By Ewan Murray
It feels like just a few days ago that fans around the continent sat down to watch Germany hammer Scotland in the opening match, yet the quarter-final stage of Euro 2024 is now right around the corner.
This summer's tournament has produced sensational moments and some major scalps, albeit none of the competition's minnows have reached the last eight. Instead, Europe's big boys have all made it with the exception of reigning champions Italy, who were dumped out in the last 16.
Not all of the continent's giants have reached their potential in Germany, but they need to find their mojo sooner rather than later if they harbour hopes of lifting the Henri Delaunay Cup on 14 July.
Here are all four quarter-final ties at Euro 2024 - ranked by how exciting they will be to watch.
4. England vs Switzerland
There isn't a team less exciting to watch at Euro 2024 than England. Gareth Southgate's side, especially given the talent available, have been truly dismal. Having come within seconds of a last-16 exit to Slovakia, there has been little to suggest that the Three Lions will turn a corner during the quarter-final.
Swizterland, their opponents in the last eight, have been surprisingly impressive. They are yet to taste defeat and sent reigning champions Italy packing last time out. They have shown the ability to play some exciting football but are capable of being pragmatic as well.
However, even a Switzerland side that have scored seven goals in four matches may not be able to bring the best out of an England team devoid of confidence and any discernible plan.
If this is to be exciting, another Jude Bellingham overhead kick may be required.
3. Portugal vs France
Fans would have been salivating prior to the tournament had they known these two giants would meet in the quarter-finals. A repeat of the Euro 2016 final, Cristiano Ronaldo vs Kylian Mbappe - what's not to love?
Well, after witnessing both teams at Euro 2024, excitement levels are unlikely to reach the levels they should for a tie of this magnitude. France have been one of the least interesting teams to watch in Germany despite their tag as pre-tournament favourites, with only one of their four matches producing more than a single goal.
Les Bleus have scored just three times - two own goals and a penalty - and have been incredibly stubborn at the other end of the pitch. If they get themselves in front, they are more than willing to soak up pressure.
Portugal, bar a demolition of an error-prone Turkey on Matchday 2, have been underwhelming. Ronaldo has been absolutely woeful, while even the likes of Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes have failed to dazzle. Unfortunately, this one has 1-0 written all over it.
2. Netherlands vs Turkey
The Netherlands saved their best performance of the tournament for the last 16. Despite a shaky start, they eased past Romania with a 3-0 victory, Cody Gakpo once again the star of the show. They played some brilliant football in their opening knockout match, racking up 23 shots at goal, six big chances and an expected goals tally of 2.93.
Even in the group stage, they were a joy to watch - for better and for worse. Bar a goalless draw with France in which they offered greater attacking threat than Les Bleus, they produced exciting matches with Poland and Austria. Their defensive frailties make for entertaining viewing.
Turkey have been one of the most exciting teams at Euro 2024. They produced late drama in wins over Georgia and Czechia in the group stage and impressed in their 2-1 win over Austria in the last round.
Merih Demiral scored after less than a minute in the last 16, while goalkeeper Mert Gunok pulled off a wonder save in the dying seconds to help Vincenzo Montella's side to victory.
1. Spain vs Germany
Unfortunately, one of Euro 2024's two best teams will be leaving at the quarter-final stage. Fortunately, fans get to see the duo meet for a place in the semi-finals.
Both Spain and hosts Germany have been electric at this summer's tournament, looking the most well-balanced outfits out there. Going forward they have been sensational, with their young wonderkids doing them proud in the final third.
They are the two nations that have averaged the most goals per match (2.5 for Germany and 2.3 for Spain), as well as the highest expected goals tally and shots on target per 90 at Euro 2024 to date.
Hopefully, they won't change their approaches too much for Friday's quarter-final, even if they play slightly more defensively. Regardless, it should be an absolute cracker.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as The most exciting Euro 2024 quarter-final ties - ranked.
