July 6, 0:00 Taiwan time Spain vs Germany
The first match of the last eight is a super heavyweight duel as these two teams are arguably the two best performers in the tournament. Landlords Germany and Spain have easily won three consecutive matches in the Group of Death compared to the other three favorites, France, England and Portugal, and have shown an effective organized attack in this tournament, which unfortunately will be played in the last eight.
The main 4-3-3 Spain met 4-2-3-1 Germany, 3 wins over Spain in the group stage, and the last 16 faced Georgia, who entered the knockout rounds for the first time, and although they conceded a point because of an oval ball, they scored four consecutive goals and easily advanced 4-1, and the score difference could have been even greater if it wasn't for the outstanding performance of Georgia goalkeeper Madashvili, who gave nine saves throughout the game.
Germany played Denmark in the round of 16 with Sane replacing Wiltz in the starting XI, but he was average with 5, 3 successes, better than Havertz, and against Spain's powerful wingers, maybe Nagelsmann still needs Sane.
The two teams past battle record is very close, Germany 9 wins, 9 draws and 8 losses advantage is not very big, just look at the past 10 years only 5 times, the two teams 1 win, 3 draws and 1 draw, the last time is in the group stage of the World Cup in Cada, the two teams 1-1 draw, but in this group eventually Spain advanced, Germany was eliminated.
Spain coach De La Fuente followed the tradition of recent years, still emphasizing high-pressure possession but pushing quickly on the attacking tempo, with the two fullbacks often working with the wingers to create a 2-3-5 localized advantage, with enough men in the middle of the field to allow for quick counterattacks.
With nine goals in their first four games, only Germany is better. However, although Spain are in the group of death, Croesus and Italy are not playing well. Spain's excellent performance could be the first real test of this Euro.
German coach Nagelsmann likes to use Havertz as a single striker. Havertz will contract and hold the ball during the game. If they attract the opposing center backs, the gap behind them can be exploited. If they don't follow, Germany can easily have an advantage in a 4-2-4 in the center of the field.
In fact, the two coaches are very close to each other. They both like to build up a numerical advantage in the center. The difference is that Spain makes more use of the width of the wings, while Germany will let Kroos drag back close to the center back position and hold the ball to start the attack. I believe both teams will keep their original attacking tactics for this match, and it will be interesting to see how they press their opponents in the lineup.
July 6, Taiwan time 3:00 pm time 3:00 pm time July 6, Taiwan time Portugal vs. France
The two teams that were split into the same group at the last Euro have met for the third consecutive time at the Euros with a star rating comparable to England's, but the content of the match between Portugal and France was not ideal. Portugal had a 3-0 scare in their last game against Slovenia, relying on PK's magical performance against Diogo Costa, while France fought Belgium until the last minute and reached the last 8 with a lucky oval 1-0.
Both of these teams are 4-2-3-1, Portugal will be closer to 3 defenders, Cancelo will be more advanced, and B will be more back in the backfield, but Cancelo has Mbappe, and the gaps behind him are likely to be exploited by the opposition if he still attacks with impunity.
The fact is Ronaldo hasn't been in bad form in this game but the goals still haven't come, the last 12 yarder had its own level of class but Oblak was braver, maybe this game could see Ronaldo's signature celebrations after a goal?
The integration of Portugal's double B has been a problem. b fee has been in average form this tournament, a bit too eager to be kind and too impulsive in handling the ball. The team needs him to get back to his performance in the World Cup. Last game's outstanding midfielder Palinha made 7 successful shovel breaks, a 100% success rate is quite impressive. Portugal will need to look forward to his performance against France who have a lot of firepower.
France didn't score in this tournament, a 12-yarder from Mbappe and three unsportsmanlike goals against Austria and Belgium gave France three wins, so reaching the last eight really wasn't convincing enough.
However, France are a threat from the spot. They had as many as 19 shots on goal against Belgium in the round of 16, but they often play the ball in front of the box. France can create goal scoring chances, but are too inefficient. I don't think the players are too comfortable with the game and the ball is not being pressed.
