Euro 2016: Picking all three Saturday matches

Poland vs. Switzerland, Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne, Saturday, 9 a.m. ET

Poland +165
Switzerland +210
Draw +195
Total 2 (Under -150)

How they got here:

Poland advanced after three impressive showings highlighted by a 0-0 result against the heavily favored Germans. Workmanlike efforts against Ukraine and Northern Ireland showed the Poles' resolve on defense, a major question entering the Euros.

Switzerland was far from impressive in group play; the draw vs. France in their finale was the tournament's biggest snoozefest. Switzerland scored early against Albania and clung to a 1-0 victory, while they definitely deserved better than a 1-1 draw against Romania.

Who to watch:

Robert Lewandowski has yet to score for Poland. The world-class striker from Bayern Munich can change the game in a heartbeat. If Poland is to advance, they'll need him to create a highlight-reel goal.

Xherden Shaqiri is the talisman for the Swiss but he's yet to show much this tournament. One has to question his focus and team mentality after he said he'd consider playing for Kosovo when that nation is granted UEFA membership. Not ideal for team chemistry.

What will happen:

Long known for their defensive capabilities, the Swiss allowed 34 shot attempts in a weak group with 10 of those attempts ending on target. Poland's clean sheets are slightly misleading, but they've shown the potential to clamp down on strong opponents. Ultimately, Poland has more talent up front and that makes the difference for me in a match that could set the game back years.

The Play: Poland PK (-130)

Northern Ireland vs. Wales, Parc des Princes, Paris, Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

Northern Ireland +360
Wales +100
Draw +205
Total 2 (Under -155)

How they got here:

Two of the tournament's biggest surprises square off with the right to make the quarterfinals. Wales appeared rather formidable in dispatching Russia and Slovakia but did squander a halftime lead against hated rival England.

Northern Ireland does it with defense. However, they were major beneficiaries of the expanded format, getting just one result in three matches. The Green and White Army lacks firepower; their best hope for victory is to make this game ugly.

Who to watch:

Wales' success starts with the world's most expensive player, Gareth Bale. Bale's free-kick brilliance makes him a threat to score anywhere in the offensive third. Aaron Ramsey becomes the x-factor because if he plays well, this team is a difficult out.

Northern Ireland doesn't have any household names. Not much was expected from the plucky side, but don't tell them that. In their three games they generated a grand total of eight shots on target -- seven of which came in their win over Ukraine.

What will happen:

For the first time this tournament, the pressure is on Wales. Northern Ireland knows the key to success is packing it in defensively and making everything difficult for its superior opponent. The recipe is simple: keep a clean sheet and take your chance in penalty kicks. Expect boring soccer the first 45 minutes with both teams trying to avoid the costly mistake.

The Pick: First Half Draw (-115)

Portugal vs. Croatia, Bollaert-Delelis, Lens, Saturday, 3 p.m. ET

Portugal +200
Croatia +165
Draw +255
Total 2 (Under -125)

How they got here:

Both teams are coming off exciting group stage finales. Portugal rallied from three separate one-goal deficits to get a result against Hungary while Croatia scored a goal nearly at the death to beat Spain 2-1. Croatia's late goal was crucial in allowing a pre-tournament darkhorse to avoid the bracket of death.

Players to watch:

Ronaldo finally showed his brilliance when it mattered most. His two goals against Hungary secured Portugal's fate and were a welcome sign given his lackluster efforts in the other group matches. Nani gives Ronaldo a nice complement up front that comes in handy against a deep Croatian midfield.

Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic, Luka Modric -- take your pick of game changers on Croatia's roster. The midfield and attack are strengths for a team that's known to concede at points. If Croatia can get through Portugal, they're going to be a very tough out this tournament.

What will happen:

Portugal showed individual flashes of brilliance, but they've yet to show me enough team chemistry and consistency for a full 90 minutes. Croatia needs to neutralize Ronaldo, forcing someone else in a Portuguese jersey to beat them. If that happens they’'l help us cash a nice ticket on the 3 way line.

The Play: Croatia 3-way (+165)

Note: All bets for the knockout phase are regulation only unless otherwise stated.