CHENNAI: Euro 2020 last-16 stage threw up a bagful of surprises. The quarterfinals may not be any different. TOI gives a lowdown of what’s in store.
BELGIUM
Strength: Lukaku’s scoring form. Dynamic and creative midfield. Experienced defence.
Weakness: An ageing defence could be caught out with opposition’s pace.
Opportunity: The Golden Generation lost to France at the 2018 World Cup semis. They want to win a major trophy.
Threat: With Hazard and De Bruyne both nursing injuries, it could boost the opponent’s confidence.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Strength: Patrik Schick’s ability to shore up goals. Organised team which plays direct football.
Weakness: A wobbly backline which often struggles against aerial balls.
Opportunity: Need for other forwards and midfielders to step up and support Schick.
Threat: If the opposition could use their wings and the width of the pitch effectively, Czech defence might be in danger.
DENMARK
Strength: Brave and compact team-game with a focus on organised defence.
Weakness: Midfield lacks ideas. Could go into a shell quickly under opposition pressure.
Opportunity: A bit more creativity upfront could make a lot of difference.
Threat: Had lost to Belgium in the group stages. Yet to face a big team since then.
Strength: Wing-play and Sterling’s ability to score goals.
Weakness: Lack of creativity in the midfield.
Opportunity: Kane might have finally scored against Germany but he needs to find more goals if England want to keep harbouring hopes.
Threat: Despite attacking riches, England’s defence-first approach could prove detrimental to the team’s chances
ITALY
Strength: Solid defence leading to serial goal-poaching. Full-backs and wing-play make them more aggressive.
Weakness: Space behind full-backs, especially when Spinazzola goes on the overlap.
Opportunity: Forwards Immobile and Insigne are yet to stamp their authority. They will need to step up their game.
Threat: An unbeaten run of 31 matches could make players complacent.
SPAIN
Strength: Patient build-up play from the deep with focus on creating space for wingers.
Weakness: Need to shore up defence. Players also need to be switched on till the final whistle
Opportunity: In the absence of another traditional No. 9, Morata needs to find more consistency
Threat: An organised opponent defence could negate the threat of Spain’s possession-based football
SWITZERLAND
Strength: Seferovic’s goal scoring prowess and Zuber’s creativity on the left. Team focuses on playing direct football
Weakness: A leaky defence has conceded in every game
Opportunity: Shaqiri seemed lost in their famous win against France. He needs to regain his form quickly
Threat: Weariness will be a factor because the Swiss are the most travelled team in the tournament
UKRAINE
Strength: An intelligent midfield which can make quick transitions from defence to attack
Weakness: Lack of experience at quarters could make them nervous
Opportunity: The chance of making a maiden semifinal appearance at a major tournament should propel the squad.
Threat: Zinchenko has been the engine for the team. If the opponent could put a lid on him, Ukraine might struggle.
