BFW Roundtable: Euro 2020 — Quarterfinals Predictions

Jack Laushway

Switzerland vs Spain — I love to doubt Spain, but they have seem to found their scoring and demand a bit more respect. Despite their marginal victory over Croatia, I’m going to pick Spain here. Seferovic to score their Swiss’ lone goal while Spain wins with three different goal scorers. Switzerland 1-3 Spain

Belgium vs Italy — This should be the match of the round, however, some of the most unexpected fixtures proved most entertaining in the Round of 16. Italy wasn’t very impressive in their extra-time win against the Austrians. Lukaku is a beast who was a bit more contained in the last round. I expect big things from the Inter striker in the quarter finals. I think Belgium will advance to the finals but that Italy will be another hard test for the Red Devils. Belgium 3-1 Italy

Czech Republic vs Denmark — I’m having a really hard time calling this game. I really like both teams and it’s hard to root against either. Regardless of the outcome here, I’ll be rooting for the winner against England should they advance. Patrick Schick is on fire and the Czechs have legitimate aspirations to make the Final. On the other hand, Denmark has their own incredible story. Denmark will have another high scoring game in a close but comfortable win over Czech Republic. Schick will score at least once to at least equalize Ronaldo for Golden Boot at the Euros with 5 goals. Czech Republic 2-3 Denmark

Ukraine vs England — Sad to think that Germany could be in this position right now, but that’s how the sport works. England will be playing once again at Wembley, which will surely be an insurmountable task for Ukraine. England will win comfortably and book their tickets to the final four. Is it coming home!? Ukraine 0-3 England

Chuck Smith

Switzerland vs Spain — Do the Swiss have any more magic left? Uh, no. No, they don’t. I’m not overly convinced Spain is a world class side — and I think Switzerland is a good team — but I think the traditional power will take down an up-and-coming squad. Switzerland 1-2 Spain

Belgium vs Italy — Italy has been the team that has probably looked the best in this tourney. Granted, that is not saying a lot, but this has been a good run for the Italians. That said, Belgium seems like a better, more complete squad at this point. The Belgians are probably the favorites moving forward. Belgium 3-2 Italy

Czech vs Denmark — This is the most fascinating matchup of the round as it features two underdogs, who no one thought would get this far. Denmark is a better story, but the Czech Republic has the hottest player in Patrick Schick. Czech Republic 3-2 Denmark

Ukraine vs England — Let’s get this out of the way, England is the most talented, deepest team left in the tourney. England could also be the squad that people most want to see lose. Ukraine is tough, but it is hard to think they have the horses to keep up with England for 90 minutes. Ukraine 0-2 England

Samrin

Switzerland vs Spain - Switzerland made me believe they can do it again; however, Granit Xhaka delivered a man of the match performance and I am not quite sure who can replace him at the heart of the Swiss midfield as he is suspended for the quarterfinals. Perhaps, Denis Zakaria can step in; however, Zakaria did not convince me in the 2020-2021 season, after a return from a lengthy injury. I am going to bend toward Spain because eight goals in normal time over two games and ten including extra time is quite an extraordinary return. Switzerland 1-2 Spain

Belgium vs Italy - This is extremely difficult to pick; Belgium just about held on against Portugal despite being a thoroughly talented side and ground out a result while Italy held their breaths but got the task done against a resolute Austria. Italy has a “team factor” about them; Belgium has crucial players returning from injury who might not be fully match fit just yet such as Axel Witsel. I am going to bend toward Italy. Belgium 1-2 Italy

Czech vs Denmark - Denmark is being carried by talent and a drive due to what happened with Christian Eriksen in the group stages. They look determined to carry on. The Czechs impressed against the Dutch; Patrick Schick, who despite his talent, gets a lot of stick from me for underperforming for Bayer Leverkusen, is having a fantastic tournament. Denmark will edge this one for me. Czech Republic 1-2 Denmark

Ukraine vs England - I think Ukraine, as boring as they have been, can give the English a tough time because they have a solid structure about them. England has progressed so far by not being particularly good. While this might sound like a wish more than a reality, I am going to bet on Ukraine here, because they knocked out a talented Swedish side, despite the advantage they had in extra time. Ukraine 1-0 England