Euro 2016: Handy guide to round of 16 matches and teams’ path to the final

It’s Squeaky bum time at Euro 2016!

The days of watching a game sitting back on the couch are gone with the group stage and things are about to hot up. There is no margin for error anymore, and this is where men will be separated from the boys.

Euro 2016’s last 16 line-up is a mix of the old warhorses and a few raw rookies, who must thank the new expanded format for accommodating them all in the Championships’ second act. Regional rivalries, revenge match-ups, clash of the titans – The round of 16 fixtures will see it all.

- Switzerland vs Poland

- Wales vs Northern Ireland

- Croatia vs Portugal

- Hungary vs Belgium

- Germany vs Slovakia

- Spain vs Italy

- France vs Republic of Ireland

- England vs Iceland

The draw for the Round of 16 has kept most of the big guns apart, but the road beyond is set to see more titanic clashes since England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France have all been drawn on the same side.

This leaves the likes of Croatia and Belgium – the rising giants of European football – with a fairly easy ride to the final. Subsequently, the 2016 European Championship will have at least one finalist that hasn’t tasted glory in the history of the competition.

While there is still a long way to go before the final, we focus on the path that these sixteen aspirants will have to take to reach the showpiece event at the Stade de France on 11 July.

Switzerland vs Poland

Debutants at the knockout stages, it’s time to celebrate for the two nations. Both Poland and Switzerland will fancy their chances against one another, with a place in the quarter-final providing added motivation.

The road ahead: For Poland and Switzerland, a win will reward them with a quarter-final showdown against either Croatia or Portugal. If one of them can pull off an upset, they would take on one of Wales, Northern Ireland, Belgium or Hungary.

Wales vs Northern Ireland

While Britain is busy contemplating its decision to leave the European Union, and the Wales-Northern Ireland clash has ensured there won’t be a Brexit at Euro 2016 with a fairly easy ride to the final. The clash of these two British sides is certain to produce fireworks, but hopefully we will see them on the field. Wales and Norther Ireland are already in untreaded territory and could be pardoned for wanting more.

The road ahead: A win for either of these British sides will pit them against either Belgium or Hungary in the quarter-finals. Victory there would then set-up a semi-final showdown against one of Croatia, Portugal, Switzerland or Poland.

Croatia vs Portugal

This is one of the games to look forward to in the round of 16. Despite enjoying contrasting fortunes in the group stages, Portugal and Croatia are fairly even on paper. While Croatia are looking to break their duck in the knockout rounds, Portugal have been there, done that. It promises to be a real cracker.

The road ahead: There is a lot at stake in this one as the winner then gets a fairly easier tie in the quarter-finals. With due respect to Switzerland or Poland - one of whom will be face the winners of Croatia-Portugal clash - there won’t be an easier clash at this stage of the tournament for either Croatia or Portugal.

Hungary vs Belgium

Hungary have surprised all by reaching so far. They now come up against a team which hasn’t seen a lot of Euro football either, but there is little or rather no surprise about them being in the last 16. Belgium start favourites as they have done is perhaps every game in the tournament so far. But their inconsistency coupled with Hungary’s surprise element makes this an intriguing fixture.

The road ahead: Triumph would mean a quarter-final clash with either Wales or Northern Ireland. It would hardly matter for Hungary if they get there, but for Belgium, it would be another nice clash to ease their big tournament nerves. The winner in that quarter-final will face one of Croatia, Portugal, Switzerland or Portugal.

Germany vs Slovakia

A more traditional clash at this stage with a clear favourite and an underdog. World Champions Germany have been patchy so far and this clash presents them with the best chance to kick-start their machine. For Slovakia, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The road ahead: The winner in this clash could be pardoned for low-key celebration as the winner of the big Spain-Italy clash awaits them. Things refuse to get easy even if one of these sides see off a Spain or Italy, as one of France, Republic of Ireland, England or Iceland awaits them in the semi-finals

Italy vs Spain

The match of the Round of 16, Italy and Spain renew their rivalry in a repeat of the Euro 2012 final were Italy were rinsed 4-0 by Spain, four years after edging them on penalties. Both smarting from defeats will look to get back on their guard in this one as Conte’s Italy will be gunning for some revenge.

The road ahead: Whoever wins this titanic battle, will have gear up to possibly face the World Champions Germany in the next round unless Slovakia pull off an upset. A win in that fixture could see them take on one of France, Republic of Ireland, England or Iceland in the semi-final

France vs Republic of Ireland

The wounds of the Thierry Henry handball that infamoulsy led to Republic of Ireland missing out on the plane to South Africa for the 201o FIFA World Cup are still fresh in the minds of the Irishmen. Knocking France out in front of their own crowd would be sweet revenge for the Irish, but that’s easier said than done against a talented French side.

The road ahead: A win sets-up a quarter-final clash against one of England or Iceland. Triumph in that one will see a semi-final against one of Spain, Italy, Germany or Slovakia.

England vs Iceland

Iceland have been the story of Euro 2016. While qualification for the finals was nothing short of a dream for Iceland. With the dream already in overtime, an English scalp would add another feather to their already decorated cap. England on the other hand would like to put all the ‘upset talks’ to bed.

The road ahead: The winner of this clash will take on either France or Republic of Ireland in the quarter-final, with a tough-looking semi-final clash against one of Spain, Italy, Germany or Slovakia awaiting the triumphant quarter-finalists