by Ben Ayuko
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{image by Getty Images}
The Footballing World is about to be treated to some of the best clashes we have seen in recent years. The best of the best in the world are about to collide and when the dust settles, there will be those who progress and those who are sent home.
In the European Championships, we have 2 heavy clashes with Spain taking on Germany while Portugal meets France. There are going to be many intriguing on-field battles, for instance Jamal Musiala vs Dani Carvajal, Nico Williams vs Joshua Kimmich, Cristiano Ronaldo vs Kylian Mbappe, Joao Palhinha vs N’golo Kante. And of course, the winners of either tie are going to end up facing each other in the semi-final. So, in actuality, out of these 4 mammoth teams, only one is going to make it out unscathed.
On the other side of the draw, lackluster England come up against an inspired Switzerland side. The likes of Declan Rice in midfield will have to be on the top of their game in midfield to keep in form Swiss captain, Granit Xhaka quiet on the day. Netherlands, who had the worst run in the group stage out of the 8 teams, will probably feel like they got the “best” draw coming up against Turkey. Although, with captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu back from suspension and young talent Arda Güler in hot form, Virgil van Dijk and co. will have to be at the top of their game to put them to bed. They will, no doubt, be relying on Cody Gakpo to keep his goal scoring form and stay in the hunt for the top scorer award.
Elsewhere, the Copa America is also keen to serve up some key clashes in the quarter finals, with Argentina taking on a rampant Ecuador, Colombia taking on Panama, Venezuela taking on Canada and perhaps most notably Brazil taking on Uruguay. Seeing stars like Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta, Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez, Alexis MacAllister, Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, Alphonso Davies, Lionel Messi, etc. all come up against each is a very delectable prospect.
Also worth noting that this may be the last time we see Ronaldo and Messi play on the same weekend.
What a weekend it’s going to be.