Iceland 2 – Austria 1
With the way this game was ending, it looked like Iceland would end up drawing and likely coming in third behind Portugal. Instead, this happened:
https://twitter.com/danmari83/status/745694539738943488
That is the most amazing soccer call I’ve ever seen. And I can’t believe that we’ll see a country of 332,529 take on England in their very first appearance at the Euros.
Some people might complain about the increase in teams at the Euros to 24, but I think it’s moments like these that make it clear it was the right move.
Portugal 3 – Hungary 3
One person who might be complaining is Cristiano Ronaldo. His Portugal side ended the group stage with only three points from three draws and made it into the knockout rounds by the thinnest of margins.
Even though Hungary put out a rotated squad having already secured their spot in the knockout stages, Portugal couldn’t manage to find a win and instead will have to face the surprise team of the tournament Croatia, whom people are saying have a shot at winning the whole thing.
Honestly, failing to win a game so far at the Euros couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.
Round of 16 Draw
Switzerland v Poland
Saturday, June 25th – 8 AM
Poland has surprised a bit coming out of Group C, a group many expected Germany would run away with. Instead, goal difference is the only thing that separated Germany and Poland, and gave Poland as the second place finisher a match against fellow second place finisher Switzerland.
After two whole days without Euro matches, I think we are all looking forward to the knockout rounds starting up.
Croatia v Portugal
Saturday, June 25th – 2 PM
Portugal only has two days of rest before they have to take on the dark horses of the tournament, Croatia. This could prove to be a very entertaining match, with Croatia having a shot to prove their spot as a new hip pick to win the tournament by decisively beating Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.
Wales v Northern Ireland
Saturday, June 25th – 11 AM
It’s almost unfair that two of the home nations would face off against each other, but at least it does guarantee that at least one team from the British Isles will make it into the quarterfinals.
Also, did you know Will Grigg – with all of zero minutes played at Euro 2016 – is on fire? He is!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YUODZEQmA4
Hungary v Belgium
Sunday, June 26th – 2 PM
The old hipster choice before Croatia dethroned them, Belgium has a shot at redemption against Hungary who were the surprise winners of Group F. All the talent Belgium has won’t mean a thing if they can’t play together as a team. Can Hungary make a deep run? Whoever wins this game looks to have an easier go of it than most to the semifinals with the winner of this game set to take on the winner of Wales – Northern Ireland.
Germany v Slovakia
Sunday, June 26th – 11 AM
I’m sure there’s a really insensitive WWII anschluss joke in this game, but I’m going to avoid it to simply say Slovakia will be outclassed by Germany in this match.
Italy v Spain
Monday, June 27th – 11 AM
Eight years ago, this would have been a great matchup. It’s still not a bad one, but there’s a reason this is happening in the round of 16 rather than the semifinals. Both teams look beatable and whoever wins will get the best tickets in the stadium to watch the true favorite Germany beat them all over the field.
France v Republic of Ireland
Sunday, June 26th – 8 AM
The hosts have to like their chances in the round of 16 against the Republic of Ireland, and then with facing the winners of England – Iceland in the quarterfinals.
England v Iceland
Monday, June 27th – 2 PM
Seeing as Iceland is most likely playing for PKs, England will #brexit the tournament here after Rooney misses his shot. I can’t wait to hear Iceland: The Call Part II when they beat England.
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