We take a look at the four quarter final clashes of the UEFA Euro 2016 and predict the most likely outcome with the help of our statistical predictor. The head-to-head record and player performance index are used to determine the most likely goal scorer and the team to quality to the semi finals.
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1. Poland vs Portugal
Poland had displayed a much disciplined performance at Euro 2016 so far and their team is built on a back of a solid defense. But head-coach Adam Nawalka has plenty of worries as his star player Robert Lewandowski is yet to seriously test the opposition goal keeper. And this has caused them plenty of problems as Poland has managed just 3 goals from their 4 games so far. If Poland has to overcome a stubborn Portugal, Lewandowski must be on top of his game.
Portugal managed to reach the quarter finals without winning a single game inside the regulated 90 minutes at this year’s tournament. They are an inconsistent side and one might not know what to expect from them. Their blunt attack and fragile defense certainly put them the under dogs for Thursday’s quarter final clash against Poland. Cristiano Ronaldo managed 2 goals in his campaign so far and he remains Portugal’s best attacking outlet if they are to breach a rock solid Polish defense. But so far, they had been unconvincing and I believe this clash will once witness added extra time and penalty shootout to decide the eventual semifinalist.
- Under 2.5 goals
- Lewandowski to Score @
- Ronaldo to score @
- Poland to qualify
2. Wales vs Belgium
Wales were struggling against Northern Ireland in their round of 16 clash before a brilliant play from Gareth Bale led to an own goal that send them through to the quarter finals. At the same time, they looked fairly composed and confident against higher ranked teams during the group stages. They rely on the combined defensive work of their hard-working midfield and the three man center defense.
Belgium finally managed to raise their game against the underdogs Hungary in their round of 16 tie. The 4-0 certainly replicate how dominant they were and much to the positives is the brilliant performance of Eden Hazard. They are also a squad filled with quality players. But Wales are a dangerous proposition and the Belgians must be forced to play a waiting game in this quarter final tie.
We expect Belgium to win this at full time and also expect both teams to score. There is also a better chance of witnessing at least one goal in the first half.
- Over 2.5 goals.
- Belgium to win
- Over 0.5 goals at HT
- Hazard to score anytime
- Belgium to qualify
3. Germany vs Italy
This could be a repeat of the semifinal clash of Euro 2012, which Italy won by 2-1 courtesy of a double by bad boy Mario Balotelli. The world Champions Germany might have the quality in players and the momentum, but they had never won against Italy so far in a major tournament. These two teams met at the European Championships on three occasions and Italy managed a win and two draws. And in FIFA world cup Italy won 3 of the 5 meetings, with two of those coming in added extra time, while 2 were draws.
This will be playing on Germany’s mind, but they will be desperate to break the jinx. But a tactically sound Italy could prove a hard nut to crack. I expect this clash to end in a stalemate at the end of full ninety minutes and go into the added extra time and may need penalties to eventually decide the winner.
- Under 2.5 goals.
- Full Time – Draw.
- Double Chance – Italy/Draw
- Italy to qualify.
4. France vs Iceland
The hosts France are so far unconvincing with their display and needed spirited performances in the second half to win each of their matches. They had conceded just one goal in this tournament, but this hardly tell the full story of their defensive difficulties. With N’Golo Kante and Adil Rami suspended, there are far more gaps in the field for the opposition to exploit.
Iceland had pulled a mickey out of England in the round of 16 clash. They deservingly got this far and are side with a fearless attitude and plenty of confidence. At the same time, they are far one dimensional, but the oppositions had found it hard to deal with them. Also they conceded early leads twice in this tournament, eventually winning both matches by the same 2-1 score line. And Iceland is a tougher opponent for France than many people think.
- Over 2.5 goals.
- Both Teams to Score.
- Payet to score.
- France to qualify
Euro 2016 Quarter Finals – Accumulator Tips
- Poland vs Portugal – Half Time Draw @ 1.90
- Wales vs Belgium – Over 2.5 @ 2.35
- Germany vs Italy – Under 2.5 goals @ 1.44
- France vs Iceland – Both Teams to Score @ 2.37
