ON TO THE KNOCKOUT STAGES: How incredible is it that we have all four home nations through to the knockout stage of EURO 2016. Sure you would have always predicted a couple getting through but all four has been exceptional. There was plenty of nail biting for both Irish sides as Northern Ireland got through on goal difference and Republic of Ireland needed a dramatic late goal by Robbie Brady to secure their progression.

THE NEXT BREXIT
Apologies for the title here, but I couldn’t resist. The game between Wales and Northern Ireland tomorrow means one British side will be leaving Europe this weekend. Huge amount of credit must go to both sides, they are both playing in their first major competition in a long long time, and they have really held their own, particularly Wales who actually went on to top their group. Northern Ireland faced one of the toughest groups in the tournament, with their win against Ukraine, and Michael McGovern’s heroics against Germany.

This is a tough game to call. Wales have the better players of the two teams, but as Northern Ireland have shown, they are very well organised and tough to break down. I said before the tournament kicked off that they would need to have the best defense in the competition to have a chance of progressing. They have not been far off that. The German’s through everything they had at Northern Ireland, and to only concede once was actually quite an achievement.

Wales do have an edge however with three players in particular. Of course these players are Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and the most expensive player in the world; Gareth Bale. They will give the Welsh an added edge that Northern Ireland just wont have. It will be another defensive game for Northern Ireland, and up to Wales to break them down. I’m not sure they will do it in the 90 minutes, but I do think they have enough to make the quarter finals. Verdict – Wales to Qualify at 1.44.

TWO DARK HORSES
At the beginning of EURO 2016 I think many would have pegged these two sides as their dark horses for the tournament. Teams that weren’t quite in the picture as a favourite, but could definitely have a good run in the tournament. Portugal have Ronaldo, so that is enough to have a chance in a game against anybody. Croatia have a side with maybe four well known players and the rest of the side although not known are quality.

So again, the last 16 is as far as one of these teams will go. For Croatia the game plan is quite clear, stop Ronaldo. If you stop him then the game is yours to win. Sure they have players like Nani, Moutinho and some more quality, but without Ronaldo they will be outplayed. Croatia have one of the best midfields in the tournament if Modric is fit. Between himself and Rakitic they can control an entire game, and you know they can both create chances. Perisic is quality as well, and has had a brilliant tournament thus far.

Portugal had a tough group stages, progressing with two frustrating draws, and a draw from the game of the tournament so far against Hungary. If not for two exceptional goals by Ronaldo, the Portuguese would be at home watching the rest of the tournament. Iceland and Austria contained him to shooting from distance mainly and it worked. If Croatia do the same, they have more than enough going forward to score against this shaky Portugal defense. Pepe has been poor, and Carvalho at 38 years old only has so much left in the tank. I think Croatia can do the job. Verdict – Back Croatia at 2.76

HOPEFUL MORE THAN ANYTHING
I have to go for this bet, I just have to. It won’t be a big bet at all considering the magnitude of the game that lies ahead for Ireland. They are playing against the tournament favourites and hosts, but I believe they can do it. There has been so many big days in Irish football but this would beat them all. The game against Italy was the best game any Ireland team has ever played.

They dominated the game, genuinely playing some good football throughout. We had big wins when I was playing but the difference was the actual performance and approach on Wednesday. They took to to Italy, played football and controlled the game. In the past against the top sides we would sit back and hit them on a counter attack, not the case here. If I was in charge I would go with all the same guys as Wednesday night. They got us this far, and should get the chance again. Two up front has to be the way to go. We can’t have Shane Long isolated like he was against Belgium. Although Murphy probably won’t score he is good support to have up front. Ireland’s goal came with Hoolahan on the pitch, but the work was done before this, we could have been 2-0 up at that stage.

If Ireland are going to win it will be 1-0. We’re not going to go out and score two or three against this French side. Irish footballing history shows that when we win our biggest games, it is always 1-0. We beat England 1-0, the Italians was 1-0, even Germany in the qualifiers was 1-0. Tactically we are going to be quite defensive, that has to be the case. Absorb the pressure and nick one. That is the way to go. I am hopeful and maybe unrealistically confident, but I can’t oppose us this weekend. Verdict – Ireland 1-0 at 16.5

TIME TO PROVE THEIR WORTH
Belgium entered the tournament as one of the most tipped sides. Why wouldn’t they have been? They have a host of talent throughout their team. But the problem for them is, the talent hasn’t always gelled too well. Right now they are a side of individuals rather than a team. They beat Ireland comfortably in the group stages, but Ireland made them look better than they actually are. Once Belgium scored the wheels came off for the Irish.

This won’t happen to Hungary in my opinion. They really impressed me during the group stages. They have no real notable players but have been really good as a team. They play well together, are very organised and have actually played some pretty good football as we saw in their 3-3 draw with Portugal. For me, I’ll go with the team ahead of the individuals on most occasions, even if their are some excellent individuals playing. Verdict – Lay Belgium at 1.69.

BATTLE OF GIANTS
This is most definitely the pick of the games for the last 16. Two massive footballing nations, two genuine contenders to win the tournament, and after Monday’s game one of them will be going home! It shouldn’t be a fixture at this stage, as Spain should have won their group if they didn’t fall asleep, but alas we have an early treat.

I think Italy will be dreading this game. Of course you will fear playing the top sides, but Spain in particular play in a way that does not suit the Italians. The Spaniards always hold the bulk of possession and look for spaces. Italy always play a back three, and never really play the offside trap. This leaves some space for Spain to take advantage of, and I think it will be the Italians undoing. It will be a close, intriguing game, but I fancy the Spaniards to get the job done. Verdict – Back Spain at 2.14

£25 IN FREE BETS