After plenty of group stage matches, we now arrive at the round of 16 in UEFA Euro 2016. And just like the first round provided quite a bit of entertainment, this stage also has thrown up some tasty match-ups. Sunday will feature world champions Germany taking on new-boys Slovakia, whilst Monday sees a re-match of the Euro 2012 final as Italy and Spain lock horns.
When and where to watch Italy vs Spain
Given their respective illustrious histories, most fans and neutrals were hoping to see Italy and Spain clash at a much later stage at this tournament. Unfortunately, that's not how things will pan out. So how did they end up being paired together? Despite losing their final group stage game against Ireland, Antonio Conte's men edged out the Red Devils thanks to their better head-to-head record and as Group E's top-placed team, were paired with the runners-up from Group D.
Meanwhile, Spain were expected to win Group D, meaning that Italy's opponent should have been Croatia. However, despite taking an early lead, Vicente Del Bosque's troops were handed a rude shock as the Vatreni ended two of their impressive records in just one match. First to fall was their long period without conceding a goal, which was at 734 minutes and seven games when Nikola Kalinic scored Croatia's opener. And late in the second half, Ivan Perisic denied them the chance to make it a 15th unbeaten EURO match. So, as a result, they now have to face Italy as opposed to Portugal.
This interesting stat illustrates the vastly different playing styles of the Azzurri and La Furia Roja:
10 - #ITA have picked up the most yellow cards (10) at #EURO2016 among teams qualified to the last-16 stage, while #ESP the fewest (1). Hard
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 23, 2016
This mouth-watering tie will also feature two of the best shot-stoppers in the world - David De Gea and Gianluigi Buffon. Both have been instrumental, of course in their teams' success thus far. Buffon's importance to Italy's cause was highlighted even further as whilst in goal, he kept two clean sheets; in fact, he was not on the pitch when Conte's side conceded a late goal to Ireland.
This will be one game you cannot miss. However, if you're not able to make it to the Stade de France, no problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has all the options you need to stay on top of all the action. Below are all the choices for fans residing in the following countries:
- In the USA at 12.00 EST/09.00 PST on: ESPN2, ESPN3 USA, WatchESPN, SiriusXM FC, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN Deportes Radio
- In the UK at 17.00 BST on: TalkSport Radio UK, BBC One UK, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC iPlayer
- In Canada at 12.00 ET on: TSN5, TSN4, TSN3, TSN1, RDS, TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver
If you live elsewhere, check out our special Italy vs Spain broadcast page for viewing times and options for wherever you call home.
When and where to watch Germany vs Slovakia
Although they haven't been at their best, Germany nonetheless did enough not just to top Group C, but also without conceding a goal. They are the only side besides Poland to achieve this. Die Mannschaft overpowered bottom-feeders Ukraine 2-0, shut down Polish ace Robert Lewandowski to pick up a 0-0 draw, and edged out an ultra-defensive Northern Ireland 1-0. The current World Cup champions are viewed as one of the heavy favorites to lift the trophy this July, but first they will have to deal with their upcoming opponent - Slovakia.
Slovakia, for their part, have done well in their first-ever Euro tournament. They lost 2-1 to Wales in an all-debutant derby, but rebounded with a well-deserved 2-1 win over group whipping boys Russia and held England to a scoreless draw.
However, the pairing for this one is a bit tricky. Why exactly are Germany going to play Slovakia? For starters, the Repre finished third in Group B. They were also the highest placed third placed team. As per the following table:
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the third placed finishers were ranked accordingly. So, Slovakia (Group B) were followed by N. Ireland (Group C), Republic of Ireland (Group E), and Portugal (Group F). Hence, Germany, as winners of Group C, were paired in this grid with Slovakia.
The Stade Pierre Mauroy will be hosting this intriguing David vs. Goliath tie. However, if you can't make it in person, no worries! LiveSoccerTV.com has all the options you need to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet. Here are the choices for fans residing in the following countries:
- In the USA at 12.00 EST/09.00 PST on: ESPN, ESPN3 USA, WatchESPN, SiriusXM FC, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN Deportes Radio
- In the UK at 17.00 BST on: The ITV Hub, ITV 1 UK, BBC Radio 5 Live, TalkSport Radio UK
- In Canada at 12.00 ET on: TSN3, TSN4, TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver, RDS, TSN1
For those who live elsewhere, check out our special Germany vs. Slovakia broadcast page.
Who will qualify for this UEFA Euro 2016 quarter-final fixture scheduled for July 2?
And now, we arrive at the interesting part - who will qualify for the next round? Let's look at some quick stats for these two round of 16 fixtures.
Italy vs. Spain - The Azzurri and La Furia Roja, not surprisingly are pretty evenly matched. There have been ten wins for each side and 14 draws in their past 34 meetings. Spain have beaten Italy in their last two Euro meetings (2008 and 2012).
Germany vs. Slovakia - Germany have won seven out of their ten meetings against Slovakia, although the Repre defeated them 3-1 in a friendly last month. Die Mannschaft have won 13 out of their last 16 games at major tournaments - their only defeat during this run was to Italy during the Euro 2012 semi-finals.
At the end of these two matches, the winner of the Italy-Spain tie will take on whoever comes out on top from the Germany-Slovakia clash. So, the four potential quarter-final matches are: Germany vs. Italy, Spain vs. Germany, Italy vs. Slovakia, and Spain vs. Slovakia.
July 2, 2016 UEFA Euro quarter-final fixture prediction
Three of the four teams in this group - Germany, Italy, and Spain - are all Euro champions, World Cup champions, and are heavyweights on the international football stage. Slovakia, on the other hand, is one of several debutants making their bow at this tournament. The Repre have been quite impressive so far. And they did beat Germany soundly in their last meeting. However, although they will put up a good fight, their run is expected to end here - although die Mannschaft will not find it easy to just steamroll them like they did to Brazil in 2014.
So, who will Germany take on next? Spain are the reigning Euro champions, and Italy have had to make do without several key midfielders. Still, the Azzurri will be keen on avenging their 4-0 humiliation in the 2012 final. And as shown in their performance against no. 2-ranked Belgium, Conte's side can crank it up a notch when needed.
However, the class of Spain simply can't be discounted. It's not going to be another 4-0 blowout, and do not be surprised to see a close match. This one is a really close one to call, but Italy might just have just enough to edge out Spain. Get ready for an epic rumble between familiar foes Germany and Italy on July 2nd, featuring star shot-stoppers Manuel Neuer and Gigi Buffon, and Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil versus Juventus star defensive trio Chiellini, Bonucci, and Barzagli.
Where to watch the July 2, 2016 quarter-final: time, channels to watch live
Not fortunate to have snagged a ticket to catch the game in person at the Stade de Bordeaux? Don't worry. LiveSoccerTV.com has all the options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are all the choices for fans residing in the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.00 EST/12.00 PST on: ESPN2, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN Deportes Radio
- In the UK at 20.00 BST on: TalkSport Radio UK
- In Canada at 15.00 ET on: TSN4, RDS, TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver, TSN5, TSN3, TSN1
Please be advised that all listings will appear automatically on the July 2, 2016 UEFA Euro quarter-final page. You will also find specific viewing options and times for wherever you are currently based.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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