EURO 2024: Blockbuster showdown …as Spain dare host Germany, Portugal face France
Spain were excellent in setting up a meeting with Germany as they put four past Georgia, though they perhaps should have scored more.
La Roja managed 35 shots and 75% possession in the 4-1 win. Rodri returned from a one-game ban in that victory to score a fine equaliser after Spain went behind in the 18th minute.
Nacho and Ayoze Pérez were both fitness doubts for Sunday’s mauling of the tournament debutants and it remains to be seen whether either, or both, will be available in Stuttgart.
That said, neither would have started for Luis de la Fuente’s side, with the Spain manager set on his favoured XI. Dani Olmo is pushing for a starting spot having scored off the bench at the weekend, having twice replaced Pedri in the second half of Euro 2024 matches so far.
For Germany, Jonathan Tah returns from suspension having sat out the 2-0 win over Denmark. The Leverkusen defender is expected to return for the hosts, though it would be harsh on Nico Schlotterbeck, who shone in Dortmund on Saturday night.
Some Germany fans wanted Kai Havertz to be dropped for the last- 16 tie but his goal from the penalty spot and all-round performance in the 2-0 win means the Arsenal man should keep his place up front, with Niclas Füllkrug forced to settle for a spot on the bench again.
Portugal needed penalties to defeat Slovenia in their last-16 meeting this week and it was goalkeeper Diogo Costa who was the hero for Roberto Martínez’s side.
Costa not only saved three penalties in the shootout but was on hand to make a smart stop and deny Benjamin Sesko a winner late in the second half of extra time.
Rafael Leão returned from a ban in that hard-fought victory and should keep his spot on the left with Martínez unlikely to make any changes for the quarter-final with France.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty against Slovenia and is yet to score at Euro 2024 despite taking more shots (20) than any other player, will likely keep his place as he looks to end his barren run.
Deschamps went with a 4-3-3 setup in that game, which France won thanks to a late own goal from Jan Vertonghen. France are yet to find their stride and have only scored three goals in four games: two own goals and a penalty.
Ousmane Dembélé may come back into the team, with Antoine Griezmann moving into the No 10 role and N’Golo Kanté and Aurelien Tchouaméni anchoring the midfield.
Deschamps may be tempted to start Randal Kolo Muani in place of Marcus Thuram, who is yet to score or set up a goal at the tournament despite having 11 shots.-theguardian
