Cheta's Blog.

So the Euro 2020 finals enters the Round of 16 (second round). Today's games are between Wales and Denmark, Italy and Austria. Denmark and Italy will make it through to the quarter finals but need to be very careful of their opponents. Wales can surprise Denmark. That's if Gareth Bale doesn't miss chances like he did in their last group game. The Italians have been in good form, winning all three games, scoring 9 goals and conceding none. I don't think the Austrians can give them a tough time but this game is being played in London.

On Sunday, Netherlands will meet Czech Republic. The Czechs played a draw against Croatia, beat Scotland and lost to England. Holland won all their 3 games. I think Holland are going to win this game but they haven't shown any class. This is a new team. The Czechs could clip them hard, if they don't watch it.

Second match on Sunday is between Belgium and Portugal. The Portuguese are the defending champions and they will meet the semifinalists of the 2018 world cup in Russia, Belgium. As far as I am concerned, Portugal is a one man squad. Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest goal scorer in this championship with 5 goals already with 3 of them coming from penalties. I am rooting for Belgium to win it. Portugal haven't been excellent so far.

On Monday, Croatia will meet Spain. The Spanish have an entirely new squad from the one we have been seeing since 2010 when they won the world cup in South Africa. Croatia were the losing finalists to France in the 2018 World Cup. This is a game worth watching.

On the same day, France will meet Switzerland. I hope the french can win it because the Swiss aren't on the same levels with the french. Mbappe hasn't scored any goals yet in this competition. Maybe because Giroud hasn't featured yet for France. I hope Mbappe comes alive in this round.

On Tuesday, England will confront the Germans. I don't think both teams have met since 2010 in South Africa with that infamous German victory over the English. Remember Frank Lampard's disallowed goal that crossed the goal lines and bounced out? Do you think revenge will be in the minds of the English? England has only scored 2 goals and conceeded none. They haven't been sharp. The Germans have scored 6 goals and conceeded 5. I don't think their defence is good and neither is their attack. The Germans don't have a number 9 but they have dangerous outfield strikers. Werner? He ought to have remained in Germany than going to England. In England's case, I would have preferred a Jamie Vardy than a Harry Kane right now. It's as if Kane isn't present at all. I keep wondering why players like Saka, Sancho, Rashford, and Graelish aren't regular starters in the England squad. I sure hope that Gareth Southgate will make the right choice this time. My heart is with England but my brain is with Germany.

The last game of the second round is with pretenders, Ukraine and Sweden. The swedish dealt a terrible blow to Lewandowski's Poland and the way they attacked is good to watch. The Swede's have a great player named Zwolle and is a future star.

So who do I think will make it to the quarter finals? Denmark, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany and Sweden.