Denmark

Amid Christian Eriksen's recovery from his cardiac arrest, Denmark earned the most emotional victory of the tournament in its group finale to secure passage to the round of 16. The 4-1 win over Russia was the last match the Danes played in front of their home fans in Copenhagen. They play Wales on Saturday inside another arena with a deep connection to Eriksen, who began his professional career inside Johan Cruyff Arena with Ajax. Mikkel Damsgaard has stepped up in Eriksen's absence, becoming a vital part of Denmark's success in the final third over the last two games, and he scored the opener against Russia. Thanks to the exploits against Russia, Denmark's expected goals total from the group stage was 5.9. Wales' defense had an expected goals against of 4.5, which is the highest total of the teams that finished in the top two of their group. If not for the stellar performances from keeper Danny Ward, the Dragons would have conceded much more than the two goals they allowed in the group stage. Denmark also scored more goals against Russia than Wales did in the entire group stage. The Welsh are coming off a 1-0 loss to Group A winner Italy. Wales, though, has more recent success at the Euros. In 2016, it needed an own goal from Northern Ireland to move on to the final eight, where it shocked Belgium 3-1 before falling to Portugal in the semifinals. In their last eight games in all competitions, the Welsh scored multiple goals only once, which came against a Turkey side that was among the worst of Euro 2020. Two of Wales' three goals in the competition occurred after the 70th minute. If Denmark gets off to another fast start, it could gain the advantage needed to eliminate Wales and move on to a quarterfinal game in Baku, Azerbaijan, on July 3. Prediction: Denmark