Euro 2020 - Last 8

3 more matches to be Kings of Europe. I am glad that the last 16 has descended upon us with eruption and the thrills and spills. I have always love the underdogs and watching small clubs beating the big ones, small countries upsetting the giants and hot favourites have always been the beauty of sports like Denmark who only qualified because Yugoslavia were banned in 1992 but went on to win it in fairy tale fashion. Now for a word from the sponsor  - of the beer - myself.

It was so good to see Denmark after suffering from the scare of Eriksen's collapse and after losing two matches to bounced back with emphatic wins over Russia (4-1) and Wales (4-0). Many also do not realize how good the Czech Republic have been as they toppled top scorers the Netherlands. How Switzerland who looked mediocre at the group stage more than sprung to life delivering the greatest KO punch to the French. Spain who only showed their mettle in their last group match got the biggest scare of their life when they defeated Croatia 5-3 AET. How Belgium got a 1-0 win over Portugal without much excitement and continued their 100% streak of wins. Meanwhile Italy managed to overcome the shock to beat Austria 2-1 AET to maintain 100% wins. 

England meanwhile have not conceded a single goal this tournament. The 2-0 win over their arch rival and nemesis at Wembley was something truly special because the Germans are their bogey team and they have not beaten Germany in a competitive game at Wembley since the 1966 World Cup final. The 55 year wait for a KO victory Germany at Wembley is over. Ukraine who won their only match against minnows North Macedonia surprised with a 2-1 win over Sweden AET to break Swedish hearts. 

Let us look at the scorers as to who may win the Golden Boot. I have left out those who are already out of the competition and have less goals than the top scorers. Ronaldo takes the crown if Patrick Schick do not get another or more. Sterling, Immobile, Morata, Dolberg or even Harry Kane, etc. are still around and could get a few more depending on how far mote their teams could go. 

(1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 5 goals. (2) Patrick Schick (Czech Republic) - 4. (2) Karim Benzema (France) - 4. (4) Haris Seferovic (Switzerland) - 3. (4) Romelu Lukaka (Belgium) - 3. (4) Raheem Sterling (England) - 3. (7) Ciro Immobile (Italy) - 2. (7) Manuel Locatelli (Italy) - 2. (7) Matteo Pessina (Italy) - 2. (7)  Thorgan Hazard (Belgium) - 2. (7) Kasper Dolberg (Denmark) - 2. (7) Youssof Poulsen (Denmark) - 2. (7) Joakim Maehle (Denmark) - 2. (7) Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland) - 2. (7) Ferran Torres (Spain) - 2. (7) Alvaro Morata (Spain) - 2. (7) Pablo Sarabia (Spain) - 2. (7) Roman Yaremchuk (Ukraine) - 2. (7) Andriy Yarmolenko (Ukraine) - 2. (20) Breel Emboblo (Switzerland) - 1. (20) Mario Gavranovic (Switzerland) - 1. (20) Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) - 1. (20) Thomas Meunier (Belgium) - 1. (20) Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) - 1. (20) Lorenzo Insigne (Italy) - 1. (20) Federico Chiesa (Italy) - 1.  (20) Tomas Holes (Czech Republic) - 1.  (20) Mikkel Damsgard (Denmark) - 1. (20) Martin Brauthwaite (Denmark) - 1. (20) Oleksandr Zinchenko (Ukraine) - 1. (20) Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine) - 1. (20) Harry Kane (England) -1. WHo do you think will be the top scorer?

Now, we wait with abated breath and salivate while losing sleep in this part of the world as the Quarter-Finals arrive. Also crushing beer cans while teams crush one another. Its about going green even for beer.

Switzerland v Spain - Some French fans actually travelled to Bucharest rather than Budapest for their team's match against Portugal. Do you know your Bucharest from Budapest. Both may look and sound quite similar but one is a "cha" the other a "da" and one is a "rest" the other a "pest". Just ten hours by car though and two different countries. Budapest is the capital of Hungary while Bucharest is in Romania. Perhaps you should just remember the BuchaRest with the "R" is in Romania which starts with a "R". 

Anyway, all these have become fruitless as the powerful and super hot favourites crashed out on penalties AET. What an incredible performance that was from the Swiss and now they fear no one! They have never feared in the first place. How good were they when 1-3 down with 15 minutes to go and they got back to 3-3! It was in part the overconfidence of the French perhaps after that gorgeous goal from Pogba. Seferovic's goals were superbly taken. Dumping the French is no small matter but their path to the final is daunting. In fact, it is ridiculous and first they have to face Spain and a win means next up will be Italy or Belgium. It is unfortunate to lose their suspended captain Granit Xhaka who played so well against France. 

When Spain won 5-3 in extra-time after ending 3-3 in 90 minutes, they completed two of the most breathtaking last 16 matches I have ever watched and it began with maybe the most bizarre own goal of all time in international competition. Of all players, Pedri, such  a pedigreed player from almost the middle of the pitch had to play a long back pass to his keeper Unai Simon and as the ball has a little wicked curve, Simon misjudged completely as the ball sailed into the net. Do not always play back to keeper unless necessary. Even officials were too shocked to assign the own goal correctly at first - was it Pedri or Simon? Spain have been chaotic and have been flirting with disaster but ten goals in two games is like opening the champagne bottle. They have defensive issues but they still outscored their opponents. However, facing more elite teams may not be the same. 

Except for that thrilling win over France, the Swiss's overall form has not been very impressive but it was not a lucky win mind you as they were the better team for most of the game. Spain will have more threats coming all over the pitch with their quality but I was very impressed with Daniel Olmo who plays for RB Leipzig. When he came on he provided two assists and hit the woodwork once. He looked unstoppable each time he made his run at defenders. Both teams are fatigued after playing extra-time and also penalty kicks. It could turn out to be an exciting game with goals. The Swiss defence is not entirely solid and have concede 8 goals in 4 games. They could again shock Spain but I take a Spanish win. 2-4.

Belgium v Italy - Italy finally conceded a goal albeit in extra-time. I told you so they could leak one against Austria. They also found that the cruise they had in the group stage has turned into a race. Austria had them by the balls from the first whistle, were aggressive, often first to every ball, were crisp with their passing and their pressing intensity disrupted all the Italian rhythm. Belgium's win over Portugal was a rather poor game but still they have won and ended the Champions' reign. Portugal could not take advantage of a Belgium back three with their age added up to more than 100 years old and it took a wonderful strike from Thorgan Hazard, the younger brother of Eden that swerved away at the end past Patricio to bust the net. Portugal were a bit unfortunate as they dominated the statistics and hit a post. 

Belgium's fortune depends on the fitness and availability for Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne - their creative sparks not that they do not have a competent team but these two made the difference otherwise the focus is only on Lukaku. 

Italy displayed great character when they overcame a spirited Austria. That two substitutes Chiesa and Pessina got the two goals showed great depth in the team with plenty to call upon when needed but it gets harder from now as they have to beat Belgium and then to face off with potentially Spain (if they beat the Swiss) to get there. This is a steeper ladder to climb considering their opponents so far. Both sides conceded just a goal each after four matches so you can expect not too many goals flowing but they will score. Maybe it will be a 1-1 draw at full-time or Italy may just nick it to win 2-1. I feel Italy could just get one more than Belgium. 1-2.

Czech Republic v Denmark - Denmark were very good against Wales. They were full of composure, well organized, confident and played as a solid team as much as Wales were poor but still not many teams could hammer Wales 4-0. They may lack certain qualities but more than made up for it with great character and fantastic team spirit. This is what powered them and who knows they may even go all the way.

The Czech Republic stunned not just the Dutch but everyone when they defeated the Netherlands 2-0. Few have backed them to achieve that as total football suffered a total collapse as Patrick Schick and Tomas Hole found holes in the Dutch defence after De Ligt's red card. They are defensively sound, efficient on counter-attacks and dangerous at set pieces. I would rather both these teams meet the other supposedly stronger teams than each other. The Oranje, the highest scorers during the group stage exit without a goal. Welcome to knockout football. The Czechs were clever and ruthless. Be warned. They will fancy their chances and so rule them out at your own peril.

Do you remember the great players from both teams in the past? Denmark's Alan Simonsen, Brian Laudrup, Michael Laudrup, Peter Schmeichel, Preben Elkjaer just to name a few. Czech's Pavel Nedved, Petr Cech, Tomas Rosicky, Patrick Berger and Milan Baros. This will be another close game as both are equally matched and either team could win. Perhaps a high scoring 2-2 draw at full-time or the Danish to pip the Czech by just a goal to win. 1-2.

Ukraine v England - Ukraine's win over Sweden is a minor upset and this will strengthen their belief that they could go farther. They are arguably the weakest team left in the competition but never say never as you have seen that the French and the Dutch have been knocked out cold. If they get past England they face Denmark or the Czechs. Who knows how far they could go.

England have not been at their most dynamic. They have not even been exciting but the win over Germany have opened up the path for them in the competition. Southgates' England have been pragmatic and very effective. Getting through this tie means a Wembley date with the Danes or Czechs. Its too early for them to say Football Is Coming Home yet but at least at this point things do look promising for the Three Lions. England will never have a better opportunity to win the Euro. 

England have beaten Germany in an impressive way and a huge win for so many reasons. Southgate's selection raised eyebrows when he started Bukayo Saka and left out Jack Grealish and Phil Foden. Saka was excellent in the early stages as he sparkled and Grealish showed what a game-changer he is as he was involved with both England goals. England can feel confident against Ukraine but be warned not to be complacent after the shock exit of France to Switzerland. No team is to be taken lightly and the Netherlands to the Czechs. 

Sterling, Kane, Grealish and Shaw all played a part in the goals. Shaw proved Jose Mourinho wrong and must surely now live rent-free in Mourinho's head. Sterling's best form was for two years before this season with City but his manager kept the faith and has been hugely repaid. He was a victim of abuse for daring to be black. Simply, Sterling has been sensational but he can be infuriating at times holding the ball when he should pass or running himself into peak hour traffic like he almost gifted a goal to Germany. Anyhow, he is the man of the moment and his mazy run is hard for opponents to read and his trickery has been at the highest level. 

Kane's goal was of great significance because it was his first here and England's second to calm the nerves and to be more assured of victory. Now that he has tasted blood, more should come from him. Southgate has been vindicated with his selection of Harry Maguire who led and showed authority with his ability to play the ball out from defence and his aerial prowess. He was commanding in the German game. Tripper and Shaw in a 3-4-3 worked as they contained Germany. Jordan Pickford whose form dipped at Everton repaid the faith given him as he has been outstanding between the posts with some crucial saves throughout the tournament especially racing out to block  Werner from his line and then an athletic reflex save from Havertz when the score was still 0-0. It kept his team in the game.

Trippier and Shaw nullified Germany's twin threat of Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens. Maguire was a rock and he even made some of his trademark runs from deep. Had the Germans won, Gosens and Kimmich can say to Luke, Kyle Walker - Luke, wa si lin lao peh. This win will help Gareth Southgate erased the memories of 1996 defeat to Germany when he missed with his spot kick but such a huge win matter not if England slip up down the road. 

Should they win over Ukraine in Rome, it will see England back to Wembley where the semi-finals and final will be held. Then they  will face off with Denmark/Czech Republic in the semi and should they overcome their opponents they shall go to the Final to meet the winner of Switzerland/Spain versus Italy/Belgium. England may still falter in the quarter-final, KO in the semi-final, fall at the last hurdle or even win the tournament but they have just secured their biggest victory over Germany. Last 3 games v Ukraine were - 0-0 (2013), drew 1-1 (2012) and won 1-0 (2012). So they still have a lot of hard work and a  long way to go. Jose Mourinho has suggested the England should rest a few players here especially those on yellow cards. He may rest make a couple of changes at most. England do not score a lot these days while keeping clean sheets. Ukraine will pack the defence so it will not be so easy to unlock. So I would suggest a England win by just a  couple of goals but if England score early then Ukraine may have no alternative but to chase the game so it will open up and England may score again. The English must try to get an early goal for their own sake. 0-2.