The Netherlands and Türkiye both kept their best performances of Euro 2024 for the round of 16 when they secured impressive wins to boost their chances of a deep run at the tournament.
While Romania posed little threat to Ronald Koeman’s side, the Dutch still managed to impose their own game and play a brand of dynamic, attacking football Oranje supporters had been calling for. The Netherlands will now be aiming to carry that forward into the upcoming round.
Meanwhile, Türkiye saw off tournament dark horses Austria in a pulsating round of 16 encounter which saw Merih Demiral – who will be suspended for Saturday’s match – score two goals from corner kicks. Set pieces will be an area Turkey look to make the most of again in the quarter-finals.
Cody Gakpo is the joint-top scorer at Euro 2024 with three goals in four games. The 25-year-old has a tendency to find his best form at major tournaments and has underlined his importance to the Netherlands with a series of impressive performances, most recently against Romania in the last round.
Xavi Simons has also flourished at Euro 2024 with the 21-year-old operating in between the lines. His natural creativity and willingness to drift has given the Netherlands a different dimension in the attacking third. Simons could have a big influence on the quarter-final.
Arda Güler is another attacking difference-maker who could make his mark on Saturday with the Real Madrid teenager already Türkiye’s creator in-chief and greatest goal threat. Vincenzo Montella has been willing to give Güler a free role in his team and that freedom has brought the best out of the 19-year-old.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu will return from suspension for Türkiye after missing the victory over Austria. This could give them more control in the centre of the pitch with the Inter midfielder one of the best deep-lying playmakers in the game right now. Çalhanoğlu might also have license to push higher up the pitch where his long-range shooting could be a threat.
Both teams have performed at their best at Euro 2024 when the handbrake has been let off and they can embrace their chaotic side. If Koeman and Montella are willing to set up their respective sides to play on the front foot, Saturday’s quarter-final in Berlin has the potential to be the most entertaining of the ties in the last eight.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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Our Major League Soccer expert James Nalton explains his two votes for the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) MLS Player of the Matchday and picks out three more standout players from the latest round of action.
9.4 FotMob rating: Ryan Gauld, Vancouver Whitecaps
Gauld’s Vancouver teammate Brian White made our team of the week last time out thanks to a hat-trick against St. Louis City, but this week it was the turn of the Scotsman, who registered a hat-trick of his own in a 3-1 win against Minnesota United.
This was a hat-trick of assists, the first of which saw White open the scoring following some good pressing from Gauld to win the ball as Minnesota failed to play out from the back, then set his teammate up for an easy finish.
The second assist was from a well-worked set piece, as Gauld played a one-two with Sebastian Berhalter at a corner, before crossing for Mathias Laborda to head home.
The third was more about the long-range finish from Berhalter, but sometimes you need an easy one to register a hat-trick, whether goals or assists.
Given Scotland’s poor performances in the European Championship, there have been suggestions the creative Gauld should have been called up alongside fellow MLS star Lewis Morgan.
Though not considered as strong a league as some of the others from which Scotland pick their squad, surely Gauld’s skillset would be useful for his national team.
His latest assists put him sixth in MLS for chances created with 53, and into the top ten for big chances created with 11.
9.0 FotMob rating: Alonso Martínez, New York City
The Costa Rican striker has turned out to be the goal poacher New York City have been crying out for.
The signing of would-be first-choice striker Mounsef Bakrar hasn’t quite worked out, so they turned to their squad depth, or as much depth as an MLS squad can have, to test Martínez in the role.
And he has not let them down. Martínez now has eight goals in 14 appearances, only seven of which have been starts.
His considerable goal haul from limited gametime means he leads the league for goals scored per 90 minutes with over one goal per game on average.
This puts him just ahead of Lionel Messi and Minnesota United sharpshooter Tani Oluwaseyi.
His goals in New York City’s 2-0 win against Montreal were well-taken, the first a cool, convincing finish when through one-v-one, and the second an instinctive first-time shot on the volley, both assisted by Hannes Wolf whose contributions have also been valuable for NYCFC of late.
Three more standout performers
9.0 FotMob rating: Pavel Bucha, FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati continue to pressure Inter Miami at the top of the MLS standings, both overall and in the Eastern Conference.
Miami have not stopped winning even without Messi and Luis Suárez, so Cincy have had to remain at the top of their game to remain in contention at the top of the table.
Contributions such as Bucha’s in a far from straightforward 3-2 win against DC United are vital.
His runs into attacking positions, first to get on the end of Luca Orellano’s pass to retake the lead and then to carry the ball into the box and score the third, were key to this important win.
It was a rare Cincinnati game in which Luciano Acosta was not the star man, but Bucha stepped into Acosta’s place to make sure the outcome remained a positive one in their quest to upset the expected Miami charge to the Supporters’ Shield.
8.9 FotMob rating: Hugo Cuypers, Chicago Fire
Three goals in the final ten minutes for Chicago Fire against Philadelphia Union gave the team from Illinois a dramatic, unexpected win.
They spent much of the second half 3-1 down, but rallied late to come back and win 4-3.
Cuypers headed the goal that started the comeback before a brilliant volley from substitute Gaston Giménez levelled the scores.
Then it was left to Cuypers to complete the job. It looked like the lofted ball in from Maren Haile-Selassie might have set up another header, but on this occasion the Belgian waited for the ball to drop and volleyed it almost nonchalantly past Union goalkeeper Oliver Semmle.
The late goals and the subsequent win also took Chicago ahead of Philadelphia at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and was their third win in their last five games.
9.0 FotMob rating: Giacomo Vrioni, New England Revolution
Vrioni just sneaks into the final spot ahead of Real Salt Lake’s Andres Gómez (or indeed Diago Luna) thanks to his two goals in a big win against Atlanta for New England.
Atlanta United have their own struggles this season, but New England seem to have overcome theirs, winning this game 2-1 and closing in on the playoff places.
Having sacked head coach Gonzalo Pineda, Atlanta came into match on a four game unbeaten run, but New England’s own turnaround has been more notable.
They have now won five of their last six games having only won two of their first 13, and this win, completed by Vrioni in the first half, summed up their improvement.
The striker had plenty to do ahead of his first goal, managing to get past two defenders before unleashing a well-placed finish.
His second involved good movement and anticipation at the far post to get on the end of Noel Buck’s cross.
Things are looking up for New England, especially when you consider they have two or three games in hand on the teams above them, so a playoff spot will now be their aim, which seemed unlikely at the start of the season.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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Had it not been for a stoppage time Jude Bellingham equaliser The Three Lions wouldn’t have made it past Slovakia in the round of 16. Recent reports, however, suggest Southgate will make changes for Saturday’s clash against Switzerland.
Southgate could match up against Switzerland’s back three with a similar formation of his own. This could see Cole Palmer brought into the lineup after a series of eye-catching cameos off the bench in the tournament. Luke Shaw’s fitness remains a talking point ahead of the quarter-final.
Harry Kane and Bellingham both found the net in the comeback victory over Slovakia, but neither have been able to find their top form in Germany this summer. This, of course, is something that could be said of several English superstars including Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.
Switzerland, on the other hand, have been the surprise package of Euro 2024 so far with Murat Yakin making smart changes from game-to-game to get the most out of his squad. He has more than proved his tactical ability at the tournament.
Granit Xhaka has been a controlling influence in the centre of the pitch for the Swiss with the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder currently at the peak of his powers. England must find a way to stop him from dictating play. That could involve putting someone like Kobbie Mainoo on Xhaka to close up any space in the midfield.
In attack, Switzerland have nowhere near the level of top-end talent that England have, but they make good use of late runs from the likes of Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas – both of whom scored in the last 16 victory over Italy – to create scoring opportunities. Any space between the English defensive and midfield lines will be exploited.
Defensively, Switzerland have genuine quality. Yann Sommer has been one of the best goalkeepers at the tournament with Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schär also proven at the elite level. England have struggled to break down low defensive blocks at Euro 2024 and could suffer once again here.
On talent alone, England are clearly firm favourites to win and make the semi-finals of a third major tournament in the last four. However, Southgate’s team are much less than the sum of their parts and that could open the door for Switzerland to extend their unexpected run to the semi-finals.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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A Copa América title contender will see their tournament come to an end on Saturday in the quarter-final as pre-tournament favourites Uruguay and Brazil meet in Las Vegas
Uruguay won Group C with victories in all three games, and only truly looked in danger of dropping points in the group finale against the United States. Even then, they was able to grind out a 1-0 win, scoring from a set piece and relying on a staunch defence to keep a second consecutive clean sheet after having conceded to Panama in the opening group contest.
Uruguay winger Maxi Araújo had to leave the contest against the U.S. after a rough fall that appeared to affect his neck and head. But the Toluca attacker has been cleared to participate in the quarter-final, and manager Marcelo Bielsa may use an unchanged starting lineup. He may be quicker to go to his bench for modifications should Uruguay not be in control of the match, though. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Betancur, often starting centre-back Sebastián Cáceres and legendary forward Luis Suárez all made only cameos against the U.S. – with the starters carrying out the job more than well enough through three games.
Bielsa’s Brazil counterpart Dorival Junior will be forced into at least one modification, and it’s a significant one. After seeing a yellow card in a 1-1 draw with Colombia that closed out group play and secured the second spot in the group for Brazil, Vinícius Júnior is suspended from this contest.
How to replace him isn’t immediately clear. Savio could slot in as a direct replacement, or 17-year-old forward Endrick could start up top and push Rodrygo to the wing. Fans have been begging to see more of Endrick, both wanting to see the young wunderkind and hoping a fixed forward would allow this Brazil to look more like Brazil sides of old, flowing freely in attack instead of being flustered by teams like Costa Rica in the group stage.
Thus far, goalkeeper Alisson Becker and the centre-back pairing of Éder Militão and Marquinhos have provided stability to the team, but Uruguay forward Darwin Núñez and the wingers will look to make life uncomfortable with Uruguay’s trademark press.
Uruguay will be buoyed not only by their form in the group stage but also having dominated Brazil in a 2-0 World Cup qualification win just nine months ago in Montevideo. Will they be able to repeat the feat or will it be Brazil slipping into the semi-final against the winner of Colombia vs. Panama earlier in the day?
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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The hottest national team in the world puts that title on the line against the surprise team of the Copa América when Colombia and Panama meet Saturday in the quarter-finals.
With a 1-1 draw against Brazil to close out the group stage, Colombia not only clinched the first place in Group D but also extended their undefeated run to 26 matches. That stretches all the way back to the 2022 World Cup qualification cycle, as the Cafeteros missed out on qualifying for the finals in Qatar. A return to the sport’s biggest stage is the aim of manager Nestor Lorenzo, but first the focus is on trying to lift the Copa América for the first time since their 2001 title won on home soil.
James Rodríguez throwing it back to the glory days of 2014 undoubtedly has been one of the biggest keys to making this Colombia team feel unbeatable. He had three assists in the group stage, and is creating for a rotating cast of forwards and wingers, many of whom also are comfortable connecting passes in their attacking third.
Panama beat the United States and Bolivia to finish second in Group C and get to this point, but they had to weather some absences to do so. That will continue Saturday, as Panama are missing lynchpin midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla after an additional game was added to his red-card suspension stemming from a sending off in the second group match.
The Central Americans went into the tournament without veteran midfielder Anibal Godoy and saw injuries to Andrés Andrade and Fidel Escobar dent their depth at centre- back – though it has allowed for a breakout tournament by Edgardo Fariña.
During the tournament, winger Jose Luis “Puma” Rodriguez was lost to injury as well. Édgar Bárcenas now shoulders an even heavier load when it comes to creating, though a pair of goals from forward José Fajardo has made his life easier.
Despite being neighbours, coming from different confederations means meetings between Panama and Colombia have been relatively infrequent, with the majority of their contests coming in the Bolivarian Games of the 1950s and 1960s. The teams did clash twice in official action in the 2005 Gold Cup, with Panama getting two of its four wins in the series on the way to the final, though that was an alternative Colombia side.
This time, both teams will put the best on the field possible, looking to book their spot in a semi-final against the winner of Brazil and Uruguay. A Panama win would be a shock from a team that keeps shocking. A Colombia win would be a victory from a team that keeps winning. Something has to give.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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New data from the world’s leading ticket marketplace, viagogo, highlights the confidence levels of fans from the remaining nations at EURO 2024.
By Bill Biss
Based on thousands of marketplace sales, the viagogo Confidence Index shows that German fans lead the way for ticket purchases for the EURO 2024 Final amongst those nations still in the competition (68% of sales via viagogo).
It may surprise some that England fans are second on the list given the criticism of the performances put in by the Three Lions at the tournament, pointing to an underlying confidence in them progressing to the same stage as they did in the last EUROs.
viagogo’s managing director, Cris Miller reports that “The viagogo Confidence Index shows Germany’s progress has boosted ticket sales even further as home fans look to secure their seat at a potentially historic run. On the flip side, England were one of the pre-tournament favourites but haven’t had the smoothest journey so far. However, that hasn’t dented the underlying belief among their fans in making sure they have a ticket to witness the final, should Gareth Southgate’s team make it.”
Dutch fans appear third on the list with 8% of seat sales, with Spanish supporters, perhaps surprisingly given their rich form at the tournament, ranking below Türkiye, and England’s quarter-final opponents Switzerland.
Germany (68%)
England (10%)
Netherlands (8%)
Switzerland (6%)
Turkey (4%)
Spain (3%)
Portugal (1%)
France N/A*
Interestingly, Swiss fans are buying semi-final tickets in greater numbers than their English counterparts, pointing to their confidence in rolling them over in Düsseldorf on Saturday, but not of going all the way to the Final!
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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*Information on ticket sales in France is not recorded due to local restrictions
A ticket to the semi-final of the Copa América is on the line when Group B winner Venezuela clashes with Group A runner-up Canada at AT&T Stadium in Texas on Friday night. The team that punches that ticket will, at least, match their best-ever finish at the competition.
It’s the first time Canada has participated, with the Reds qualifying for one of six Concacaf spots in the 2024 tournament thanks to a play-off victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Venezuela have been in 19 editions before but only once have they made it to the semi-finals: The 2011 tournament in Argentina when they fell to Paraguay on a penalty shootout in the final four and lost to Peru in the third-place play-off game.
Both teams have undoubtedly been on the rise in the international game in the last few years. Canada are currently ranked 48th in the world by FIFA, down from their all-time high of 33rd back in 2022, while Venezuela sit 54th having peaked in the top 25 just four years ago.
Canada have hit something of a speed bump, with their 2022 World Cup preparation disrupted by issues around friendly matches and a dispute between the players and the federation. Now, not only is new leadership in place at Canada Soccer, but American manager Jesse Marsch has arrived. After a trial by fire to start life in Canada – playing friendly matches on the road against the Netherlands and France, then opening the Copa América against defending champion Argentina. Canada got out of the group thanks to a 1-0 win over Peru and a scoreless draw with Chile – both contests in which Canada’s opponents picked up a red card. In the quarter-final, there is no doubt they will need more from their star-studded offence.
The North Americans will already be down one weapon in attack. Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan suffered a fractured tibia in training earlier in the week in Texas, with the squad calling an end to the session because of the frustration felt after losing a key player. He had surgery and will miss time not only with his country but also when the club season resumes as his recovery is expected to take four to five months. That may lead Marsch to evaluate where he utilises Alphonso Davies, who has played full-back, wingback and winger with the national team – and sometimes in the same game.
Venezuela entered the tournament knowing they had an in-form Salomón Rondón, and the forward has delivered with two goals in three group victories. Yet, he’s getting help up front as well, as Eduard Bello has matched his two goals, and both Darwin Machís and Yeferson Soteldo have been able to add a creative element to Venezuela’s front line that has been lacking.
Critically, goalkeeper Rafael Romo has been one of the best shot-stoppers of the tournament, starring against Mexico as Venezuela secured a win despite conceding 2.88 in xG, including a penalty.
Both teams want to make history and return to their nations with their best-ever Copa América finish. One of them will head home this weekend, the dream of a semi-final in 2024 unfulfilled.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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Euro 2024 has reached the quarter-final stage and after some cracking matches, surprising performances (in both directions) and even the odd shock result, we’re left with a final eight comprised of at least five of the pre-tournament favourites – and four of them are grouped in the same section of the bracket.
Spain have floated through Euro 2024 so far with style, poise and grace – although not a huge amount in the way of extremely tough 90-minute challenges.
That just means Germany will be a first real test for their magnificent midfield, and in particular Rodri: excellent at controlling play, but also a real leader in the last-16 when Spain trailed to Georgia and began to look frustrated.
Rodri will come up against a former teammate in İlkay Gündoğan and one of the Euros’ best players so far in Toni Kroos. The latter, of course, is in his final weeks before retiring – if he can outmanoeuvre and outperform Rodri that will go a long way to ensuring he, and the hosts, continue for another few days.
Bench decisions might define the outcome…of the whole tournament
There are plenty of viewers who see Spain vs. Germany as a game worthy of the final itself, where the winners may go on to lift the trophy. It’s not hard to see why, with the strength in depth that these two nations offer.
While most of the starting 22 players can largely be predicted – the odd German change aside – it’s the players who might impact off the bench who could dictate the final scoreline.
Luis de la Fuente has used his group well. The likes of Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal have been prominent, despite not being first-choice starters. But Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann might say the same about his group, even though eight names have started all four so far. Leroy Sané, Emre Can and Niclas Füllkrug have all been trusted weapons off the bench and can give the hosts more firepower…or shut down a match they are leading.
Can Kylian hit the goal trail…or anyone else for France?!
A quirk of Frane’s progression so far is that they’ve still not had a player score a goal from open play from their own squad. Kylian Mbappé has managed the same number of broken bones as goals so far, but his one time of finding the net came from the penalty spot – then they have two own goals, too.
So somebody has to start firing. Mbappé remains most likely and went close against Belgium, but Marcus Thuram’s ineffectiveness could now see him replaced in Didier Deschamps’ team. Diamond or wide three? Replace the suspended Adrien Rabiot with like for like or alter the midfield supply line?
The French boss’ selections will dictate much, but he can’t help them put the ball in the net once they’re on the pitch.
Portugal’s golden duo face examination of both mental and physical strength
Humans have almost forgotten a time where the Portugal national team existed without Pepe or Cristiano Ronaldo. Here they still are at 41 and 39 respectively – and about to face France just four days after going through 120 minutes against Slovenia.
They are still vital to the cause in Roberto Martínez’s eyes, but can their bodies continue to hold up? And can their minds, for that matter?
Ronaldo looked a shell after his penalty miss, while Pepe suffered too with that late slip which was almost so costly. How the veteran duo recover may yet determine the shape of this game.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final meeting between Portugal and France will feature an array of attacking talent, yet it’s uncertain whether this match will produce the front-foot football most fans want to see.
Both teams have struggled to find their best attacking form at Euro 2024 far. Indeed, while Portugal needed a penalty shootout to edge past Slovenia following a 0-0 draw, no French player has scored from open play in four matches.
It is therefore reasonable to expect a cagey, conservative encounter on Friday. Didier Deschamps will set up France’s midfield to be strong on the defensive side of the ball with N’Golo Kanté and Aurélien Tchouaméni predicted to start.
Adrien Rabiot is suspended for the quarter-final, meaning Deschamps could reshuffle his midfield unit to accommodate Antoine Griezmann in a deeper role similar to the one who thrived in during the 2022 World Cup. Alternatively, Edouardo Camavinga could be brought into the midfield.
Roberto Martínez will likely match up against the French midfield with a central trio of his own. João Palhinha has made the number six position in the Portugal lineup his own with Vitinha crucial to the way the Seleção drive through the lines in transition and Bruno Fernandes an all-round attacking threat in behind the centre forward.
Against Slovenia, Portugal were guilty of being overly accommodating to Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old was extremely wasteful in front of goal, even missing a penalty kick in extra time. Ronaldo could still be a key figure against France, but Martínez must implement a number of different attacking ideas to get the most out of his team.
Whether or not Kylian Mbappé is being restricted by the face mask he is currently having to wear after suffering a broken nose in France’s opening game win over Austria, he has yet to find his best form at Euro 2024. Portugal, however, could give Mbappé more space to attack in behind. This could be the moment he bursts into life.
An early goal for either team could open up the match as a contest and lead to a thrilling showcase of end-to-end, attacking football. There will certainly be enough attacking talent on the pitch for that to be the case. Barring that, though, Portugal and France are expected to be compact and conservative first and foremost. Deschamps-ball is rarely exciting and Martínez-ball isn’t much better.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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They have been the two strongest teams in the tournament so far, making the winner of this quarter-final the favourite, in the eyes of most, to go all the way and lift the trophy.
Spain are the only side to have won all their games to date with Luis de la Fuente’s team impressive in victories over Croatia, Italy, Albania, and Georgia. Germany, meanwhile, are the competition’s top scorers having netted 10 times in just four games.
Under Luis Enrique, Spain were guilty of lacking cutting edge. Now, though, they have a direct threat that has harnessed Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal as difference-makers in the wide areas.
The opening game win over Croatia showcased how Spain have changed with de la Fuente at the helm with the Euro 2008 and 2012 winners content to sit back and counter into space. They could do that again in periods against Germany.
In midfield, Rodri is a commanding presence at the heart of the Spain lineup with Fabián Ruiz the largely unheralded all-rounder next to him. Then there’s Pedri whose job is to create in between the lines.
Germany have two of their own creators in the shape of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Musiala is the joint-top scorer at Euro 2024 so far with three goals in four games. The Bayern Munich youngster could have a big say on the outcome of Friday’s clash.
It’s possible Julian Nagelsmann could start Leroy Sané over Wirtz, as he did in the round of 16 win over Denmark. Sané’s pace and directness could help Germany get in behind the Spanish backline.
Nagelsmann set up his team in the group stage to operate with dual number 10s. However, Germany might look to operate with more width high up the pitch to expose the space behind Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella.
Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final will be decided by battles all over the pitch. There is significant overlap between the two teams’ style of play, with Spain and Germany both comfortable in possession, keen to counter-press, and quick to move into the attacking third.
These could be the ingredients for the most gripping match of the whole tournament. Many of the big nations – see England and France, for starters – have failed to impress at Euro 2024. Spain and Germany, however, are not among them and could produce a quarter-final spectacle in Stuttgart.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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