Euro 2020 power rankings: Watch out for Denmark and Croatia

The group stage has come to an end and the 24-nation Euros have been whittled down to 16. Here’s the latest Euro power rankings ahead of the Round of 16.

The Euros move to the knockout stage starting Saturday when the tournament’s remaining 16 sides battle it out for a chance to reach the final.

The last two weeks generated plenty of entertaining soccer, but the Round of 16 will certainly produce even more given that there’s little room for error.

The last two teams standing will contest the final on July 11 at London’s Wembley Stadium. Crowd capacity at the venue will be increased to more than 60,000 for the semifinals and final as British officials ease pandemic restrictions.

The latest power rankings feature some of the usual suspects at the top, like Belgium and Italy, and some surging squads, including Denmark and Croatia.

Here are the power rankings as teams prepare for the Round of 16.

10. Croatia (1-1-1)  

The team has conjured up the same excitement reminiscent of their fabulous run at the 2018 World Cup, where they finished runners up. Luka Modric is an old man at 35, but he can still come up with that touch of genius that can carry his side to victory. Next up for them is Spain.

9. Denmark (1-0-2)

The Danes achieved the improbable and reached the knockout stage after the Christen Eriksen health scare. This group is inspired and could very well defeat Wales this Saturday in the Round of 16. Denmark face Wales in a game they can win in a tournament where underdog sides have gone all the way before.

8. Portugal (1-1-1)

The defending European champions have yet to be dethroned thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring prowess.

7. Germany (1-1-1)

The mighty Germans survived a tough Group F after being on the brink of elimination. After a series of bad performances, they will now test themselves in the Round of 16 against England in one of the game’s biggest rivalries.

6. Sweden (2-1-0)

The Swedes topped their group thanks to a great backline (giving up just two goals), but their offense certainly needs to regain some mojo in the knockout stage.

5. England (2-1-0)

The Three Lions won their group thanks to Gareth Southgate’s right mix of youth and veterans. How far can they go? Much will depend on whether striker Harry Kane can come through against Germany and the need to avoid shootouts in the knockout stage.

4. Netherlands (3-0)

The Dutch have been unconvincing, but they remain undefeated. Memphis Depay remains their biggest star and he can single-handedly change the outcome of a match. The fans want them to play a 4-3-3, but coach Frank de Boer has favored a 5-3-2 system. Will he be proven correct?

3. France (1-2-0)

By virtue of strength of schedule, the team that won Group F, also known as “The Group of Death,” deserves to be in this position. It’s no surprise since France came into the tournament as the pre-tournament favorites and remain on course to add a Euro to their World Cup title won in 2018.

2. Italy (3-0)

The Italians are unbeaten in their last 30 matches, but that could come to an end against tougher opposition at this tournament. For now, the Azzurri face Austria in the Round of 16 and are favored to get to the quarterfinals.

1. Belgium (3-0)

The offensive combination of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku has been the most lethal at this tournament. The Red Devils remain among the favorites to win this thing, but have to tangle with Portugal next.