European heavyweights face tricky clashes as Euro 2016 reaches knockout phase

Bale (left) vies for the ball against Russia’s midfielder Denis Glushakov during their final group match. Real Madrid’s Bale scored the third goal as Wales ran out 3-0 winners.

THE Euro 2016 Championships has brought about some brilliant moments, action-packed matches, cracking goals and giant-killing acts. The perfect cup of tea for all footie fans.

Iceland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Hungary are a quartet of minnows who have qualified for the knockout stages, upstaging more fancied nations like Austria, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine, who are packed with players plying their trade in top European leagues.