Euro 2024 is unfolding like a classic horse race. First, you've got your speed horses jumping out front to set the pace -- the underdog countries throwing haymakers and having a blast, the absurd shots of crowds singing in the streets en masse, the stories of 50,000 fans from Country A filling this stadium and another 40,000 from Country B filling that one. These stories have added a layer of absolute delight that few major tournaments have been able to match.
The stretch run now approaches, however. A lot of the underdogs have begun to bow out, and the heavyweights are jostling each other and jockeying for position. Virtually all of this tournament's favorites have advanced to the knockout rounds -- two-thirds of the 24 teams do, after all -- and while they haven't all looked amazing just yet, it's the stretch run that matters.
With the round of 16 beginning on Saturday, let's look at everyone who has qualified and break down why they will win the Euros -- or won't.