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Belgium to meet Portugal in round of 16 with lopsided Euro 2020 bracket set

Kirsty O'Connor - PA Images / PA Images / Getty

The dust has barely settled after an entertaining opening round of the European Championship, but it's time to look ahead to the knockout phase with the Euro 2020 bracket complete.

Euro 2020 now enters an elimination bracket featuring 16 teams. Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the game, that bracket is noticeably unbalanced.

While a lopsided bracket is bound to offer some thrilling contests for neutrals, it's a massive blow for some of the tournament's title contenders.

As expected, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy have advanced. But the five nations - ranked first, second, fifth, sixth, and seventh in the world, respectively - all face daunting paths to the July 11 final after finding themselves lumped on the same side of the bracket.

The headliner on the "side of death" features a final-worthy clash as Belgium takes on reigning European champion Portugal. Spain also has a tricky challenge in the round of 16, with a second-place finish in Group E pitting the three-time European champion against 2018 World Cup runner-up Croatia.

There's only one real exception on the other side, but it's a big one: England taking on longtime rival Germany. Despite finishing first in Group D, England must now face the 2014 World Cup champion after Germany earned a second-place finish in what was widely considered the Group of Death.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, will like its chances in the last 16 after avoiding potential meetings with some of the continent's best teams. If Holland gets past the Czech Republic, a meeting with Denmark or Wales awaits in the quarterfinals.

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