Mamelodi Sundowns will approach their clash with Borussia Dortmund with genuine belief they can find the net against the German giants. Dortmund's defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in their tournament opener as they conceded 14 shots to Fluminense, while showing visible signs of fatigue in the latter stages - weaknesses the South African champions will look to exploit.

The Sundowns demonstrated their attacking threat in their first match against Ulsan HD, converting one of two clear chances created from a solid 1.36 xG generated. While opportunities may be fewer against Dortmund's higher calibre defence, Sundowns possess the clinical finishing and tactical discipline to capitalise on whatever openings arise. Their prolific domestic form underscores this attacking quality - a league-leading 65 goals in 28 PSL matches (2.32 per game) in the 24/25 campaign highlights their consistent goalscoring threat.

What makes Sundowns particularly dangerous is their variety in attack. They can transition quickly through their pacey wingers, create through intricate midfield combinations, or threaten from set pieces. Against a Dortmund side that looked susceptible to quick transitions against Fluminense, Sundowns' ability to switch play rapidly could prove particularly effective.

The African champions will also take confidence from Dortmund's occasional struggles against physically robust opponents, with Sundowns boasting both technical quality and athleticism in their frontline. While Dortmund remain favourites, Sundowns have shown they can compete at this level, and their attacking record suggests they're more than capable of punishing any defensive lapses. With the right tactical approach and efficient finishing, they could spring a surprise against a Dortmund side still finding their rhythm in the tournament.

The Netherlands will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet when they face Portugal in this U21 EURO quarter-final clash, despite entering as slight underdogs against the tournament's most impressive side so far. While Portugal's defensive record appears strong with three clean sheets in the group stage, their goalless draw against France revealed vulnerabilities that the Dutch attack can exploit more efficiently. 

The Netherlands come into this knockout tie with growing attacking momentum, having produced their best performance in the 2-0 win over Ukraine that saved their tournament. Though defensively suspect throughout the group phase, their frontline finally showed the cohesion and cutting edge that makes them dangerous opponents. With Portugal's backline not entirely convincing against quality opposition, the Dutch have the weapons to breach their defence - particularly if they can build on their improved final third combinations from the Ukraine match.

Portugal's status as favourites is understandable given their nine-goal haul in the group stage and Geovany Quenda's tournament-leading five-goal contributions. However, their defensive lapses against France, where they looked uncomfortable dealing with physical forwards and quick transitions, provide a blueprint for the Netherlands to follow. The Dutch may not have the consistency to go all the way, but with their attacking players beginning to click at the right time, they possess enough quality to ensure they don't leave this quarter-final goalless.

While Portugal's overall quality may ultimately see them progress, this match presents an opportunity for the Netherlands' attack to finally deliver against top opposition. Their need to chase the game against a superior side should create an open encounter where Dutch scoring opportunities arise, even if their defensive frailties may prevent them from causing an upset.

England will fancy their chances of finding the back of the net against Spain in this quarter-final clash, with La Roja's defensive vulnerabilities offering encouragement for the Three Lions' attack. While neither side has been at their best so far in the tournament, Spain's inability to keep a clean sheet in any of their three group games - conceding against even Romania and Slovakia - suggests England's forwards will get opportunities.

Lee Carsley’s men may have struggled for fluency themselves, but Spain's open defensive approach could be just what they need to kickstart their attacking play. The absence of Liam Delap has undoubtedly disrupted England's rhythm, but Jonathan Rowe and company will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a Spanish backline that's looked far from secure. With Spain conceding four goals in the group stage - including multiple soft goals from crosses and set pieces - England have clear avenues to goal.

This has all the makings of a match where both teams score, with Spain's defensive frailties particularly exploitable. England may not have been free-flowing so far, but against a Spanish side that's yet to demonstrate they can shut out quality opposition, the Three Lions have more than enough attacking talent to get on the scoresheet. The key battles in wide areas could prove decisive, as England's wingers look to capitalise on Spain's occasional defensive disorganisation. While Spain remain favourites, their shaky defensive record means England will back themselves to breach their defence at least once in what promises to be an open, entertaining encounter.