The UEFA European Championship 2024, one of the most prestigious football tournaments, is now in its quarterfinal stage. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how the quarterfinals work, including match structure, team progression, and what to expect as teams vie for the coveted championship title.
⚽ Quarterfinal Match Structure
The quarterfinals are crucial as they determine the four teams that will advance to the semifinals. Here’s how the matches are structured:
- Single-Elimination Format: Each quarterfinal match is a knockout game. Teams must win to advance; a loss results in elimination.
- Tie-Breakers: If a match is tied at the end of regular time, it proceeds to extra time. If still tied, the outcome is decided by a penalty shootout.
Quarterfinal Matches
- Spain vs. Germany: Spain emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.
- Portugal vs. France: The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with France winning 5-3 on penalties.
- England vs. Switzerland: Scheduled for July 6.
- Netherlands vs. Turkey: Scheduled for July 7.
Date | Team 1 | Team2 | Score | Penalties | Qualified |
5th July | Spain | Germany | 2-1 | – | Spain |
6th July | Portugal | France | 0-0 | 5-3 | France |
6th July | England | Switzerland | Pending | – | – |
7th July | Turkey | Netherlands | Pending | – | – |
Goals and Key Moments
Spain vs. Germany
- Score: Spain 2 – 1 Germany
- Goals: Spain’s attacking prowess was on display with goals from Sergio Ramos and Marco Asensio. Germany’s lone goal came from Timo Werner.
- Key Moments: Spain’s control of possession and precise passing, coupled with Germany’s resilience in defense, made for a tense encounter.
Portugal vs. France
- Score: Portugal 0 – 0 France (France won 5-3 on penalties)
- Goals: The match ended in a goalless draw after extra time. France clinched victory in the penalty shootout, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the decisive penalty.
- Key Moments: Cristiano Ronaldo’s efforts for Portugal and Mbappe’s clinical performance under pressure were highlights of the match.
England vs. Switzerland
- Score: Yet to play (scheduled for July 6)
- Key Players: England’s attacking trio of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Jadon Sancho will be crucial against Switzerland’s solid defense.
Netherlands vs. Turkey
- Score: Yet to play (scheduled for July 7)
- Key Players: Netherlands’ Memphis Depay and Turkey’s Burak Yilmaz are expected to lead their teams in this high-stakes encounter.
In the knockout stages of the Euro 2024, there are no second chances. Once a team loses in the quarterfinals, it is eliminated from the tournament. This high-stakes environment ensures that every match is fiercely contested.
The Euro 2024 quarterfinals are an exhilarating phase of the tournament, where only the strongest teams advance. With single-elimination matches, every game is a do-or-die scenario, promising high drama and intense competition. Stay tuned to see which teams will emerge victorious and move closer to lifting the prestigious Euro 2024 trophy.