This will be the first day of the Round of 16, a stage where Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday.
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Italy, the reigning champions, and Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024, will face Switzerland and Denmark, respectively, in the first matches of the Round of 16 of the European Championship.
The first spot in the quarterfinals will be decided in the match between Italy, who won their second title in Euro 2020 in 2021, after their victory in 1968, and Switzerland, whose best performance was reaching the quarterfinals in the last edition, where they were eliminated by Spain after defeating France in the Round of 16.
The Azzurri reached this stage after finishing second in Group B, behind Spain, thanks to Zaccagni's late and crucial goal against Croatia. Italy has shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament, demonstrating why they are the current titleholders. Their squad, a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, is well-prepared to face the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Switzerland secured second place in Group A, only surpassed by Germany. The Swiss team, known for their solid defense and tactical discipline, will pose a significant challenge to Italy.
The match between Italy and Switzerland is scheduled for 17:00 at the Berlin Olympic Stadium, the venue for the Euro 2024 final, and will be officiated by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak. This iconic stadium, rich in history, will set the stage for what promises to be an intense and thrilling encounter.
Shortly after, at 20:00 Portuguese time, in Dortmund, and under the refereeing of Englishman Michael Oliver, the Mannschaft, after winning Group A, will face Denmark, the 1992 competition winners, who finished second in Group C after three draws, level with Slovenia, Portugal's opponent. Germany, aiming to leverage their home advantage, has been in impressive form, showcasing a potent mix of attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The German team, bolstered by the support of their home fans, will look to assert their dominance early in the match.
Germany, three-time champions and three-time finalists, seeks to return to the quarterfinals of the continental tournament after being knocked out in the Round of 16 in Euro 2020 by runners-up England, who in that same edition eliminated Denmark in the semifinals. The German squad is eager to redeem themselves from their previous exit and are motivated to advance further in this year's competition.
In addition to their fairy-tale victory in 1992, after replacing Yugoslavia and triumphing over Germany, Denmark has four semifinal appearances, less than half of Germany's nine. Denmark's journey in this tournament has been marked by their resilience and team spirit, and they will look to draw on their past successes to inspire a strong performance against the hosts.
This will be the first day of the Round of 16, a stage where Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday at 20:00 in Frankfurt. Portugal, led by their experienced and skillful squad, aims to make a deep run in the tournament. Their matchup against Slovenia, who have shown their competitive edge, is highly anticipated. The Portuguese team, known for their tactical acumen and attacking flair, will need to be at their best to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
As the Round of 16 kicks off, fans around the world are eager to see which teams will advance and how these pivotal matches will unfold. The blend of historic rivalries, emerging talents, and strategic battles on the pitch promises to deliver a captivating start to the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
