* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
5pm: Switzerland vs Spain – Spain to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Spain and Switzerland were involved in arguably the greatest day of international football ever on Monday, playing their part in two of the most dramatic games in the history of the Euros. Spain’s goal-scoring transformation has caught most people by surprise, going from toiling in front of goal in their opening two games against Sweden and Poland to becoming the first team in Euros history to score five goals in back-to-back games.
Switzerland, meanwhile, shocked the world by ousting tournament favourites France via penalties, scoring three superb goals along the way. The Swiss have now scored three goals in each of their last two games, shirking the dull reputation that usually accompanies them at international tournaments.
Friday 5pm: Switzerland v Spain
ITV and ITV Hub
However, Switzerland have now conceded three goals in two of their four games at the Euros and will struggle to contain a rampant Spanish attack that is brimming with confidence. There is, of course, a chance that both sides adopt a pragmatic approach in response to Monday’s thrilling events, but it seems very unlikely that there won’t be goals on Friday evening.
Spain, meanwhile, are starting to build momentum and should learn their lesson from an overly confident France squad that this Swiss side is not to be underestimated. I think we’ll see Spain Win and Over 2.5 Goals in the game.
8pm: Belgium vs Italy – Italy to Win to Nil
So much of this game depends on whether Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard will be fit for Belgium. However, it appears unlikely that either player will recover in time for Friday night’s blockbuster with Italy. Both Belgium and Italy were unimpressive in their respective Round of 16 wins over Portugal and Austria, but it is the Italians who have the capacity to step up several levels.
Roberto Mancini’s side played within themselves during their extra-time win over Austria on Saturday night, which arguably served as a timely reminder that they are not yet the finished article and must play at the highest level if they are to become the first Italian team to win the European championship since 1968.
Friday 8pm: Belgium v Italy
BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Perhaps there was a hint of complacency in their performance against an Austrian side that hadn’t really impressed in the group stages. There will be no such complacency against the No.1 ranked team in the world in Munich. Belgium, however, did not look like the world’s best team in their win over Portugal on Sunday.
Roberto Martinez’s side failed to create any chance of note and only find themselves in the last eight thanks to a howitzer of a strike from Thorgan Hazard that deceived Rui Patricio. They will struggle to break down an Italian side that conceded its first goal in 12 games on Monday night, especially in the absence of Hazard and De Bruyne. Expect Italy to Win to Nil.
Our Friday Euros double
5pm: Switzerland vs Spain – Spain to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
8pm: Belgium vs Italy – Italy to Win to Nil
These two selections in a double will give you odds of around 9/1 with Paddy Power.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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