This year's Euros have concluded the final 16 matchups to determine who will go to the quarterfinals, beginning on Friday, July 5.
The first confirmed matchup was Italy vs. Switzerland, with Switzerland taking the game 2-0. The first was completed by midfielder Remo Freuler with an assist from Ruben Vargas. The second goal was scored within thirty seconds of the second half beginning, Ruben Vargas making the shot.
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Germany took the win over Denmark on Saturday 2-0. The first half was filled with close calls and a foul costing Denmark a goal. Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel proved to be the man of the match, pulling off two or three crucial saves to keep Denmark in the game. The first goal for Germany came from striker Kai Havertz on a penalty shot. Midfielder Jamal Musiala doubled Germany’s advantage with a shot assisted by Nico Schlotterbeck.
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England vs. Slovakia marked the third time England has appeared in the final 16 matches. They were victorious 2-1, with shots by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane securing the win. The first half was riddled with yellow cards, with England picking up three to Slovakia’s one before Ivan Schranz took the early lead for Slovakia. England tried to even things out in the beginning of the first half, but VAR ruled them offside and their goal was disqualified. With seconds on the clock, Bellingham evened out the score with a stunning overhead kick. As they went into overtime, Kane finally pushed England out on top with an early free-kick.
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Spain pulled off a devastating win over Georgia 4-1. It’s the largest margin of victory by a team who conceded the opening goal in Euros history. Georgia got the first goal, off the back of Spain defender Robin Le Normand. Spain midfielder Rodri evened up the score with a strike from 20 yards out. In the second half, Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the advantage. Ruiz then assisted the fourth goal of the game scored by Nico Williams. Dani Olmo made it four for Spain with a curved shot past the arm of Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
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France defeated Belgium 1-0 after a close game that saw no goals until the second half, when an own goal by Belgium in ‘85 gave France the lead. The shot was made by Kolo Muani, where it bounced off Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen and into the goal. It wasn’t a very exciting or conventional win, but that goal sent France into the quarter-finals.
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Portugal vs. Slovenia saw no goals at all for the two halves, going into overtime with 0-0. Portugal was first to claim a penalty, but striker Cristiano Ronaldo missed the shot. Overtime finished with still no one making a goal, sending the game into a penalty shootout. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandez, and Bernardo Silva made their goals, giving Portugal the confusing win of 0(3)-0(0). Superstar Ronaldo admitted after the game that this European Championship would be his last.
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The Netherlands vs. Romania ended in a win for the Netherlands 3-0. Midfielder Cody Gakpo claimed the first goal in the 20th minute after an assist from Xavi Simons. The Netherlands had a goal in the first few minutes of the second half ruled out after a VAR review, but they bounced back with a goal from Donyell Malen with an assist from Gakpo. He scored again with an assist from Simons. He received a yellow card right after for his celebration of his second goal of the night.
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The final matchup of the last 16 was Austria and Turkiye. It was a close game, but Turkiye came out 2-1. Turkiye defender Merih Demiral got the first goal of the match within a minute of kick-off. Austria tried to strike back, but a shot by Christoph Baumgartner was inches off the left-hand post. Demiral did it again just fourteen minutes after the second half started, bringing the score up 2-0 for Turkiye. Austria managed to get back in it with a goal from striker Michael Gregoritsch, but couldn’t even it out.
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The Euros will continue on Friday, July 5 with the quarter-finals. All but one of the matchups have already been decided. Spain vs. Germany will be first, followed by Portugal vs. France on the same day. England vs. Switzerland will happen on July 6, and the Netherlands vs. Turkiye will happen after them.
Edited by: Sarah Muñoz
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