It took a little longer than expected, but Euro 2016 finally got good. While the Round of 16 had its share of blowouts — Germany and Belgium trounced their opponents — it also featured two of the tournament’s best games, both of which took place Monday: Spain was firmly put away by a resurgent Italy side and Iceland pulled off a stunning (but not entirely unexpected) victory over England. With the quarterfinals kicking off Thursday, here’s your guide to the final eight teams.
Poland vs. Portugal
Thursday, June 30, 3 p.m. EST
Poland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak goes up for a header against Northern Ireland on June 12.Getty ImagesKey player: Grzegorz Krychowiak, Poland
Description: Of all the quarterfinals, this is the most straightforward. Poland is a counter-attacking defensive juggernaut that is greater than the sum of its parts. Portugal is a squadron of offensive stars that’s worse than the combined talent. If Poland hold their nerve, they could easily “pull an Iceland” and frustrate Portugal into submission.
Who will win: Poland
Wales vs. Belgium
Friday, July 1, 3 p.m. EST
Wales’ Aaron Ramsey attempts a shot against Northern Ireland on June 25.Getty ImagesKey player: Aaron Ramsey, Wales
Description: Long thought of as underachievers on the international stage, Belgium’s talent-packed squad finally came together and showed what it’s capable of in a 4-0 thrashing of Hungary. Wales, which will have the best player on the field in Gareth Bale, should provide a tougher test — especially if they can catch Belgium sleeping on the counter — but will need Arsenal midfielder Ramsey to have the game of his life in support. If he can’t, Wales won’t have a chance.
Who will win: Belgium
Germany vs. Italy
Saturday, July 2, 3 p.m. EST
Germany’s Mesut Özil speeds past a Slovakian defender on June 26.ReutersKey player: Mesut Özil, Germany
Description: Likely to be the best game of the tournament, just two rounds too early. Germany’s offense was a question mark heading into the last round, but that’s no longer the case after a 3-0 demolition of Slovakia. Things won’t be that easy against Italy’s vaunted defense, led by legendary goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, and the game will come down to whether or not Italy can stop Özil from finding Mario Gómez and Thomas Müller in dangerous spots.
Who will win: Italy
France vs. Iceland
Sunday, July 3, 3 p.m. EST
France’s Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring his first goal against Ireland on June 26.AP Key player: Antoine Griezmann, France
Description: Iceland is coming off one of the biggest upsets of all time (or maybe it wasn’t) and will try to apply the same tactics that beat England to thwarting France. There’s only one problem with that plan: France’s superstars can create the individual moments of brilliance needed to break down Iceland’s defensive solidity in a way England never could.
Who will win: France
