The Euro 2024 last 16 matches continue on Monday, with Sky Sports' football writers previewing the action; still to come: France vs Belgium, Portugal vs Slovenia, Romania vs Netherlands and Austria vs Turkey
Sunday 30 June 2024 23:19, UK
France vs Belgium, Monday July 1, 5pm, Dusseldorf
As the sides ranked second and third in the world going into the tournament, it was no surprise France and Belgium were among the pre-tournament favourites going into Euro 2024. To this point, however, neither has provided much justification as to why.
Let's start with France. A Max Wober own goal saw them beat Austria 1-0, before draws with the Netherlands and Poland meant they finished second in Group D, runners-up to Ralf Rangnick's impressive aforementioned Austria. And the stats that accompany the grossly unspectacular performance do not make for enjoyable reading.
Les Bleus' tally of just two goals was their fewest in a major tournament group since the 2010 World Cup - and with the second coming by way of a Kylian Mbappe penalty, Didier Deschamps' side racked up 47 non-penalty attempts without scoring, generating 5.88 xG along the way. Not only that, only Serbia (3.8 per cent) had a poorer shot conversion rate in the group stage than France's - and indeed Belgium's - 4.2 per cent.
Belgium have not fared much better, with Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne's goals in the 2-0 win over Romania their only strikes so far. They, too, racked up 48 attempts across their three group games - 18 of which were on target - and generated 4.34 xG. A significant underperformance, by any standards, but admittedly not unexpected; they have now scored just three goals from 9.15 xG across the current tournament and the 2022 World Cup.
That said, VAR has been the most painful of thorns in their side. In their opening defeat to Slovakia, Romelu Lukaku had one goal chalked off for a marginal offside and another, controversially, ruled out after the ball struck Lois Openda's hand in the build-up. Lukaku then struck to double the Red Devils' lead against Romania, only to see his third 'goal' suffer the same fate as his first.
It hasn't been pretty so far, but with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs, there's no time like the present for one - or both - of these near neighbours to finally kick into gear.
Dan Long
Portugal vs Slovenia, Monday July 1, 8pm, Frankfurt
Euro 2024 so far has not been vintage for strikers - Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe have just one goal each. Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo have none.
But any talk of Ronaldo potentially being dropped is likely to be unfounded. Despite being 39, the captain has still moved and played well in the group stages, linking up nicely with the wide players.
He has an assist too for Bruno Fernandes' goal against Turkey, and has registered the most shots (12) of the tournament. He ranks in the top 10 too for touches in the opposition box (16), shots on target (5) and big chances created (2).
Some of these conversations may have stemmed from his substitution in the 66th minute against Georgia - but hardly any of the Portugal team covered themselves in glory that day.
Ultimately, Ronaldo is still considered one of the best to ever play the game and looks far from finished on the international stage.
He lends Portugal a gravitas and aura that few other players can provide, and expect him to have more goal involvements before his tournament is out.
Charlotte Marsh
Romania vs Netherlands, Tuesday July 2, 5pm, Munich
The Netherlands' team are becoming a party-pooper for its thousands of exuberant orange-clad fans after dark horses Austria turned the Oranje to squash in arguably the game of the tournament so far.
That 3-2 loss demolished confidence but Romania offers a golden opportunity to set up a swift chance for revenge provided Ralf Rangnick's side defeat Turkey.
For that to happen, Virgil van Dijk must rediscover his best form. Marco van Basten has doubled down this week on his criticism of the Liverpool captain.
"He's got to lead and he's the one we're going to hold accountable in the end," the 59-year-old said. "He has to organise things and he is responsible. He is the great leader of the team and you have to organise these kinds of things better.
"Unfortunately, the criticism has not led to improvement, because it is actually the same points that are not going well. In that respect, it's a bit disappointing. I'm sorry I have to say it again, but I can also keep my mouth shut."
He is of course not alone in shouldering the blame for the loss in Berlin.
Ronald Koeman's team are missing influential midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who failed to recover from an ankle injury in time for the tournament. Teun Koopmeiners was also forced to drop out while Joey Veerman was hooked after 35 minutes in the Austria loss.
A midfield imbalance is not only afflicting England out in Germany. Unlike Gareth Southgate, Koeman is not afraid to make changes - but so far, none have paid off.
Despite the problems, the Netherlands will be favoured to overcome Romania, giving Koeman and Van Dijk another shot at breaking the longstanding Dutch tradition of disappointing at major tournaments.
Ben Grounds
Austria vs Turkey, Tuesday July 2, 8pm, Leipzig
Ralf Rangnick admitted there was scepticism among the players when he was hired as Austria's manager in 2022, but those doubts have been quickly eradicated after the national team finished top of their group at a European Championship for the first time in their history.
Known as one of the godfathers of "gegenpressing", the German has left a permanent mark on modern football and Austria's current squad is excelling under his guidance.
Their aggressive, front-foot approach saw them perform well in a narrow loss to France before more eye-catching displays followed in deserved wins over Poland and the Netherlands.
While Austria's tireless running and fluid movement caused the Dutch constant problems last time out, their never-say-die attitude - instilled by Rangnick - was equally as impressive.
Many will view a country ranked 25th in the world as a surprise package at this tournament, but Austria have now lost just twice in 19 matches.
Rangnick's side are a force to be reckoned with and won't fear anyone in the knockout stage. They are on the same side of the draw as England. The Three Lions better watch out.
Dan Sansom
