Euro 2016: Path to the final for each team in Round of 16

What will it take for all 16 remaining teams in Euro 2016 to make it to the final?

It feels like only yesterday France were kicking off Euro 2016 against Romania. Two weeks later and the group stages are complete, ready for the Round of 16 to get underway.

If the focus before was advancing to the knockout stages, the focus now is on the route to the final. It’s a dream for all 16 remaining teams, but will only become a reality for two. Let’s work through each team and look at their route to the final.

Switzerland vs. Poland

Neither side will be too disappointed with this draw. Switzerland were runners up in Group A, Poland achieved the same in Group C.

This should be an even contest between the two sides, with the winner going onto face either Croatia or Portugal. While either team would make for a difficult quarter-final, it’s nice to avoid Europe’s elite.

Should Switzerland or Poland make it to the semi-finals, they would take on one of Wales, Northern Ireland, Belgium or Hungary.

Croatia vs. Portugal

By defeating Spain in their final group game, Croatia booked their place to the more comfortable side of the draw. If they can get past Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, a favorable quarter final tie with Switzerland or Poland awaits.

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The winner of this game will fancy their chances at making the final. The toughest possible opponent would be Belgium, but they wouldn’t have to play them until the semi-finals.

Wales vs. Northern Ireland

Wales lost their first game against a fellow United Kingdom team, 2-1 to England. They will be favorites against Northern Ireland, however, who squeezed through as a third-place qualifier.

The winners of this game will face either Hungary or Belgium. A semi-final would be against one of Switzerland, Poland, Croatia or Portugal.

Can Wales believe?

Hungary vs. Belgium

On the flip side of that is Hungary and Belgium. Belgium might not have won Group E, but they will be smiling now. Winners of the group Italy face a tough road to the final, while Belgium will be favorites along with Croatia to make it all the way.

Belgium’s route to the Stade de France could be via Hungary, Wales and Croatia. Hardly murderer’s row.

Germany vs. Slovakia

Germany will be tasked with the job of breaking down Slovakia in the Round of 16, but the tests get much tougher from there on out. The winner of this game will face either Spain or Italy before a potential semi-final meeting with hosts France.

Italy vs. Spain

A repeat of the Euro 2012 final is good for the neutral, but neither side will be happy with this. The winner’s reward is a game likely to be against Germany. France might be waiting in the semi-finals.

France vs. Republic or Ireland

Hosts France have an excellent shot of reaching the semi-finals of their own Euros. Ireland are just happy to advance, and while they will fight, France should be too strong. The winners of this game will face England or Iceland, and neither strikes much fear.

A quarter-final win would send them into a semi with either Germany, Spain, Italy or Slovakia.

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England vs. Iceland

England manager Roy Hodgson will be relieved to have avoided Portugal in the Round of 16 in favor of Iceland, but survive that test and it gets very tough. In the quarter-finals, England would have to play either France or the Republic of Ireland, before one of either Germany, Italy, Spain or Slovakia awaits in the semi-finals.

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