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FotMob Daily Briefing: Four things to look out as the quarter-finals get underway at EURO 2024

FotMob Daily Briefing: Four things to look out as the quarter-finals get underway at EURO 2024

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Euro 2024 has reached the quarter-final stage and after some cracking matches, surprising performances (in both directions) and even the odd shock result, we’re left with a final eight comprised of at least five of the pre-tournament favourites – and four of them are grouped in the same section of the bracket.

By Karl Matchett

Rodri’s first real test or a Toni Kroos swansong?

Spain have floated through Euro 2024 so far with style, poise and grace – although not a huge amount in the way of extremely tough 90-minute challenges.

That just means Germany will be a first real test for their magnificent midfield, and in particular Rodri: excellent at controlling play, but also a real leader in the last-16 when Spain trailed to Georgia and began to look frustrated.

Rodri will come up against a former teammate in İlkay Gündoğan and one of the Euros’ best players so far in Toni Kroos. The latter, of course, is in his final weeks before retiring – if he can outmanoeuvre and outperform Rodri that will go a long way to ensuring he, and the hosts, continue for another few days.

Bench decisions might define the outcome…of the whole tournament

There are plenty of viewers who see Spain vs. Germany as a game worthy of the final itself, where the winners may go on to lift the trophy. It’s not hard to see why, with the strength in depth that these two nations offer.

While most of the starting 22 players can largely be predicted – the odd German change aside – it’s the players who might impact off the bench who could dictate the final scoreline.

Luis de la Fuente has used his group well. The likes of Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal have been prominent, despite not being first-choice starters. But Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann might say the same about his group, even though eight names have started all four so far. Leroy Sané, Emre Can and Niclas Füllkrug have all been trusted weapons off the bench and can give the hosts more firepower…or shut down a match they are leading.

Can Kylian hit the goal trail…or anyone else for France?!

A quirk of Frane’s progression so far is that they’ve still not had a player score a goal from open play from their own squad. Kylian Mbappé has managed the same number of broken bones as goals so far, but his one time of finding the net came from the penalty spot – then they have two own goals, too.

So somebody has to start firing. Mbappé remains most likely and went close against Belgium, but Marcus Thuram’s ineffectiveness could now see him replaced in Didier Deschamps’ team. Diamond or wide three? Replace the suspended Adrien Rabiot with like for like or alter the midfield supply line?

The French boss’ selections will dictate much, but he can’t help them put the ball in the net once they’re on the pitch.

Portugal’s golden duo face examination of both mental and physical strength

Humans have almost forgotten a time where the Portugal national team existed without Pepe or Cristiano Ronaldo. Here they still are at 41 and 39 respectively – and about to face France just four days after going through 120 minutes against Slovenia.

They are still vital to the cause in Roberto Martínez’s eyes, but can their bodies continue to hold up? And can their minds, for that matter?

Ronaldo looked a shell after his penalty miss, while Pepe suffered too with that late slip which was almost so costly. How the veteran duo recover may yet determine the shape of this game.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

FotMob Daily Briefing: Four things to look out as the quarter-finals get underway at EURO 2024

Euro 2024 has reached the quarter-final stage and after some cracking matches, surprising performances (in both directions) and even the odd shock result, we’re left with a final eight comprised of at least five of the pre-tournament favourites – and four of them are grouped in the same section of the bracket.

By Karl Matchett

Rodri’s first real test or a Toni Kroos swansong?

Spain have floated through Euro 2024 so far with style, poise and grace – although not a huge amount in the way of extremely tough 90-minute challenges.

That just means Germany will be a first real test for their magnificent midfield, and in particular Rodri: excellent at controlling play, but also a real leader in the last-16 when Spain trailed to Georgia and began to look frustrated.

Rodri will come up against a former teammate in İlkay Gündoğan and one of the Euros’ best players so far in Toni Kroos. The latter, of course, is in his final weeks before retiring – if he can outmanoeuvre and outperform Rodri that will go a long way to ensuring he, and the hosts, continue for another few days.

Bench decisions might define the outcome…of the whole tournament

There are plenty of viewers who see Spain vs. Germany as a game worthy of the final itself, where the winners may go on to lift the trophy. It’s not hard to see why, with the strength in depth that these two nations offer.

While most of the starting 22 players can largely be predicted – the odd German change aside – it’s the players who might impact off the bench who could dictate the final scoreline.

Luis de la Fuente has used his group well. The likes of Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal have been prominent, despite not being first-choice starters. But Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann might say the same about his group, even though eight names have started all four so far. Leroy Sané, Emre Can and Niclas Füllkrug have all been trusted weapons off the bench and can give the hosts more firepower…or shut down a match they are leading.

Can Kylian hit the goal trail…or anyone else for France?!

A quirk of Frane’s progression so far is that they’ve still not had a player score a goal from open play from their own squad. Kylian Mbappé has managed the same number of broken bones as goals so far, but his one time of finding the net came from the penalty spot – then they have two own goals, too.

So somebody has to start firing. Mbappé remains most likely and went close against Belgium, but Marcus Thuram’s ineffectiveness could now see him replaced in Didier Deschamps’ team. Diamond or wide three? Replace the suspended Adrien Rabiot with like for like or alter the midfield supply line?

The French boss’ selections will dictate much, but he can’t help them put the ball in the net once they’re on the pitch.

Portugal’s golden duo face examination of both mental and physical strength

Humans have almost forgotten a time where the Portugal national team existed without Pepe or Cristiano Ronaldo. Here they still are at 41 and 39 respectively – and about to face France just four days after going through 120 minutes against Slovenia.

They are still vital to the cause in Roberto Martínez’s eyes, but can their bodies continue to hold up? And can their minds, for that matter?

Ronaldo looked a shell after his penalty miss, while Pepe suffered too with that late slip which was almost so costly. How the veteran duo recover may yet determine the shape of this game.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.