Three players to look out for in Saturday’s Euro 2016 ties

Following the completion of the group stage, the Euro 2016 knockout rounds get underway on Saturday.

Ivan Perisic is one to watch when Croatia face Portugal

Switzerland face Poland in St Etienne in the 2pm kick-off, with Wales and Northern Ireland facing off at 5pm in Paris and Croatia taking on Portugal at 8pm in Lens.

From a talented Swiss defender to a dangerous Croatian wide man, here are three players to watch out for in Saturday’s games…

Fabian Schar

Switzerland’s Fabian Schar will do battle with Robert Lewandowski

The defender has been little short of flawless in the tournament so far and will need to be on top form again if his side are to progress.

The Hoffenheim centre-back put in a man-of-the-match display in his team’s opening game, scoring the winning goal to give them a narrow 1-0 victory over Albania.

Switzerland conceded just one goal during their group matches, a penalty against Romania, with Schar playing every minute, during which he was dribbled past only once.

While Poland were far from prolific in Group C, they have a major threat in Robert Lewandowski, who, though he is yet to score, will be a key component in their efforts to get a result.

If Schar can maintain his form, however, a duel between those two has the makings of a fascinating encounter, with whoever comes out on top likely to find themselves playing in the quarter-finals on June 30.

Michael McGovern

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern was in impressive form against Germany

The goalkeeper conceded just two goals in Northern Ireland’s group games, with his performance against Germany attracting widespread plaudits.

A free agent after his Hamilton contract expired at the end of May, his string of fine saves against the world champions saw him heralded as his country’s hero as they progressed to the last 16.

His total of 16 saves in the competition is second only to Iceland’s Hans Halldorsson, but he will need to be at his best against Wales, who have averaged more shots on target per game (7.3) than any other side at Euro 2016.

With Gareth Bale eager to add to his three tournament goals, McGovern could get another chance to be Northern Ireland’s saviour.

Ivan Perisic

Ivan Perisic is a vital player for Croatia

Two goals and an assist in his three group appearances have set Perisic on his way this summer.

The versatile forward has established himself as a key figure at club level with Inter Milan and is fast doing the same for Croatia, proving himself to be one of their most dangerous attacking players at the tournament.

His goal against defending champions Spain in the dying minutes earned his side top spot in Group D and a route into the perceived ‘easier’ half of the last-16 draw.

As well as being dangerous going forward, Perisic works hard defensively. He made six tackles and interceptions across their opening three games, showing his ability to contribute to more than just the attacking phase of play.

Last 16 opponents Portugal are far from impregnable defensively on the basis of their 3-3 draw with Hungary, so the 27-year-old could prove to be a thorn in the side of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team.