Euro 2020: Five things to expect in Last-16 matches

After enthralling football action in the group stage, the Round-of-16 matches of the continental tournament kicks off tonight. mid-day takes a look at five things fans can expect in the upcoming games

1. England's Harry Kane to end scoring drought

ONE of the most talked about points during the ongoing Euro 2020 has been the form of England captain Harry Kane. Despite scoring 33 times in 49 appearances for Tottenham last season, Kane has not managed to replicate the same kind of form for his country. He has managed only one shot on target in the three group games. But this might change. England next face an inconsistent Germany at Wembley on Tuesday in their Last-16 tie. The Germans have shown defensive frailties, having conceded five goals in three matches. England suffered a heartbreaking loss to Germany at the same venue in 1996. And If England are to avoid the same fate, Kane will have to lead from the front to cap a special win for his country with a special goal.

2. Belgians might end Cristiano Ronaldo's international career

PORTUGAL were handed a difficult draw against the world's top-side— Belgium—in their Round of 16 clash. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led side are looking to become the first team after Spain (2012) to win back-to-back Euro titles. Ronaldo has scored five goals in three games after becoming the first player to appear in five European Championships. He is one shot from breaking the overall men's scoring record of 109 goals. But it won't be a walk in the park for Portugal as they face an in-form side which boast of top forwards like Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgians have no shortage in firepower. And if they manage to stifle Ronaldo and unleash their armada of attacking players, we might witness the five-time Ballon d'Or winner playing for the last time in the Portugal jersey.

3. Karim Benzema could be the hero for France

KYLIAN Mbappe, after his exploits for champions France at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, was expected to set the pitch ablaze in the ongoing Euro. But the PSG superstar is yet to get on the scoring sheet. In contrast, Karim Benzema, who was a shock selection having been out of the national team for six years, has been Les Bleus' unlikely hero. The Real Madrid player netted twice against Portugal to eke out a 2-2 draw in their final group match. And with the kind of form Benzema has been for his club Real Madrid (30 goals in 46 matches) last season, one can expect more goals from him when France face Switzerland in the Last 16.

4. Modric can be the reason for Spain’s pain

SPAIN coach Luis Enrique dropped a bomb before the Euro by not naming a single Real Madrid in the squad for the continental event. Enrique hinted at lack of form and fitness as the reason for non-inclusion of the likes of captain Sergio Ramos and defender Nacho. But when Spain face their Round of 16 opponents, Croatia, Enrique will be up against another Real Madrid player—Luka Modric, 35. The veteran midfielder is in top form , guiding his team in the knockouts with a goal from outside the box in their 3-1 win over Scotland. Having played in Spain for nine seasons, Modric is aware of the style of play and will be familiar with the players in the Spanish squad. If Modric turns on his magic on Tuesday night, it might have Enrique thinking about his decision to drop Real Madrid players.

5. More records await Italy

ITALY go into their Round of 16 match against Austria at Wembley tonight on the back of three wins out of three in the group stage. The Azzurri are on a 30-match unbeaten streak under coach Roberto Mancini, equaling the previous record set in the 1930s. Besides the unbeaten run, Mancini's men will also be trying to set another record. The team have not conceded a goal in 11 matches across a total of 1,055 minutes. If Austria fail to score, Italy will surpass the record of 1,143 minutes set between 1972 and 1974. With the kind of form the 1968 champions are in, they are the team to beat in the knockouts.

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