Euro 2016: Germany to slay Slovakia and our other q/final picks

This is part two of our predictions for the second round of the Euros. With the tournament heating up, we look at the first round and the probable winners of this round as we look ahead to the quarter finals.
Germany v Slovakia | There could be a splash in this one

Die Mannschaft finished top of Group C, but not with the efficiency they have been associated with, and even had to that on goals difference as they were tied on points by Poland but they will buoyed by the fact that they have not conceded a single goal in four matches.

All that notwithstanding, the world champions are still huge favourites against a Slovakia side that looked so underwhelming in Group B, and probably have the Russians (whatever happened to them) to thank for having a place in this round.
In recent tournaments, we have come to see some individuals steal the shine and lead the German charge in major competitions (Thomas Muller at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, Mario Gotze at the 2014 World Cup), but it seems they have now reverted to type, with more emphasis on team effectiveness rather than individual brilliances.
There appears to be a lack of goals in this German side, and only one recognized striker – Mario Gomez – was taken to France but that shouldn’t be a problem against the Slovakians, who will employ an ultra-defensive approach.
As much as no team should be entirely ruled out at this stage, but the Germans will prove too good for their Slovakian opponents.
Prediction: Germany 3-0 Slovakia

Hungary v Belgium | Hazard and co. should have too much for Kiraly

The Red Devils of Belgium had an underwhelming start to the competition, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Italy but they were able to bounce back and get good results against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
Hungary will however provide a different kind of test to them, as they proved in Group F.
While they weren’t exactly out of this world in their group, they Hungarians showed how entertaining they can be and how attack-minded they can also be, though it remains to be seen if they will apply the same approach at this stage of the competition as they face a Belgian team that is very swift on the counter.
The Belgians have what is arguably the best collection of individual players in this tournament, but that doesn’t always translate to success, does it? Many pundits believe that their manager, Marc Wilmots does not know his best 11 and often times is left floundering when he meets a challenging situation.
It should be anybody’s game here and while Belgium remain huge favourites to win the competition, anything can happen here.
Prediction: Belgium 2-0 Hungary

Italy v Spain | Will Spain be able to pass around these Azzurris?

This is unarguably the game of the round, a repeat of the 2012 final, only this is coming three games early.
These teams were not supposed to meet at this stage of the competition, and Spain will only have themselves to blame if they lose out to the Azzurri.
They had no business finishing behind Croatia in group D, but Sergio Ramos’ missed penalty ensured La Furia Roja get an early game with one of the most organized teams of the tournament.
The Spaniards had a field day in this fixture in the 2012 final, and while the Italians have a lesser number of stellar names in this competition, they appear very formidable and Spain, meanwhile, have looked a shadow of the team that dominated world football from 2008 to 2012.
This is one of those games that is difficult to call, given the pedigree of the teams involved.
Andres Iniesta has been impressive for Spain, but will his influence be enough to see them through against a very organized Italian side that seems to have returned to its imperious defending ways.
Prediction: Too close to call

England v Iceland | The Three Lions should show guile and experience

It’s always difficult writing about England during tournaments, but interesting at the same time. They finished second in a group they should have been winning, while Iceland, a country of only 330,000 people finished ahead of Portugal in their own group.
When they got a draw in their first game against Portugal, it seemed it was the only thing they would get out of the competition and the way they celebrated afterwards showed how much that meant to them, prompting Cristiano Ronaldo to dub them ‘team with a small mentality’.
But see where they ended up. Iceland as second only to Hungary, while Portugal would have been eliminated if they still had 16 teams participating.
England should be winning this but they have failed to beat teams in similar positions in major competitions before. The pressure will be on as usual, but Roy Hodgson’s men should have just about enough to progress.
Prediction: England 3-1 Iceland