever Euro performance: Runners Up, 2004
Poland are coming off a nail biting round of 16 match against Switzerland where it took until penalties for the two teams to be separated. Portugal were able to sneak past Hungary with a 1-0 victory.
Poland opened their Euros 2016 campaign with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland. They followed this up with nil all draw with Germany before finishing their group stage by beating Ukraine 1-0. Portugal were unable to win a single game in the group stages, finishing with three draws against Iceland, Austria and Hungary.
Now for the stats. Poland has only scored three goals in their last four games, so they will be relying on their defence to get them past Portugal. They have had 55 shots in their first four games of the tournament, with only 12 of them on target. They average only a little over four corners per game while allowing over six corners against them per game. Poland are guilty of committing the second most amount of fouls so far in the tournament. Portugal have managed five goals in their first four games but have also leaked four goals. Portugal have had 74 shots with 24 of those on target, almost 11% higher than Poland. They have completed 88% of their passes, compared to Poland's 83%. For Poland to win, they have to make the most of their opportunities and create as many chances as they can. They will have to score multiple goals in order to beat Portugal. On the other hand, Portugal will need to keep up their scoring while denying Poland a chance to score. I see this match as being very defensive, and I think we are in for a fantastic contest.
My prediction: Portugal 2-0 I think Portugal's class will be too much for Poland and I can't see Portugal exiting the tournament this early.
Difference Maker: Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo is arguably the best player in the world and has scored two of Portugal's four tournament goals. Poland must find a way to shut down this star striker in order to have a chance against the current eighth best team in the world.
Wales Vs Belgium
Wales' best ever Euro performance: Quarter finals, 1976
Belgium's best ever Euro performance: Runners Up, 1980
Wales won their round of sixteen match against Northern Ireland 1-0 after a 75th minute own goal from Northern Ireland's defender Gareth McAuley from a Gareth Bale corner. Belgium were more convincing in their emphatic 4-0 victory over Hungary with goals to Alderweireld, Batshuayi, Hazard and Carrasco.
Wales finished on top of group B with wins over Slovakia and Russia, but a damaging loss to England dampened a solid start to the 2016 Euros. Belgium placed second in group E, opening their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Italy before recovering with two wins over the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
Let's take a look at their stats. Belgium have averaged 2 goals per game to start the tournament, the highest average of all teams. Wales rank second in goals per game, averaging just under 2 goals per game. On average, Belgium have conceded 0.5 goals per game and Wales have conceded 0.75 goals per game. This matchup will be very interesting because both teams rely on scoring and heavy defence. I am looking forward to seeing who's defence can hold up against powerful attack.
Both teams have averaged around half of the possession so far this tournament. Belgium have committed 42 fouls in total this tournament while Wales have committed 42. Wales have given away four yellow cards while Belgium have been called for 7 yellow cards. I have had a hard time separating these two teams as they are even in nearly every way. This match has the potential to be the match of the tournament if both teams can live up to their potential.
My Prediction: 2-2 (Wales 5-4 in penalties) This teams are so evenly matched in terms of stats that I can't pick a winner. I think that Wales will just get the upper hand in the penalties.
Difference Maker: Gareth Bale. Gareth is a player with the ability to break the game wide open. If he can stand up and lead from the front, Wales will be hard to beat.
France Vs Iceland
France's best ever Euro performance: Winners, 2000, 1984
Iceland's best ever Euro performance: Quarter finals, 2016
Iceland are having a fairytale campaign as they reached the knockout stages for the first time in it's country's history as it is their first ever appearance in the tournament. Iceland are coming off one of the biggest upsets in Euros history, beating England 2-1. France beat the republic of Ireland 2-1 after trailing 1-0. Iceland finished behind Hungary in group E after draws with both Portugal and Hungary and a win over Austria. France topped group A with wins against Romania and Albania and a 0-0 draw with Switzerland.
Now for the tournament statistics. Both teams have scored 6 goals this tournament, however Iceland have conceded two more goals than France. France average 18 shots per game whereas Iceland average only 7.25. However, 48% of Iceland's shots are on target while only 29% of France's shots are on target. This is where the game will be won and lost. France need to make the most of their opportunities on goal and Iceland need to create more chances. Also, Iceland is going to need to dominate the possession to avoid France from being able to control the game which is something they have struggled with this tournament, having just 35% of the possession. Also, Iceland need to be disciplined as they have already given away 11 yellow cards this tournament, the third most of all teams. So far Iceland have given away 17 more fouls than France, so they will need to make sure they are not clumsy with their challenges.
My prediction: France 3-0 Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end I feel that Iceland will be no match for their world class opposition however it would be great to see them put up a fight.
Difference maker: Hannes Halldorsson. Hannes is Iceland's goal keeper and I think he will be very busy and if he can make some world class saves, then Iceland will have a much better chance at progressing further into the tournament.
Italy Vs Germany
Italy's best ever Euro performance: Champions, 1968
Germany's best ever Euro performance: Champions, 1972, 1980, 1996
These two powerhouse countries have been impressive so far this tournament and set up a blockbuster quarter final match. Italy beat a star-studded Spain 2-0 in the round of sixteen while Germany cruised past a resilient Slovakia 3-0.
Germany beat Ukraine and Northern Ireland to top group C while a 0-0 draw with Poland kept them from going three from three in the group stages. Italy also finished on top of their respective group defeating Belgium and Sweden but a loss to the Republic of Ireland dampened an otherwise impressive showing in the group stages.
Germany average 19.5 shots per game with seven of those on target. Italy, however, average only 8.75 shots per game with four of those on target. Germany have scored six goals this tournament compared to Italy's five and I think it comes down to possession. Germany have averaged 64% of the possession in the tournament whereas Italy have only averaged 46% of the possession. Another statistic that Germany have been better in is the passing accuracy. Germany have passed at a 90% accuracy while Italy have struggled, passing at only 81% accuracy. I think that Italy need to try and play with the ball in their half more and they need to try and avoid the ball being locked into their defence. They have had to make 86 clearances this tournament whereas Germany have only made 46 clearances which suggests that they have been able to either run the ball out of defence or prevent it from coming in as much in the first place. However, Italy have been able to get the better of Germany in the past, winning 15 of their last 33 encounters with 10 draws and eight wins to Germany. Germany will need to play their natural game and continue to dominate the possession. Italy are going to need to create more scoring opportunities, and play tight around the midfield to prevent Germany from getting into their scoring areas.
My prediction: Germany 1-0 I think the reigning world cup champions will be able to get over the line in a tightly contested encounter. However, I am not writing Italy off at all.
Difference Maker: Manuel Neur. Manuel is Germany's goal keeper and I think he will have the responsibility of directing the defenders and I think the game will be won and lost in Germany's defensive half. If he can step up and play his position as a keeper and as a role model then I feel that Germany will be hard to beat.
