In Karim Benzema’s only previous appearance against Switzerland, he contributed to three goals, scoring one while providing two assists as France ran out 5-2 winners against the Swiss at the 2014 World Cup.
8 Likes
With a brace against Turkey last time out, Xherdan Shaqiri became Switzerland’s all-time top scorer in major tournaments (EUROs & World Cup) with seven goals, overtaking Josef Hügi’s six. Shaqiri is currently Switzerland’s joint-top scorer in European Championship matches with three goals, tied with Hakan Yakin.
9 Likes
Luis Enrique, Spain coach: 
“For a team like us, the centre of the pitch is very important. Without doing our thing in the midfield we aren’t us. But that’s not just true for us, it’s the same for Croatia. It’s going to be some battle for control tomorrow.”
Zlatko Dalić, Croatia coach:
“We don’t need to look at the others. We respect them all, especially tomorrow’s opponents. They also know that we are a quality team and they are not happy to play against us. We have to be fully motivated. Our goal is to reach the quarter-finals.”
“Ivan Perišić was one of our best players in the group stage, he scored two goals and set up one, and it will be hard to replace him.We have a few players in that position that can. They’re waiting for their chance. Those are the ones playing that position in their clubs, Brekalo, Oršić, Rebić, Kramarić and Ivanušec. There are players that can do that, players that I believe will take their chance.”
16 Likes
France coach Didier Deschamps:
“It’s not a potential banana skin. It’s a round of 16 match with a quarter-final place at stake. We were favourites before the competition but both me and my players are aware of the quality of this Swiss team.”
Deschamps on Switzerland: “They’re a complete team. They had a difficult match against Italy, but they remain a very good European side. We don’t think it will be easy."
"They have strengths and are capable of good things. They’re not 13th in the FIFA rankings for nothing. That’s down to the team and their coach Petković, who has done very good work in his time in charge.”
Deschamps on Kanté: “He deserves the recognition. For a coach, he’s a dream, for his team-mates as well. He’s always the first to be picked in training routines. He’s an engine in the squad."
Vladimir Petković, Switzerland coach:
“We were happy to win [against Turkey] and reach the Round of 16. We had a few days to wait to find out our opponents, but we’re happy to play against the world champions. Despite all the external talk – everyone is speaking as if we don’t have a chance – we believe in ourselves and we need to show what we can do on the pitch. We’re here and we want to keep living our dream.”
19 Likes
Gary Neville has urged England’s players to seize their once in a lifetime opportunity against Germany at Euro 2020.
15 Likes
TEAM NEWS: Spain coach Luis Enrique makes two changes as Ferran Torres and José Gayà start for La Roja…
Most exciting player on show?
6 Likes
Only Toni Kroos (98) has completed more passes in to the final third at EURO2020 than Pedri (97)
18 years old, at his first major tournament, and already making his presence felt in Spain’s midfield
14 Likes
Pedri becomes the youngest ever player to start a knockout game in a European Championship
Overtaking the record of Wayne Rooney 
14 Likes
WHAT HAS JUST HAPPENED
It’s an absolute howler from Unai Simon and Croatia lead 
5 Likes
Updated EURO2020 own goals list:
Merih Demiral
Wojciech Szczęsny
Lukáš Hrádecký
Martin Dúbravka
Juraj Kucka
Mats Hummels
Rúben Dias
Raphaël Guerreiro
Unai Simón
Spain GK with a howler – what’s going on at this tournament? 
8 Likes
4 - Spain’s Unai Simón has become the fourth goalkeeper in European Championship history to score an own goal, with all four instances occurring at EURO 2020. Howler.
12 Likes
Pablo Sarabia equalise for Spain 
4 Likes
Pablo Sarabia has been directly involved in 3 goals at EURO2020 — 2 goals & 1 assist.
No other Spain player has been involved in multiple goals.
7 Likes
Pablo Sarabia is the first Spanish player to score FOR Spain in the knockout stages of a major tournament since Juan Mata in the 2012 final against Italy.
Goals in back-to-back games now.
5 Likes
HALF-TIME 
