Europe’s lesser lights set to shine this time
PARIS—With Europe’s perennial powers shoehorned into the same half of the draw for the Euro 2016 knockout stages, the continent’s lesser lights will never have a better opportunity to topple the traditional giants.
Titleholder Spain faces Italy in the last 16 and then a potential quarterfinal against world champion Germany before the prospect of bumping into France or England should they reach the last four.
The teams in the bottom half of the draw have combined to win 11 World Cups and nine European championships, while no side in the top half has won a major tournament.
But for the likes of Belgium, Croatia, Switzerland, Poland and Wales, their respective paths to the July 10 final have given them plenty of reason to dream about a first international title.
While Belgium may be wary of last16 foe Hungary, which won Group F after a 30-year major tournament absence, now is the time for the country’s gifted players to fulfil their potential.
With a formidable core based around Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, the Red Devils boast more than enough talent to go one step further in France.
After sliding to a 2-0 loss to Italy, Belgium bounced back to best the Republic of Ireland before a late Radja Nainggolan strike against Sweden ensured it progressed as Group E runner-up.
Should the Belgians beat Hungary, a quarterfinal against Wales or Northern Ireland would await them in Lille.
Ivan Perisic’s late winner against Spain sent Croatia through as winner of Group D, although Iceland’s lastgasp win over Austria on Wednesday means the Croats will take on Portugal rather than Iceland in the next round.
Real Madrid star Luka Modric missed the 2-1 victory over Spain along with Mario Mandzukic, but Croatia will be counting on the pair to lead them deep into the tournament.
Poland and Switzerland both advanced from the group stage for the first time and square off in the first of the last-16 ties on Saturday.
Switzerland last reached the quarter-finals of a major finals when they hosted the 1954 World Cup.
Wales waited 58 years to return to the big stage, but with Gareth Bale spearheading their challenge they too have high hopes.
“Obviously you come to the tournament for one reason: to win,” said the Real Madrid superstar, who has scored a joint-best three goals in France.