IT’S EURO 2024 quarter-final time – and ‘Robotinho’ has predicted which four nations will make the semis.
That’s right, not Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, but a supercomputer from Australia.
Euro 2024 hosts Germany take on Spain in a mouthwatering quarter-final this afternoon to get the action underway.
That is followed tonight by another bumper showdown between Portugal and France as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe go head-to-head.
While most will be tuning in to those two today, all eyes in England will be on our own date with destiny tomorrow.
The Three Lions face Switzerland in their last-eight encounter at 5pm.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
And by the end of the day they will know exactly who stands between them and a second-straight Euro final.
England will face the winners of Netherlands vs Turkey in the semi on Wednesday.
While some have concerns over the form of Gareth Southgate’s side, confidence is still high that he can lead them to a third semi-final.
But what does the supercomputer think?
Most read in Euro 2024
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Here AI expert Robontinho has gone through and crunched all of the data.
And it has produced its predictions for who will emerge victorious over the next two days:
SPAIN VS GERMANY
Prediction: 2-1
It looks set to be heartbreak for the German hosts.
The free-scoring Spanish have easily been the most-entertaining side to watch so far.
And Robotinho expects them to be celebrating again with a fifth-straight win at the tournament.
PORTUGAL VS FRANCE
Prediction: 1-2
It looks set to be more tears in store for Ronaldo when Portugal play later.
Even though Mbappe has struggled with his broken nose, the stuttering French are tipped to march on with a narrow victory.
England must go old-school to shock Switzerland… this formation would be perfect, says Jurgen Klinsmann
IT might be time for England to try something different at these Euros, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.
Maybe Gareth Southgate will want to start the quarter-final against Switzerland in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane up front.
I think it might work, and if Gareth feels the same, he should do it.
This is the time when, as a manager at a tournament, you have to trust your gut instinct and never hold back from unpopular decisions.
The quarter-finals are make-or-break time. Win and you’re in the last four and everyone respects you.
Lose and it’s not acceptable for big nations like England, Germany, France and Spain.
England are facing the best Swiss team of all time on Saturday – and it is certain to be another rollercoaster.
I understand there can be snobbery about playing a 4-4-2 but sometimes you have to do something different.
It can still be a fantastic system — two hard-working frontmen like Kane and Toney can be a real threat to the opposition.
I think England need to surprise the Swiss, to try something different.
And that just might be a good old-fashioned 4-4-2.
Read Jurgen Klinsmann’s column in full.
Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 opinions.
ENGLAND VS SWITZERLAND
Prediction: 1-0
Despite their attacking powers failing to sparkle so far, defensively England have looked solid defensively.
Also, they have shown an ability to grind out results, which they are predicted to do again tomorrow with a one-goal win.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
NETHERLANDS VS TURKEY
Prediction: 2-1
Turkey are missing two key men in Orkun Kokcu and Ismail Yuksek and that will scupper their plans to break down the Dutch’s organised play.
And with Cody Gakpo top scorer in attack, it is the Netherlands that are tipped to go through.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
