The first two weeks of the newly expanded 24-team European Championship from France, outside of a handful of truly memorable moments, failed to consistently spark.

Now, though, the real fun begins. The knockout stages, beginning with the first Round of 16 in this competition’s history, are here. Below are previews and predictions for all eight of those games.

Switzerland v. Poland

The Swiss and Poles did their jobs in the group stage perfunctorily, if not inspirationally. Both sides took care of weaker opposition, while playing tournament favorites – France and Germany respectively – to 0-0 draws.

There appears to be precious little between the two teams. Neither has gotten much from their star players – Robert Lewandowski for Poland, Xherdan Shaqiri for Switzerland – but both are extremely tough to break down. Poland hasn’t given up a goal yet in the tournament; the Swiss have conceded just once.

Expect the Swiss to control possession through Granit Xhaka in midfield, while Johan Djorou could be victimized by Lewandowski.

The Pick: Poland

 

Wales v. Northern Ireland

This is one of the bigger mismatches on the slate. Wales have real quality, especially through the middle of the field, while Northern Ireland – save for an inspired half against Ukraine – have hardly made it over the halfway line in France.

Michael O’Neill’s team is sure to sit deep and invite the likes of Ramsey, Allen, and Bale to try and break them down. Considering that they’ll likely have plenty of attacking set pieces, Bale could be of even greater import.

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Chris Coleman has a decision to make up top. Sam Vokes started against Russia, but Hal Robson-Kanu, who scored the winner against Slovakia, could come back in. An early goal would almost certainly send the Welsh on their way.

The Pick: Wales

 

Croatia v. Portugal

The Portuguese had to save themselves from elimination three separate times against Hungary on Wednesday, and have, somehow, emerged from their first three games against Iceland, Austria, and the Hungarians without a win.

That Portugal’s most effective creators – outside of Ronaldo, of course – are Nani and Ricardo Quaresma speaks volumes about the status of a program that has let itself down over the last decade.

It’s been a good tournament for Croatia thus far – save for a half hour of embarrassment against the Czech Republic – and star man Luka Modric should be fit to return for this game after coming off injured against the Czechs.

The key for Ante Cacic will be retaining the energy and athleticism that drove his team over Spain, while bringing the likes of Modric and Mario Mandzukic back in. Considering the age Portugal’s central defense of Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe, Croatia has plenty of incentive to get after Fernando Santos’ team.

Speaking of incentive: The beloved longtime Croatian captain Darijo Srna lost his father less than two weeks ago, and is playing on in his memory.

The Pick: Croatia

 

France v. Ireland

France began the group stage with one of the moments of the tournament in Dimitri Payet’s late winner against Romania, and the Republic of Ireland brought the curtain down with Robbie Brady’s header to beat Italy on Wednesday in Lille.

That those two goals drew these two teams together can’t be all that surprising. In this country, Ireland and France have history – namely Thierry Henry’s handball that sent France to South Africa seven years ago.

The Irish claim they’ve moved on, but the possibility for revenge – or justice, if you will – is tantalizing. Martin O’Neill is an able tactician, and he might have one or two tricks up his sleeve against France.

Of paramount importance is who plays at center-back for Ireland, with Richard Keogh and Shane Duffy both performing admirably against Italy in place of captain John O’Shea and Cieran Clark. Wes Hoolahan has made his case for inclusion from the start, but O’Neill might not want to change the team that beat the Azzurri.

Under-pressure France coach Didier Deschamps experimented plenty in the group stage, but the best logic says that he’ll end up playing the same eleven that started the tournament against Romania – a team which includes Paul Pogba.

France certainly has a massive advantage in talent. If they finally click, they’ll brush Ireland aside. If they don’t, they have plenty of reason – both spiritual and otherwise – to worry.

The Pick: France

 

Germany v. Slovakia

The Germans have been fairly slow starters at major tournaments in this decade under the direction of Jogi Low, and while their class has been apparent at Euro 2016, Die Mannschaft navigated the group stage at something less than full throttle.

Now, Low will want his team to kick it up a notch. Germany’s attack looked improved against Northern Ireland with the presence of a true striker in Mario Gomez, and he should retain his place to lock horns with Martin Skertl.

Slovakia, interestingly enough, beat Germany 3-1 in a friendly in preparation for this tournament. B the circumstances are different now, and the Slovaks, outside of the excellent Marek Hamsik, haven’t shown that kind of attacking intent in France.

Slovakia will most likely sit in as they did against England. One question for Low is whether to restore his captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, who came off the bench in the group stage, to the starting lineup. Whatever the case, it’s hard to see past Germany in this game.

The Pick: Germany

 

Hungary v. Belgium

Hungary were deserved winners of Group F, and, unlike several other successful nations of their stature, they did more than defend in their group games. Captain Balazs Dzsudzsak is a delight to watch.

Still, it’s Hungary. Belgium enters this game as a big favorite, albeit a weak one. Though Kevin De Bruyne has shone, Marc Wilmots has made precious little progress since the World Cup in making a cohesive unit out of his group of extremely talented players.

Wilmots has said this week that he has no problem with the smoking habit of his midfield enforcer Radja Nainggolan, who scored the late winner against Sweden and is emerging as of the team’s most important players.

If Belgium can play up to its considerable ability, a trip to the final is a real possibility. But with Wilmots in charge, skepticism is a natural resting place.

The Pick: Belgium

 

Italy v. Spain

This one isn’t to be missed. A rematch of the 2012 final, thanks to Ivan Perisic’s late winner for Croatia against Spain on Tuesday, comes in the Round of 16 on Monday at the Stade de France.

That loss to Croatia has unsettled the Spain camp. While some players and pundits have hailed the setback for refocusing the team, distractions around Pedro and David De Gea haven’t done a team that is looking a tad tired any favors.

Vicente del Bosque, who is leaving the post at the end of the tournament, has a big job on his hands. Antonio Conte, able to eight starters against Ireland, has a fresh team and, in Juventus’ BBC unit, the best defense in the tournament.

This should be an extremely tight, intense match. Extra time and penalties aren’t out of the question. Spain has knocked Italy out of the last two European Championships, and it might be the Belgium game talking, but this feels like the Azzurri’s time.

The Pick: Italy

 

England v. Iceland

Had Iceland seen out their final group game against Austria at 1-1, they’d have faced Croatia in this round. But a 94th minute goal from Arnor Traustason meant a 2-1 victory and a date with England in Nice.

That won’t bother Iceland any. Considering the stature of the Premier League at home, a matchup with England was exactly what Iceland wanted out of the Round of 16. They’ll play with spirit and nothing to lose.

And, as a capable defensive team with no designs on attacking for sustained stretches, they’ll present a similar kind of problem to England as Slovakia did last Monday.

Roy Hodgson’s team has struggled to break down defenses so far at this tournament, with the manager under tremendous pressure after losing the group to Wales. He’s set to go back to Harry Kane up top, with Daniel Sturridge also figuring to start.

As if this wasn’t already the case, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union on Thursday has ensured the world will be set to cheer on Iceland. If they have their way, England will crash out of Europe for the second time in five days.

The Pick: England