UEFA EURO 2020 || These Are The Best Teams In The Preliminary Round & 16 Teams That Made It To The Round Of 16

16 teams made it to the second round of the European Championship. But as is so often the case after a group stage, it is difficult to assess how good the teams really are. That is why we have classified the round of 16 participants according to their strengths in a kind of power ranking.

Each of the five European Championship writers from zaviews sports department had a maximum of ten points to choose from, which had to be distributed among the 16 teams. How many points each team received was up to each juror. The only condition was that no team could get more than three points to get the most diverse picture possible.

In our opinion, the French remain the big favorites for the European Championship. They always seem like they can go up again if they have to. So far they haven’t had to, not even in the impressive 1–0 win against Germany. Paul Pogba in particular shows himself in France instead of Manchester United form in the center and Karim Benzema has now started to score against Portugal . Switzerland in the round of 16 shouldn’t be a big hurdle. The team knows each other and knows how to win important games. The team and coach also know how to win big titles. They have that advantage over the competition.

The numbers speak for Italy. Three games, three wins, seven goals, no goal conceded. Italy have not lost in 30 games. They act like a typical Italian team, tactically clever, fantastically composed, everyone knows what they can do and what they have to do. For the really big title, however, there could be a lack of individual quality, which can become important when Italy meets a similarly well-organized and talented team. Austria in the second round will not be there yet. But then it could go against Belgium.

Has won all three preliminary round matches, although it is the only one of the top teams that has never played a home game. Nevertheless, they always looked as if they still had something in the tank. They also have: The three ailing stars Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Eden Hazard seem to be getting fit just in time for the exciting phase of the tournament. Up front, Romelo Lukaku becomes the most dangerous striker of the tournament. The somewhat mature defense alone is worrying. And the pressure. It would be time for a title for the golden generation. But now Portugal is waiting first, there are easier opponents in the round of 16.

In the first two group matches, Spain appeared like a caricature of itself. It almost always had the ball — and almost never scored. Not even the two penalties went in. The opposing goalkeeper finally took pity on Slovakia and suddenly four more goals were added. Spain seems to be lacking in speed, penetrating power and tough tackle, but Spain remains Spain: Friends of the well-kept ball will enjoy the Spanish game. Also in the round of 16 against Croatia.

A defeat, a win, a draw. Nobody knows how good this German team really is, probably not even themselves. Individually, the DFB-Elf is one of the most talented EM teams, but there is not much to be seen of a footballing idea. The German team is the lucky bag of this tournament. With a win against England a place in the final would not be unlikely due to the simpler side of the tournament tree. But nobody would be surprised if they lost 3–0 to England.

England is similar to Germany. They don’t know exactly where they stand either. First in the group, no goal conceded, but the games against Croatia , Scotland and the Czech Republic weren’t really convincing . Two measly gates (the fewest goals scored for a group win in European Championship history), the English fans had somehow imagined it differently. Likewise the almost pitiful performance of their captain Harry Kane. Only the double goal scorer Raheem Sterling is in top form. The first opponent of format, Germany, cough , in the round of 16 will provide information about the real strength .

In addition to Italy and Belgium, the third team in the tournament to come out of the preliminary round with three wins. With Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia the group was relatively easy, but not many would have expected this young Dutch team to perform so confidently. And also probably not that the coach Frank de Boer really abolishes the Dutch state sanctuary, the 4–3–3. The team is led by Memphis Depay (two goals, two assists), Georginio Wijnaldum (three goals) and right-back Denzel Dumfries (two goals, one assist), one of the tournament’s discoveries. The Czech Republic is waiting in the round of 16, a feasible opponent.

Already the emotional European champion. The team grew in the near tragedy surrounding Christian Eriksen and played rousing football against Belgium and Russia. Denmark is now something like the second team of fans from all over Europe. But they are not only personable, they also have quality. Eriksen’s replacement, Mikkel Damsgaard, has a fine foot. He can show that again against Wales.

This small country is a phenomenon. Nobody thinks that it will be the semi-finals again like at the last European Championship, but on the other hand: why not? You have to beat Wales first and Gareth Bale always has a keen eye for football in the whale jersey. Often underestimated: Danny Ward in goal plays a strong tournament. The substitute keeper from Leicester City will meet his number one, Kasper Schmeichel from Denmark, in the round of 16.

10. Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Ukraine, Sweden and Croatia each have 0 points

UEFA EURO 2020 is in full swing; the next step is the knockout phase. Here you can find all the information about the 16 teams that made it to the round of 16.

06/13: Austria 3–1 North Macedonia (Bucharest)

06/17: Netherlands 2–0 Austria (Amsterdam)

06/21: Ukraine 0–1 Austria (Bucharest)

26/06: Italy v Austria (London)

Record in qualification group G : 6S, 1U, 3N, 19: 9 goals

Top scorer in qualification : Marko Arnautović (6)

Best result at a UEFA EURO : group stage (2008, 2016)

UEFA EURO 2016 : group stage

The native of Mainz completed two missions for the German national team. As coach of the Austrian selection, he has already exceeded this number. And there should be many more games.

Whether in the center of the defense or on a hike as a left-back — Alaba showed with his assists in both victories in the group stage the importance he has in his team. His winning mentality will be immeasurable in the knockout phase.

Biggest talent: Konrad Laimer

Although he was out most of the 2020/21 season due to injury, his energetic performance in the friendly against England showed that he is ready for UEFA EURO 2020. The 24-year-old is strong in a duel and good on the ball and plays. in the heart of the Austrian midfield.

Since the 2–1 win against the USA at the 1990 World Cup, Austria has not celebrated a victory in a final round. After more than 30 years, this lull is now set to come to an end.

06/12: Belgium 3–0 Russia (St. Petersburg)

06/17: Denmark 1–2 Belgium (Copenhagen)

06/21: Finland 0–2 Belgium (St. Petersburg)

June 27: Belgium v Portugal (Sevilla)

Record in qualification group I: 10S, 40: 3 goals

Top scorer in qualifying: Romelu Lukaku (7)

Best result in a UEFA EURO: Vice European champions (1980)

UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, 3–1 defeat against Wales

Coach: Roberto Martínez

A former Spanish midfielder who was particularly successful as an active and coach in England. He has been training in Belgium since 2016.

Key players: Kevin De Bruyne

Winner of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League best midfielder award and absolute key figure at Manchester City: De Bruyne scored seven goals in six games for Belgium in EURO qualifiers and assists in the Premier League — Thierry Henry set a record (20 assists in 2019/20).

Greatest talent: Youri Tielemans

At the age of 24, he is still one of the youngsters in a team with many established players. The versatile midfielder has a hard shot from distance and a very good passing game.

According to the current FIFA rankings, the Red Devils are the best team in the world.

06/13: England 1–0 Croatia (London)

06/18: Croatia 1–1 Czech Republic (Glasgow)

06/22: Croatia 3–1 Scotland (Glasgow)

June 28: Croatia v Spain (Copenhagen)

Record in qualification group E : 5W, 2U, 1N, 17: 7 goals

Top scorer in qualification : Bruno Petković (4)

Best result in a UEFA EURO : quarter-finals (1996, 2008)

UEFA EURO 2016 : round of 16, 0–1 defeat nV against Portugal

The former midfielder who never made it to the national team took over from Ante Čačić in 2017 and led the Croatians to the FIFA World Cup final in 2018.

won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, and is now not far from the 134 appearances of record national player Darijo Srna. Not only is he the captain of this team, he still sets the pace in midfield — with his eye, his energy and his brilliant passing game.

Biggest talent: Josip Brekalo

Wolfsburg’s winger scored a goal against Switzerland in October and then set up two goals against France and Sweden.

Between 1994 and 1999, Croatia climbed 122 places in the FIFA world rankings, from 125th to third.

14.06 .: Scotland 0–2 Czech Republic (Glasgow)

18.06 .: Croatia 1–1 Czech Republic (Glasgow)

22.06 .: Czech Republic 0–1 England (London)

June 27: Netherlands v Czech Republic (Budapest)

Record in qualification group A: 5S, 3N, 13:11 goals

Top scorer in qualification: Patrik Schick (4)

Best result at a UEFA EURO: European champions (1976, as Czechoslovakia)

UEFA EURO 2016: group stage

Coach: Jaroslav Šilhavý

The 59-year-old is a record player in the Czech premier league (465 appearances). He won two titles before taking over the Czech national team in September 2018.

Key player: Patrik Schick

The Leverkusen striker started the tournament in impressive form and underlined at the EURO that he is a goal getter who can decide games on his own.

Greatest talent: Tomáš Souček

The heart in midfield. He was Czech Republic’s player of the 2018/19 season when Slavia Prague won the title. In 2020/21 he shone with ten goals at West Ham.

As an independent country, the Czech Republic missed a European Championship finals. She has now taken part in the EURO seven times in a row.

06/12: Denmark 0–1 Finland (Copenhagen)

06/17: Denmark 1–2 Belgium (Copenhagen)

06/21: Russia 1–4 Denmark (Copenhagen)

26/06: Wales v Denmark (Amsterdam)

Record in qualification group D: 4S, 4U, 23: 6 goals

Top scorer in qualification: Christian Eriksen (5)

Best result at a UEFA EURO: Winner (1992)

UEFA EURO 2016: not qualified

Originally, Hjulmand should have succeeded Åge Hareide after the finals, but now the former Nordsjælland coach took over the post in July 2020.

Key player: Mikkel Damsgaard

The youngest player in the Danish squad has taken over the creative center in midfield after Christian Eriksen’s failure. The 20-year-old Bologna midfielder has an excellent overview, he can read a game very well and is also very dangerous.

Biggest talent: Andreas Skov Olsen

The Bologna striker has already scored three goals and prepared four goals in his 179 minutes of play for Denmark.

Denmark failed to qualify for EURO 1992, but after the exclusion of Yugoslavia, the Danes moved up ten days before the start of the tournament and took the title.

06/13: England 1–0 Croatia (London)

06/18: England 0–0 Scotland (London)

06/22: Czech Republic 0–1 England (London)

29/06: England v Germany (London)

Record in qualification group A : 7S, 1N, 37: 6 goals

Top scorer in qualifying: Harry Kane (12)

Best result in a UEFA EURO: Third place (1968)

UEFA EURO 2016: Round of 16, 1: 2 defeat against Iceland

Coach: Gareth Southgate was

long remembered for missing penalties in the 1996 EURO semi-finals until he led his country out of crisis and to new heights.

Kane is England’s captain and most reliable clipper. In a team with many youngsters, he is something like the right hand of coach Southgate.

Greatest talent: Jude Bellingham

Energetic, self-confident and dangerous: the Dortmund midfielder would celebrate his 18th birthday during the tournament if England made it to the round of 16.

The Three Lions were unbeaten in 43 European and World Cup qualifiers in a row until they were defeated by the Czech Republic in October.

15.06 .: France — Germany 1: 0 (Munich)

19.06 .: Hungary — France 1: 1 (Budapest)

6.23 .: Portugal — France 2: 2 (Budapest)

June 28: France v Switzerland (Bucharest)

Record in qualification group H: 8S, 1U, 1N, 25: 6 goals

Top scorer in qualification: Olivier Giroud (6)

Best result at a UEFA EURO: European champions (1984, 2000)

UEFA EURO 2016: Finalist, 0: 1- Loss nV against Portugal

Coach: Didier Deschamps

Deschamps led France to World Cup victory in 1998 and two years later to triumph at EURO 2000. He has coached the French since 2012 and, after winning the World Cup in 2018, could celebrate the international double next year as a coach.

Key player: Kylian Mbappé

The stronger the opponent, the better Mbappé’s performance — this is a wisdom one hears again and again in Paris. Above all, the striker benefits when the opponent does not stand in the back, because Mbappé can only bring his speed to bear in such games.

Biggest talent: Kingsley Coman

Coman missed the FIFA World Cup triumph due to an injury and now brings additional motivation. After Ousmane Dembélé’s injury, he is now Deschamp’s best substitute and because he is as quick as Mbappé, no opponent will be happy about him.

France are taking part in a final tournament for the 13th time in a row. The French have not missed a tournament since EURO ’96. During this time they reached the finals five times and won three of them.

06.15 .: France — Germany 1: 0 (Munich)

19.06 .: Portugal — Germany 2: 4 (Munich)

06.23 .: Germany — Hungary 2: 2 (Munich)

29/06: England v Germany (London)

Record in qualification group C : 7S, 1N, 30: 7 goals

Top scorer in qualifying : Serge Gnabry (8)

Best result at a UEFA EURO : Winner (1972, 1980, 1996)

UEFA EURO 2016 : semi-finals, 0: 2- Defeat against France

After 15 years as national coach, Löw will open a new chapter after this tournament. Under Löw, the DFB-Elf always reached at least the semi-finals at EURO finals.

Key player: Thomas Müller

Two and a half years after the disembarkation, Löw decided to bring back the tournament experienced Müller with all his charisma and leadership qualities. His winning mentality, enthusiasm for running and the risk of scoring are a great asset for this team.

Greatest talent: Kai Havertz

Freshly crowned match winner of the Champions League final. It has a great overview, remains calm under pressure and fits perfectly into Löw’s concept.

The final round in summer will be the 26th time in a row that Germany has qualified for a World Cup or European Championship.

11.06 .: Turkey — Italy 0: 3 (Rome)

16.06 .: Italy — Switzerland 3: 0 (Rome)

06.20 .: Italy — Wales 1: 0 (Rome)

26/06: Italy v Austria (London)

Record in qualification group J: 10S, 37: 4 goals

Top scorers in qualification: Andrea Belotti (5)

Best result in a UEFA EURO: European champions (1968)

UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, defeat against Germany on penalties

Considered one of the best players of his generation, even if he couldn’t win a title with the Azzurri. Mancini now wants to make up for that as national coach after collecting trophies at club level in Italy, England and Turkey.

In the Italian camp he is called Radio Jorginho because he talks and directs his teammates all the time during the games. If you expect spectacular tricks or goals you should look for another player, but Jorginho is the brains of the Azzuri and the indispensable conductor of this orchestra.

Biggest Talent: Nicolà Barella

The midfielder is the key to Mancini’s system. Born in Sardinia, the 24-year-old plays an important role at Inter in Serie A and really brings everything with him — tackles, technique, energy and dangerous, well-timed runs into the opposing penalty area.

Italy put in a flawless qualification and ended up celebrating a 9–1 win over Armenia in Palermo. It was the eleventh victory in a row and thus an association record. For the first time, it was also possible to celebrate ten victories in a calendar year.

06/13: Netherlands 3–2 Ukraine (Amsterdam)

06/17: Netherlands 2–0 Austria (Amsterdam)

06/21: North Macedonia 0–3 Netherlands (Amsterdam)

June 27: Netherlands v Czech Republic (Budapest)

Record in qualification group C : 6S, 1U, 1N, 24: 7 goals

Top scorer in qualification : Georginio Wijnaldum (8)

Best result at a UEFA EURO : Winner (1988)

UEFA EURO 2016 : not qualified

In September 2020, de Boer replaced Ronald Koeman, who had migrated to Barcelona. His previous coaching stations have been Ajax, Inter, Crystal Palace and Atlanta United.

Key player: Memphis Depay

The Netherlands have a very broad squad. But on the offensive, nobody is as valuable as the Lyon striker. He’s constantly on the move and has an incredibly hard right foot shot.

Biggest talent: Frenkie de Jong

With his outstanding possession game and his ability to find spaces and pull the game from behind, de Jong has matured to set the pace in Oranje midfield.

The Dutch were unable to qualify for either UEFA EURO 2016 or the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They haven’t had to watch major international tournaments that long since the 1980s. At that time they promptly reported back with winning the EURO 1988 in Germany.

06.15 .: Hungary — Portugal 0: 3 (Budapest)

6.19 .: Portugal — Germany 2: 4 (Munich)

06.23 .: Portugal — France 2: 2 (Budapest)

June 27: Belgium v Portugal (Sevilla)

Record in qualification group B : 5S, 2U, 1N, 22: 6 goals : Cristiano Ronaldo (11): Winner (2016)

UEFA EURO 2016 : Winner

Fernando Santos coached the three big clubs in Portugal before taking over the national team in 2014. He had previously coached the national team of Greece. He led the Portuguese to the title at UEFA EURO 2016 and the first-ever UEFA Nations League.

Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal’s record international player and record scorer will be 36 at EURO 2020, where he is likely to pursue a very special goal: He has never been the top scorer in a EURO or World Cup final.

Biggest Talent: Palhinha has had an impressive season for Sporting CP and is an impressive midfielder.

The defeat to Ukraine in October was Portugal’s first under Fernando Santos in a EURO (or Nations League), and the coach has been in office since September 2014. His only previous defeats with Portugal were at world championships.

14.06 .: Spain 0–0 Sweden (Sevilla)

19.06 .: Spain -1 Poland 1–1 (Sevilla)

23.06 .: Slovakia 0–5 Spain (Sevilla)

June 28: Croatia v Spain (Copenhagen)

Record in qualification group F: 8W, 2U, 31: 5 goals

Top scorer in qualification: Álvaro Morata, Sergio Ramos, Rodrigo (4)

Best result at a UEFA EURO: European champions (1964, 2008, 2012)

UEFA EURO 2016: Round of 16 , 0–2 defeat against Italy

Coach: He left his post in June 2019 for personal reasons, but returned after qualifying ended in November. In 2015 he led FC Barcelona to triumph in the UEFA Champions League.

Key player: The attacker from Villarreal did not make his debut until 2019, but is in the same strong form in the national team as in his club. He scored five goals in his ten games for La Roja and is already an important part of Luis Enrique’s team.

There have been many great Spanish talents over the years, but only a few who have played such a dominant role in midfield at Barcelona at the age of 18. His soccer intelligence is just amazing.

Spain is the only team that has ever defended the title at a EURO (2012).

14.06 .: Spain 0–0 Sweden (Sevilla)

18.06 .: Sweden 1–0 Slovakia (St. Petersburg)

23.06 .: Sweden 3–2 Poland (St. Petersburg)

June 29: Sweden v Ukraine (Glasgow)

Record in qualification group F: 6S, 3U, 1N, 23: 9 goals

Top scorer in qualification: Robin Quaison (5)

Best result in a UEFA EURO: semi-finals (1992)

UEFA EURO 2016: group stage

Andersson is the brain behind the Swedes’ upswing: Under him they took part in the World Cup for the first time in twelve years and won the group in the UEFA Nations League against Russia and Turkey.

Key player: Emil Forsberg

Fast, creative and physically strong. There is a lot of responsibility for the Swedish offensive on the shoulders of the Leipzig midfielder. Also belongs to the better standard shooters in the team.

Biggest Talent: Kristoffer Olsson

Midfielder with a lot of weapons: Can dribble and play passes that are both effective and beautiful to look at.

In 1992 Sweden won the group ahead of England, France and eventual winners Denmark before they lost 3–2 in the semi-finals against Germany.

06/12: Wales 1–1 Switzerland (Baku)

06/16: Italy 3–0 Switzerland (Rome)

06/20: Switzerland 3–1 Turkey (Baku)

June 28: France v Switzerland (Bucharest)

Record in qualification group D: 5S, 2U, 1N 19: 6 goals

Top scorer in qualification: Cédric Itten (3)

Best result at a UEFA EURO: Round of 16 (2016)

UEFA EURO 2016: Round of 16, defeat by 4–5 against Poland on penalties after a 1–1 draw

Coach: Vladimir Petković

Born in Sarajevo, Petković took over the national team in 2014. Since then, the team has reached all of the finals.

Key player: Granit Xhaka

The tough midfielder and tackle is the link between defense and attack. The Swiss were 3–0 up against Denmark when he was substituted and ultimately had to make do with a 3–3 draw.

Biggest talent: Breel Embolo

After a number of injuries at Schalke, he is now looking for luck at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 24-year-old is versatile and blessed with a high speed.

Switzerland has qualified for every finals under Petković, but is still waiting for their first knockout success.

06/13: Netherlands 3–2 Ukraine (Amsterdam)

06/17: Ukraine 2–1 North Macedonia (Bucharest)

06/21: Ukraine 0–1 Austria (Bucharest)

June 29: Sweden v Ukraine (Glasgow)

Record in qualification group B: 6W, 2U, 17: 4 goals

Top scorer in qualification: Roman Yaremchuk (4)

Best result in a UEFA EURO: group stage (2012, 2016)

UEFA EURO 2016: group stage

Coach: Andriy Shevchenko

was a brilliant striker who won the 2003 UEFA Champions League with AC Milan and was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2004. With 67 goals, Shevchenko is still sixth on all-time goalscorers in UEFA club competitions.

Key player: Ruslan Malinovskyi

He plays excellent passes and has tremendous ball safety, plus he has a strong shot from distance: Atalanta’s versatile midfielder has become a real pillar of the Ukrainians.

Biggest talent: Viktor Tsygankov

The dynamo professional faces strong competition in the national team because both Yarmolenko and Marlos can play in his favorite position on the right wing. But he has the capacity to assert himself there.

For the first time, Ukraine was able to qualify directly for a EURO. In 2012 she was automatically qualified as co-host, in 2016 Slovenia was defeated in the play-offs.

06/12: Wales 1–1 Switzerland (Baku)

06/16: Turkey 0–2 Wales (Baku)

06/20: Italy 1–0 Wales (Rome)

26/06: Wales v Denmark (Amsterdam)

Record in qualification group E : 4S, 2U, 2N, 10: 6 goals

Top scorer in qualification : Gareth Bale (2), Kieffer Moore (2), Aaron Ramsey (2)

Best result at a UEFA EURO : semi-finals (2016)

UEFA EURO 2016 : semi-finals

The former defender has played for Watford, Sheffield United and Coventry, among others, and has made 41 appearances for Wales. He took his first steps in the coaching business at Port Vale and Northampton Town. He later coached the U21 team before becoming assistant coach in the senior national team and finally interim coach.

Even though he will be 32 years old this summer, Bale remains the fixed point on the team. In addition, he is the best Welsh goalscorer of all time. The Tottenham star has played a big part in the team’s success and has scored the all-important goals since his debut in 2006.

Biggest talent: Kieffer Moore

After scoring 20 goals for Cardiff City last season, Moore brought his club form to the international stage. He marked the first Wales goal at the tournament and has always been a threat.

The Football Association of Wales, founded in 1876, is the third oldest national association in the world, after England (1863) and Scotland (1873).

Originally published at https://www.zaviewsport.xyz.