My Euros Quarterfinals Predictions

Here we go again! I only predicted 5 of the 8 teams from the round of sixteen to go through, and I didn't get a single scoreline right so... thanks for actually returning to look at my predictions for this round. As there are less fixtures to get through, I'll go into a bit more detail than last time out. Also, someone has to say it: GREALISH IS SO OVERATED AND FOR SOME REASON PUNDITS GO CRAZY AND ACT LIKE HE'S THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. I mean he seriously had nothing to do with the first goal, and it was Shaw who created the second goal, yet the commentators acted as if his inclusion made all the difference. Meanwhile the likes of Mount, Foden, Sakha, Sancho, Sterling, Rashford, etc. have all been more impressive than him for England. Also, just saying, I predicted an underwhelming tournament from Portugal so...

Spain 3-2 Switzerland

Switzerland have already exceeded expectations by making it this far in the competition. Spain had a bit more pressure and have been slightly inconsistent, but they have still done quite well and, being a team in transition, are not expected to really challenge for the trophy. However, both teams now have an unlikely chance of making the final, or even winning, as France, Portugal, Germany, Croatia and the Netherlands have all been knocked out. One deciding factor could also be that Xhaka, who has accumulated too many yellows, will be out for this game. 

I think that Spain will strike first through a penalty, before the Swiss equalize against the run of play. Morata converts a good team goal near half time (before OR after, depending on whether he starts), and Switzerland's equalizer comes late on due to some smart substitutions, whereas Enrique fails to sufficiently fresh his team up. Spain ultimately win it, however, through a smart strike from Pedri in extra time.

Belgium 1 (6) - (5) 1 Italy 

Belgium are probably the favorites at this point, and I predict that they will clinch it. While Italy are obviously very consistent and defensively strong, Belgium are also consistent, as well as being a fluid team that passes the ball around nicely and often place inch-perfect passes into very good positions. 

Belgium control the game, but concede first and struggle to break through Italy. They do, however, manage this and after taking the game to extra time, they manage to hold on long enough to take the game to penalties. Both teams miss one of the first five, before Italy's seventh penalty taker, whoever that may be, misses to hand Belgium the win and a place in the semis.

Czech Republic 2-4 Denmark 

The Czechs have done really well to make it this far in the tournament, and even before they beat the Netherlands 2-0 they were impressive. They progressed from the group stage as one of the best third-place teams, after beating Scotland 2-0, getting an impressive draw with Croatia and narrowly losing to England, meaning they, along with Portugal, where one of the only two third-placed teams with a positive goal difference. 

Denmark, however, have been fired up recently, and they have scored 4 in both of their last two games, only conceding once in the process. I'm going to say that they'll do it again, although the Czechs prove harder to handle defensively than Russia or Wales, and manage to score twice, both through Patrik Schick who overtakes Ronaldo in the top goalscorer's chart. Denmark progress to the semis, and the Czechs go home proud, departing from the pitch with a standing ovation from both sets of fans.

Ukraine 2-3 England 

England claimed a historic win over Germany to progress, while Ukraine made it through after edging out Sweden. Looking at how the teams will line up, I would think England will start off with a 3-4-3 again, with Ukraine opting for a 3-5-2 or possibly a 4-3-3. Many England fans probably won't be too happy about this, but Southgate has to stick with what he knows. 

England will have a terrible first half, with Stones making one or two horrific errors, Walker getting a yellow before limping off the field at half time, one of either Rice or Phillips also having made a terrible error and Jack Grealish playing really badly, failing to track back or pose any threat going forward. This will result in Ukraine ending the first half 2-0 up. 

Southgate, however, makes three subs at half time, with Saka on for Grealish, Henderson on for Phillips and Mount on for Walker as England try to come back. They have a brilliant second half, with Sterling scoring the first and third to go into second in the golden boot race, and Saka grabbing the second. Extra time isn't needed and England fans breathe a sigh of relief.

So there we have it! I would need at least 3/4 predictions of the winners to be right if I want to do better than last time, and it would be cool if I could get some scorelines or other details right too. Leave your predictions down below in the comments and please remember to share my blog and follow me on my social media to keep up to date with when I post. See you next time! Noah >_<*