Under-21 EURO preview: What to look out for on Wednesday
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
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We preview the action as the UEFA European Under-21 Championship group stage draws to a close.
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The 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship group stage ends on Wednesday.
We preview the action as the remaining quarter-final spots are decided.
Knockout bracket
Quarter-finals:
Saturday 1 July
QF1: Georgia vs Israel (18:00, Paichadze Stadium, Tbilisi)
QF3: Spain vs Switzerland (21:00, Giulești Stadium, Bucharest)
Sunday 2 July
QF2: England vs Portugal (18:00, Shengelia Arena, Kutaisi)
QF4: France vs Ukraine (21:00, Cluj Arena, Cluj-Napoca)
Semi-finals:
Wednesday 5 July
SF1: Georgia / Israel vs England / Portugal (18:00, Batumi Arena, Batumi)
SF2: Spain / Switzerland vs France / Ukraine (21:00, Steaua Stadium, Bucharest)
Final:
Saturday 8 July
Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (18:00, Batumi Arena, Batumi)
All kick-off times CET. Romania is one hour ahead of CET. Georgia is two hours ahead.
Wednesday's U21 EURO games
A point is enough for France to clinch top spot in Group D and remain in Cluj to play their quarter-final. Loïc Badé is available after suspension, but Michael Olise is a doubt after limping off following his winning goal against Norway. "Our aim now is to make it three wins from three and finish top of the group," said midfielder Maxence Caqueret.
Switzerland need to defeat France, or at least better Italy's result, to progress to the last eight following their loss to the latter last time out. Kastriot Imeri claimed his second goal of the tournament in the 3-2 defeat and is – along with fellow Matchday 2 goalscorer Zeki Amdouni – a potential game-changer for Patrick Rahmen's side.
It was an emotional rollercoaster, but Italy showed their strength against Switzerland and got the three points they needed to stay in contention. "We face the last game against Norway like we face every game: like a final," said coach Paolo Nicolato. His side need another win to put themselves in the best position to progress, but that said, Norway will be fierce opponents, needing a win to stand any chance of advancing.
Leif Gunnar Smerud's men were unlucky in their first two matches, and are more than capable of causing the Azzurrini problems. They lost 1-0 against France on Matchday 2 but went close to salvaging a point. "Sometimes football is brutal," said the coach.
2024 Olympic men's football tournament
Europe has three slots in the 2024 Olympic men's football tournament, not counting hosts France, who automatically qualify. The top three finishers in the U21 finals (other than France, and England, who cannot qualify for the Olympics) will take part in the tournament.
The potential Olympic play-off match may take place on 7 July (21:00 CET) or 8 July (15:00 CET) in Bucharest (Steaua Stadium).
