“The best team in the competition” - Chris Sutton predicts result for Spain vs Germany Euro 2024 quarter-final

Football pundit Chris Sutton has backed Spain to defeat Germany 2-1 in their upcoming Euro 2024 quarter-final clash, naming the former as the best team in the tournament. The two European titans are set to face each other at the MHPArena on Friday, July 5.

Both Spain and Germany have impressed at Euro 2024 with their style of play, finishing at the top of their groups with nine and seven points respectively. The former then proceeded to thrash Georgia 4-1 in the Round of 16, while Die Mannschaft defeated Denmark 2-0.

Both teams will have to be at their very best to advance to the final four. Moreover, this will be their first encounter since the 2022 FIFA World Cup where they drew 1-1. Spain do have a slight advantage though, as they are unbeaten in their past four major tournament fixtures against Germany, winning two, and drawing two.

Sutton wrote on BBC Sport:

"Spain are the best team in the competition. Germany were jubilant when Niclas Fullkrug scored their stoppage-time equaliser in their final group game against Switzerland, but they will be gutted that it meant they ended up in this side of the draw. They would rather be playing England, I'm sure.

"Germany are not just the hosts, though. They have got a bit about them as well. Antonio Rudiger has arguably been the best central defender at this tournament. They are a well-balanced team but Spain have stood out and, wherever you look, they have got quality and nous."

He added:

"Rodri and Fabian Ruiz have been dominant on the ball in midfield and they have the intelligence of Pedri ahead of them. On the wings, they have Lamine Yamal, who is such an exciting talent, and Nico Williams, who is impossible to stop in one-on-one situations.

"So Spain are going to be difficult to stop. If there is a criticism of them at these Euros, it is that they have not been ruthless enough, but, in terms of performance levels, they have been head and shoulders above everyone else. That makes it very difficult to go against them here, even though Germany have got home advantage and have also been playing well."

Sutton's Prediction: 2-1

---

"I hope he continues at this level" - Spain superstar Rodri hails Chelsea defender ahead of Germany Euro 2024 fixture

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has admitted he has been pleasantly surprised by Marc Cucurella's performances in their Euro 2024 campaign.

Cucurella has struggled to perform at the levels he showed at Brighton & Hove Albion in his two years at Stamford Bridge after joining in August 2022. He was limited to just 26 appearances across all competitions last season, missing nearly half of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

However, the 25-year-old has flourished for Spain at Euro 2024, starting three of their four games so far. El Partidazo de Cope recently asked Rodri which player in the squad surprised him the most, to which he replied (via METRO):

"I know them all but… the level that Cucurella is showing. I already knew him but the level he is showing in a context like this in a Euro Cup… he is helping us a lot, especially defensively, the character he has. I am loving it and I hope he continues at this level."

Cucurella impressed in their 4-1 win against Georgia in the Round of 16, creating two chances, making four recoveries, and winning seven duels. He also completed 84 out of attempted 88 passes with an accuracy of 95 percent.