UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16: When Do Portugal, France, and Germany Play?

As Euro 2024 moves into the knockout rounds, Al Jazeera highlights four key matches to watch in the round of 16.

After 36 matches, the tournament has reached the crucial knockout stage, beginning with the round of 16 on Saturday.

Here are the four key matches to look out for:

⚽ Germany vs Denmark

When: June 29, 9pm local time (19:00 GMT)

Where: BVB Stadion in Dortmund

Germany and Denmark will face each other in a rematch of the 1992 Euro final on Saturday in Dortmund. Germany, the host nation, has been unbeaten so far with two wins and a draw. Denmark, on the other hand, has yet to win a match, drawing all their group games and scoring only twice.

Denmark will look for inspiration from their historic 1992 Euro final win against Germany, where they pulled off a major upset by winning 2-0. Denmark’s assistant coach Christian Poulsen said, “It’s a strong team we’re going to face, but we hope to repeat our 1992 performance.”

Denmark will rely on veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen and forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Jonas Wind to challenge Germany. Germany’s squad includes top scorers Jamal Musiala and Niclas Fullkrug, along with breakout star Florian Wirtz.

Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann faces a tough decision on whether to keep Kai Havertz in the starting lineup or start Fullkrug, who scored a crucial equalizer in their last game against Switzerland.

Historically, Germany is almost unbeatable in the knockout stages of the Euros, having reached the semifinals nine times out of ten and the final six times. Germany aims to win a record fourth European Championship title, especially as the host nation, and to give a perfect send-off to superstar Toni Kroos, who will retire after the tournament.

However, Denmark, who reached the semifinals in Euro 2020, will not be an easy opponent.

⚽ France vs Belgium

When: July 1, 6pm local time (16:00 GMT)

Where: Dusseldorf Arena in Dusseldorf

Both France and Belgium have struggled in attack during this tournament. France, two-time world champions, have not scored from open play, while Belgium has only scored twice in three matches.

Despite their attacking talents like Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann for France, and Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku for Belgium, both teams have underperformed in front of goal.

France defender Saliba is confident his team will improve in the knockout stage against Belgium. “We need to be more dangerous with our set pieces,” he said.

Belgium has also faced criticism from fans, especially after a goalless draw with Ukraine. Captain De Bruyne even told his players to leave the field without thanking the supporters. Defender Thomas Meunier said the fan reaction was “out of proportion.”

Belgium, still searching for their first major football title, has shown little to convince fans they can beat France, who are considered tournament favorites.

This will be the 76th meeting between France and Belgium, but their first in the Euros since 1984.

⚽ Austria vs Turkey

When: July 2, 9pm local time (19:00 GMT)

Where: Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig

Austria and Turkey have been two of the most exciting teams in the group stage, playing rapid and entertaining football.

Austria surprised many by winning a group that included France and the Netherlands. Coach Ralf Rangnick’s young team scored six goals in three matches, with six different players finding the net.

“It’s incredible to finish top of the group,” Rangnick said. “We dealt with all the pressure and ended as group winners.”

Austria, who entered the tournament as dark horses, are now seen as title contenders. They will face Turkey, whose campaign has been dramatic. Turkey scored five goals in the group stage but also conceded five, showing a lack of defensive solidity.

Austria won 6-1 in their last meeting with Turkey in a friendly in March, but Turkey, the 2008 Euro semifinalists, are confident this time.

However, Turkey will be without their captain Calhanoglu, who is suspended. His absence could motivate Austria to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

⚽ Portugal vs Slovenia

When: July 1, 9pm local time (19:00 GMT)

Where: Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt

Portugal needs to regroup quickly after a shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia in their final group game.

Most fans would pick Portugal as favorites against Slovenia, but history and recent form suggest otherwise. Portugal lost 2-0 to Slovenia in a friendly in March 2024, although they were missing key players Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes.

Both Silva and Fernandes have scored in Euro 2024, but Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to find the net, despite having the most attempts on goal. This is the first time in his career that Ronaldo has not scored in the group stage of a major tournament.

Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez said, “Slovenia are a team with strong defensive synchronization and two influential strikers. We need to prepare well.”

Slovenia, playing in the Euros knockouts for the first time, are dangerous on the counterattack. Key striker Benjamin Sesko, standing at 1.95 meters (6.5 feet), is one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards and poses a big threat to Portugal.

These matches promise to be thrilling as the teams battle for a place in the quarterfinals.