Group E – Belgium v
Ireland – Saturday 2000
Tournament records: Belgium 0-2, Ireland 1-1
Belgium’s defensive injuries were apparent in their defeat
to Italy, and if Ireland can reproduce the performance they showed for most of
the match against Sweden then the Belgian ‘golden generation’ could once again
fail to deliver at a major tournament.
Group F – Iceland v
Hungary – Saturday 1700
Tournament records: Iceland 1-1, Hungary 2-0
Iceland will have been targeting this as a winnable game
from the start of the tournament, and they will still feel they can win.
However, Hungary will undoubtedly be buoyed by their win as underdogs over
Austria.
Group F – Portugal v
Austria – Saturday 1700
Tournament records: Portugal 1-1, Austria 0-2
Both sides will be disappointed with their opening match
displays, however Portugal may have enough to edge this one.
Group A – Romania v
Albania & Switzerland v France – Sunday 2000
Tournament records: Romania 1-2, 1-1, Albania 0-1, 0-2,
Switzerland 1-0, 1-1, France 2-1, 2-0
The Romania-Albania game is something of a must win for both
sides, and perhaps Romania have the edge and can claim third place as a result.
The four best third placed sides across the six groups will make the knockout
stages. The Switzerland-France game will see the hosts top the group if they
draw, while a Switzerland win will deliver them top spot. France have not
produced great football at all stages of their first two matches, but they have
come through to win each time, and a third win for Les Bleus looks most likely
here.
Group B – Russia v
Wales & Slovakia v England – Monday 2000
Tournament records: Russia 1-1, 1-2, Wales 2-1, 1-2,
Slovakia 1-2, 2-1, England 1-1, 2-1
England may be especially keen to win so they can top the
group and claim the supposedly easier last 16 tie – a match that will be played
in Paris, close to their team hotel. They have certainly had the better of both
of their matches so far even if the performances have not delivered a full six
points. It’s nothing less than a must win for Russia who have disappointed so
far, while Wales and Slovakia both have one win and one defeat and will be
looking to cement their place in the next stage. Wales and England may start
these matches as favourites.
Group C – Northern
Ireland v Germany & Ukraine v Poland – Tuesday 1700
Tournament records: Northern Ireland 0-1, 2-0, Germany 2-0,
0-0, Ukraine 0-2, 0-2, Poland 1-0, 0-0
The fact that only eight teams drop out of the competition
after the group stages means that even teams with two defeats so far could
still have something to play for – one win could see you through. However,
Ukraine will need to improve massively if they are to beat Poland, who are yet
to concede. Northern Ireland were justifiably proud of their performance
against Ukraine, but are likely to find Germany- also yet to concede- just too
strong.
Group D – Croatia v
Spain & Czech Republic v Turkey – Tuesday 2000
Tournament records: Croatia 1-0, Spain 1-0, Czech Republic
0-1, Turkey 0-1
Spain and Czech Republic look the stronger teams here, but
Spain struggled to break down the Czechs and may find that Croatia are no
pushovers either.
Group E – Italy v
Ireland & Sweden v Belgium – Wednesday 2000
Tournament records: Italy 2-0, Ireland 1-1, Sweden 1-1,
Belgium 0-2
Despite their opening day failure, given the quality of
their squad on paper Belgium will start as favourites against Sweden. Ireland
may need more than luck on their side though.
Group F – Hungary v
Portugal & Iceland v Austria – Wednesday 1700
Tournament records: Hungary 2-0, Portugal 1-1, Iceland 1-1,
Austria 0-2
Iceland had to defend for large proportions of their match
against Portugal, but arguably created the better chances, and this is another
match the championship’s smallest nation could easily win. Portugal do not
appear to have strength in depth, despite having the best player in the world,
and Hungary could push them all the way.
At Your Service,
Tipster Street.
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