ANKARA
The EURO 2024 quarterfinals featuring the continent’s top teams will start on Friday.
Spain will play tournament hosts Germany at the Stuttgart Arena, which is the last eight’s opener. It will kick off at 1600GMT.
The Spanish national team hammered debutants Georgia 4-1 in the last 16 on June 30 to have booked their place at the quarterfinals.
Germany had beaten Denmark 2-0 to have reached the last eight.
Following this showdown, fans will see another exciting game between Portugal and France.
Portugal will face France at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion, which will begin at 1900GMT.
The winning team of this tie will take on either Spain or Germany in the Munich semifinal on July 9.
France eliminated Belgium 1-0, and Portugal won against Slovenia on penalties in the last 16 stage.
Spain, Germany, Portugal and France, the big football nations in Europe, have won the EURO trophy in previous years.
Germany and Spain are tied to be the record holders, securing the continental title three times each.
The Germans last won it in 1996 in England, while Spain last claimed it in 2012 when the tournament was co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine. France were the 1984 and 2000 champions.
Portugal sealed the EURO trophy in 2016 after beating hosts France 1-0 in Saint-Denis.
Türkiye to play Netherlands
After knocking Austria out of the EURO 2024 by 2-1 in a last 16 match on Tuesday, Vincenzo Montella’s Türkiye will face the Netherlands on Saturday in Berlin.
The quarterfinal match at Olympiastadion will begin at 1900GMT.
Türkiye have never won the EURO, but made it to the semifinals in 2008, which is still their best. The Netherlands won the title in 1988.
At the EURO 2024, the Dutch team beat Romania 3-0 to be through.
Separately England, the 2020 runners-up, will play against Switzerland on Saturday.
England won against Slovakia 2-1 to progress while Switzerland, coached by former Swiss defender Murat Yakin, beat reigning champions Italy 2-0 in the previous stage.
The winners of the Netherlands vs. Türkiye / England vs. Switzerland ties will reach the semifinal on July 10 in Dortmund.
The tournament final will be played on July 14 in Berlin.
Last 8 fixtures
Friday
Spain vs. Germany at 1600GMT
Portugal vs. France at 1900GMT
Saturday
England vs. Switzerland at 1600GMT
The Netherlands vs. Türkiye at 1900GMT