🔬 The Debrief as Italy crash out and Germany march on in EURO 2024 | OneFootball

EURO 2024 returned with a bang as the knockout rounds kicked into gear on Saturday.

Here's The Debrief of the action from the opening day of knockout football.

What happened? 📝

Reigning champions Italy saw their run at EURO 2024 ended by an excellent Switzerland side as goals from Ruben Vargas and Remo Freuler ensured they ran out 2-0 winners and sent the Azzurri home.

Then, hosts Germany came through a tricky test against Denmark to book their spot in the last eight of the competition courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala.

Player of the day 🔥

From subject of ridicule to World class midfielder, Granit Xhaka is having some season.

After losing just one game with Bayer Leverkusen, he is enjoying the tournament of his life in the Switzerland engine room so far.

The ex-Arsenal man completed 94 of his 98 passes, and had more touches than anyone else on the pitch. He also created three chances for teammates and was a key part of his side's success over the Azzurri.

Moment of the day 😍

As a storm engulfed Signal Iduna Park and lightning meant that the game was temporarily halted, some took it as an opportunity.

None more so than two fans in the ground, who made use of the heavy rain to enjoy a shower, much to the amusement of onlookers.

Photo of the day 📸

There were plenty questioning why the players were taken off the pitch, but this photo sums it up.

Not sure I'd want to be in the centre of that storm either....

Stat of the day 📊

Toni Kroos will be retiring after the European Championship, meaning that the German midfield is seemingly playing every game like his last.

He was everywhere in the opening stages for Germany, and created a mammoth four chances in just ten minutes as his set pieces proved particularly tricky to deal with.

It overtook every single England player so far this tournament, underlining just how poor the Three Lions have been this tournament so far.

Still, they have a few games to change that, though Southgate won't be able to call on Toni Kroos to help him, or even Kalvin Phillips.

What this means 🤔

First and foremost, we will have a new name on the EURO 2024 trophy after holders Italy were sent packing by Switzerland. The reward for the Swiss is a last eight berth against one of England or Slovakia, who meet tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Germany will take on one of Spain or Georgia, but it is the end of the road for Denmark.

What they said 🗣️

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti cut a dismal figure in the wake of defeat, explaining: "We tried a few things at these finals, but I come away with the notion that I have to change things. It's not as scandalous a result as people will make out. We made it through a tough group. But we didn't see a team with a personality in terms of fundamentals. And that's what we have learned from this experience at EURO 2024."

But Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was under no illusion of who the better side were. "We deserved to win against a difficult team to play. We were compact and we created chances. We played a really good game and we scored at the right moment. I am really proud for the team and the staff and for the whole country."

What comes next? ⏭️

Two more games come your way on Sunday, as England kick off the action against Slovakia for a spot in the last eight.

Then, Spain take on minnows Georgia, with the winner facing Germany on the 5th July.

As Italy proved, there's no more space for an off day at EURO 2024 as the competition heats up.