Europe EURO 2020 - Quarterfinals, July 2-3

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Belgium vs Italy Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Belgium:
Courtois; Vertonghen, Vermaelen, Alderweireld; Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Thorgan Hazard; Mertens, Carrasco, Lukaku

Italy:
Donnarumma; Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Veratti; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne

This is the most interesting quarter-final, a heavyweight clash between two top sides. Belgium and Italy will face at Allianz Arena in Munich. With France, Portugal, Croatia, Netherlands and Germany already out, the winners from this match will be the biggest favorites for the trophy. Of course, it is only in theory as this European Championship have already produced lot of surprises, like never before.

Belgium qualified as winners of Group B. The Red Devils were excellent so far, securing three victories in the group and one in the knock-out stage. The Red Devils first outplayed Russia with 3:0 thanks to Romelu Lukaku's brace. In the second match they had lot of difficulties, but at the end beat Denmark with 2:1. Belgium were one-goal down, but Kevin De Bruyne, who came in as substitute, inspired the victory. He played a part in the equalizer, assisting Thorgan Hazard, and then scored the winner. In the third round Roberto Martinez's men beat Finland with 2:0. With a knock-out spot already secured, coach Martinez made eight changes from the game with Denmark. The Spaniard rested the majority of his key players. Finland were close to get a positive result, but a late own-goal by keeper Lukas Hradecky and Lukaku's effort resulted with their elimination. Belgium finished first in the group and crossed with the European Champions Portugal in the round of 16. It was a tough match, but the Red Devils showed their class and won 1:0 after Thorgan Hazard scored a fantastic goal in the finish of the first half. However, Belgium paid a high prize for the victory as two key players suffered injuries. Kevin de Bruyne was replaced at the start of the second half, while Eden Hazard limped off during the finish of the match. The chances that some of them will play in the quarter-finals are very slim. Timothy Castagne is also sidelined after the full-back suffered a fractured eye socket in the win over Russia in St Petersburg. Castagne had surgery in Antwerp last week, meaning he will miss the rest of the campaign.

Italy play very good and deserved a place in the last eight. Like their counterparts, the Azzurri are also in excellent form. Coach Roberto Mancini's men have played four matches at EURO and won all of them. As usual, the defense is rock-solid, they are yet to concede at Euro during the regular 90 minutes. They beat Turkey and Switzerland with 3:0, plus a narrow 1:0 win over Wales. Ciro Immobile was the key player after scoring four goals during the group stage, while Manuel Locatelli had three to his name. But Mancini has bulk of players able to score. It came out against Austria in the first knock-out stage, the most difficult challenge so far. Austrians came very close to the victory thanks to Marko Arnautovic's header in the finish of the regular time, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check for offside. The extra-time brought extra excitement. The substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina scored in the 95th and 105th minute to secure the crucial advantage for the Italians. Austria pulled a goal back through Sasa Kalajdzic's header, the first goal Italy have conceded in 12 games. Nevertheless, Italy won and secured the progress at the end. That was their 31st match without defeat - a new national team record. The good form and high confidence of the players make them genuine title pretenders. In addition, they are more experienced than the Belgians - Italy have won four World Cups and one European crown, in 1968. Coach Mancini has the majority of his players ready, but key defender Giorgio Chiellini is rated as doubtful. He wasn't risked against Austria, but could return here. Alessandro Florenzi is also rated as doubtful.

Belgium vs Italy Prediction:

I expect a low scoring match in Munich. Both teams have strong defenses. Belgium are on a run of four victories in which they have conceded just a single goal, keeping clean sheet on the other three occasions. Italy, meanwhile, needed extra-time to beat Austria after the match ended with a boring goalless draw during the regular 90 minutes. The Azzurri are yet to concede a single goal at EURO counting only the regular time. The absence of Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard is also a reason for my pick, it will be much harder for Belgium to score without two key players.

Belgium vs Italy Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.63 with Comeon

 

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Switzerland

They are the most surprising team in the Tournament this season. It is out of expectation that they get into the Quarterfinals. Although there is not many big-money players in the team, they have good cooperation and understanding. That's the reason why they always rank top twentieth in the world.

Spain

They have been unbeaten this season so far. In last game, they have two goals lead but then come to a draw finally. With the help of Morata and Oyarzabal, they get into Quarterfinals by a 5-3 victory, which makes them in high morale.


Spain have a better squad as Granit Xhaka of Switzerland is suspend due to a collection of yellow cards. Without Xhaka, Switzerland do not stand the chance to win. Spain are in good condition. They have the tendency to upgrade.

Prediction: 1-2, 1-3