The first set of knockout matches in the round of 16 for the Euros 2016 saw Wales take on Northern Ireland, Poland versus Switzerland and Portugal against Croatia
Wales vs Northern Ireland
In the first match of the knockouts, a highly spirited Wales team took on one of the 4, third place best ranked teams that had made it i.e. Northern Ireland. The match that unfolded at Parc des Princes, saw a resolute N. Ireland defence keep out a strong Welsh midfield and attack. Northern Ireland created chances of their own however it was Wales that took the lead and held on to it thanks to Gareth McAuley’s own goal from a Gareth Bale cross in the 75th minute. Wales with play either Belgium or Hungary in the round of 8. Wales skipper Ashley Williams suffered a shoulder injury which seems serious, his situation will be confirmed within the next 24hours.
Poland vs Switzerland
Poland took the lead in the first half thanks to Jakub Blaszczykowski’s goal in the 39th minute. Switzerland piled on the attack from there on hitting the post and crossbar couple of times. The swiss got on level terms courtesy of an excellent (goal of the tournament contender) 18 yard out overhead kick by Xherdan Shaqiri late in the match. After extra time the deadlock was still not broken. The game went to penalties and the new Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka shot his penalty wide and gave Poland the lead. Xhaka was the only player to miss the penalty. Poland will now face Portugal in the quarter finals
Portugal vs Croatia
Croatia had topped their group and had come in to the round of 16 fresh from a victory over the holders Spain (2-1). Portugal however were still looking for the first victory of the tournament as they had drawn 3 out of their 3 group games. The match was pretty dull and lacked any fluidity. There were 18 fouls alone in the first half. Passes weren’t being strung together, crosses were not being converted and there were frequent halts. So much so that Portugal’s first shot on goal proved to be their winner in the 116’ minute of ET2. Croatia struck the post and were caught on the counter by fresh legs from Renato Sanchez who passed it wide to Nani. Nani crossed the ball to Ronaldo whose shot was stopped by the keeper and the rebound turned in by Quaresma. The game was so dull that Croatia had 17 shots but all off target. Portual now face Poland in the quarterfinals.
