UEFA Euro 2024 has reached a critical stage with the last round of group matches starting yesterday. Although most of the results were expected, fans got to experience a few upsets like World number 3 Belgium’s loss to Slovakia in Group E. In addition, when fans predicted France, to cruise past the Dutch, Kylian Mbappe and Co are placed second after two games and may slip further if they face a Polish upset. This leaves possibilities of some surprising fixtures for the Round of 16.

With Spain and Germany displaying dominance in Toni Kroos’ last stint in national colors, they are now deemed the favorites for the title. Fans are curious to see if they could meet anyone potentially dangerous in the next step. Hence, let’s take a look at their possible opponents in the first knockout stage.

UEFA Euro 2024: Potential opponents of Germany and Spain in the Round of 16

1. Analyzing Germany’s challengers

Group A has ended as expected with the hosts Die Mannschaft finishing as toppers. Hence, the German opponents for the Round of 16 aren’t as complicated as Group B with Spain. According to the draw, the winners of Group A will take on the 2nd placed team in Group C. Denmark will face Serbia and Slovenia take on England to decide the Group C standings. As it sits, Denmark and Slovenia are fighting for the number two spot with a similar goal difference and an equal number of goals scored. Hence, if both Denmark and Slovenia win their next games it will come down to the goal difference by which they won their respective games with England and Serbia taking the number 3 and 4 spots.

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group E – Germany v Japan – Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar – November 23, 2022 Germany players pose for a team group photo covering their mouths before the match REUTERS/Molly Darlington

On the other hand, if Slovenia wins and Denmark loses, England will finish at #2 facing Germany. In addition, a Denmark draw and a Slovenia win will also result in England facing Germany. Meanwhile, if Denmark draws against Serbia, Slovenia will need to draw against England and it will come down to goal difference again between Denmark and Slovenia for the number 2 spot. Moreover, if Serbia has to face Germany, it has to win against Denmark and Slovenia needs to draw or lose against Harry Kane’s side. With so many permutations and combinations, it appears that either Denmark or Serbia could be Julian Nagelsmann’s opponent unless an upset is created by Slovenia.

2. Who can Spain face?

Group B has also followed a similar path with Spain taking the #1 spot. But the 2012 champions have a chance to face multiple teams. With the draw stating that the winner of Group B will face any of the teams placed third in Groups A, D, E, and F, multiple teams are in contention.

With four of the best third-placed teams also qualifying for the knockouts, Spain could face Hungary from Group A. In Group D they can face either of the teams, including Austria, France, and Netherlands, but more likely Austria is expected to finish third.

Group E is the most wide-open group with any of the four, including Belgium, Ukraine, Romania, and Slovakia. Finally from group F, they could lock horns with either Georgia or Czechia.