The most exciting Euro 2024 last 16 ties - ranked

Euro 2024 kicked off with a bang as the first round of group stage fixtures brought about unrelenting excitement.

However, as the group stages wore on, the drawbacks of a 24-team tournament started to manifest.

With teams well aware that a three or four-point haul would be enough to advance, dreary possession vs compact mid/low-blocks became a recurring theme. Inferior nations were, understandably, content with draws, and unbalanced pre-tournament favourites have struggled, for the most part, to penetrate the resistance.

There have been some belting contests in Germany this summer, and there was drama up until the last to round off the group stage. However, an excitement reset button needs to be hit. With the knockouts beckoning, it's time for more thrills and spills.

The round of 16 draw has thrown up a variety of ties which shouldn't mean we endure the same dynamic of match-up on repeat. There's a blockbuster between two leading nations, room for upsets and underdog runs, as well as 90 minutes of likely chaos in Leipzig on Tuesday night.

The four days of round of 16 action should be a lot of fun, and here's how 90min ranks the eight ties purely from a projected excitement perspective.

8. Portugal vs Slovenia

Slovenia have made history by advancing into the knockout stage of a major tournament for the very first time. That's all well and good, but they're not particularly fun to watch.

You know what you're going to get from Matjaz Kek's side: a 4-4-2 Mike Bassett would be proud of. They've got brutes at the back and invention from full-back, but the team's superstar, Benjamin Sesko, doesn't look 100%.

This will be a matter of Portugal, who impressed on Matchday 2 but have otherwise struggled to convince, attempting to break Slovenian resistance for 90 minutes.

7. England vs Slovakia

England have served up arguably the three least watchable games of the tournament so far. Gareth Southgate's Three Lions have rarely dazzled on the big stage, with their balance and functionality making sure of their success.

However, England have so far been woefully unbalanced with the manager attempting to fit too many square pegs into round holes. There are obvious changes to the starting XI which should bring about much-improved performances, and supporters can only hope Southgate includes the correct personnel on Sunday.

Slovakia will fancy their chances, and they were arguably the most impressive team in Group E despite finishing third. They press high and can play through their technically proficient and experienced midfield. England would kill for a player of Stanislav Lobotka's profile.

6. Switzerland vs Italy

It turns out that Mattia Zaccagni's last-gasp equaliser against Croatia was pretty important. The holders would otherwise be out.

Italy have struggled through the tournament so far, with their lack of cutting edge ensuring every game is a slog. They're sound without the ball, though, and Saturday's round of 16 tie with Switzerland looks very evenly poised.

Murat Yakin's side have exceeded pre-tournament expectations, but are still your typical Swiss team with the familiar core members continuing to play key roles.

Michel Aebischer's role off the left has been an interesting tactical wrinkle, while Breel Embolo is always exciting when he breaks away in transition. Xherdan Shaqiri has already cashed in his 'tournament banger' for the summer, however.

These two could cancel each other out in Berlin.

5. Germany vs Denmark

Germany dazzled through 180 minutes of Euro 2024 action, yet they came within moments of dropping to second in Group A. Fortunately, yer da's favourite number nine, Niclas Fullkrug, was on hand to equalise against Switzerland and lift the hosts back up to top spot.

Julian Nagelsmann's outfit operate like a club side, with the former Bayern Munich coach doing an excellent job of fitting in a litany of stunning playmakers without sacrificing width.

They'll bring much of the entertainment in Dortmund on Saturday night, with Denmark proving to be nothing more than functional. Christian Eriksen still offers a creative spark, but Rasmus Hojlund is yet to emerge as the saviour in the final third.

The Danes scored just twice in the group stage, and they'll be without Morten Hjulmand, scorer against England, for this round of 16 clash.

4. Romania vs Netherlands

Blue-haired full-backs, raucous support, and a maverick #10 who loves to score from distance; Romania have been a proper tournament team at Euro 2024.

The majority of their players remain unsung, with Tottenham's Radu Dragusin boasting the highest profile. They're defensively sound but can explode on the counter.

The Netherlands must be wary, and despite the Dutch finishing third in Group D, this would still be a major upset.

Ronald Koeman was always going to lean on his defence following key midfield injuries, but his side have been far from secure in Germany this summer. That does make for good viewing, and the Dutch have potential to sparkle in attack with Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, and Memphis Depay each having their moments during the group stage.

3. France vs Belgium

While undoubtedly the highest-profile fixture of the round, neither France nor Belgium convinced in the group stages.

Didier Deschamps' pragmatism has drifted into outright caution with Les Bleus failing to score from open play outside of an Austrian own goal on Matchday 1. They have, however, racked up more xG than any team still left in the tournament, and there's an overwhelming sense that there's plenty more to come from the pre-tournament favourites.

Perhaps Belgium, who have struggled for balance and were booed by supporters following their stalemate with Ukraine, could feel France's wrath on Monday.

An abundance of stars will be on display (just not in Belgium's defence), and there's room for a cracking affair.

2. Spain vs Georgia

You wouldn't think it, but these two nations have grown familiar of one another. They met twice in qualifying, with Spain winning 7-1 away and 3-1 at home. As good as they've been this summer, Sunday's game should be very competitive.

Georgia have been a part of two of the tournament's best games so far. Their 3-1 defeat to Turkey on Matchday 1 was nothing short of Euros heritage, and their victory over Portugal which saw them advance was the biggest upset, in terms of FIFA rankings differential, in the competition's history.

Willy Sagnol's side have surrendered the most expected goals at Euro 2024, and have certainly ridden their luck to advance, but their two forwards have purred and they could give the imperious Spaniards a few things to think about.

Spain were the team of the group stages, but Georgia have been the story of the summer. There are narratives in abundance, and any game in which Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is competing is worthy of a watch.

1. Austria vs Turkey

Turkey have got the ultimate combination for entertainment: fun but distinctly flawed. Even a ten-man Czechia were able to breach their defence on Matchday 3!

Vincenzo Montella's side aren't particularly well-coached, and they were blown away by Austria's intensity in March, losing 6-1. But, they do have talent, and these two sets of supporters will combine to create a special atmosphere in Leipzig on Tuesday night.

Austria press superbly, rotate fluidly, and combine like it's second nature. Ralf Rangnick has the perfect group of players to implement his ideals, and many will be returning to the familiar Red Bull Arena.

This one just has goals written all over it, with Austrian precision meeting Turkish vibes. Tactics vs talent.

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