Denmark arrive in Baku as the favorite to reach the semifinals after transforming adversity into achievement following the collapse of creative fulcrum Christian Eriksen and defeats in its first two outings.
Since those losses to Finland — which was entirely understandable considering the circumstances — and Belgium, the Danes have been an irrepressible attacking force. Kasper Hjulmand’s men are joint-second in the tournament with Italy on nine goals scored, tied with Spain for top spot in shots on target per match (7.3), and third in successful dribbles (11.5). Much of the attacking impetus comes from the left side, where wing-back Joakim Maehle and Eriksen stand-in Mikkel Damsgaard have been penetrative threats and the team’s best source of service for the suddenly in-form Kasper Dolberg.
Like Denmark, the Czech Republic has legitimate claims to the ‘Team of Destiny’ mantle after stunning the Netherlands in a comprehensive last-16 victory. Patrik Schick’s four goals have helped plenty, as has the play of West Ham duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal. But the Czechs will have to be tidier against a Denmark side that can break on the counter in the blink of an eye. Jaroslav Silhavy’s team has completed just 75.3% of its passes — the lowest among the 24 teams at Euro 2020 and nearly 10% worse than its opponent Saturday in Azerbaijan.
eng vs ukraine
England the overwhelming favorite in the quarterfinal of a major tournament? What a time to be alive. After ending the nation’s curse against Germany, the Three Lions are superbly positioned to reach the final and will meet a Ukraine side coming off a punishing, potentially Pyrrhic last-16 victory over Sweden. Can Andriy Shevchenko’s team — full of faces very familiar to England players and supporters — find the energy to go again after expending so much of it just to reach this point?
The biggest question surrounding England, meanwhile, hinges on a potential formation shift from Gareth Southgate. After he reverted to a three-man defence against Germany, this contest may call for a more offensively minded approach; four across the back, with newfound national hero Jack Grealish reinserted into the starting lineup for more attacking impetus, seems the obvious move. Southgate’s ethos has always been to keep things tight defensively — boring football is perfectly fine by him if it delivers results. But he can still accomplish that while lining up his team to take the initiative against a beleaguered opponent that figures to sit back and cede possession. England, the only team yet to concede a goal in this tournament, can grind out the win if necessary. But it really shouldn’t have to.
Euro 2020 has served as a stark reminder to never rule out the underdog. But actually predicting the favorite to fall — against all evidence — is another matter entirely.