EURO 2016 Day 13 Preview
Today we will find out the teams that will compete in the last 16 of EURO 2016. Here’s your preview of today’s fixtures.
Iceland have been one of the surprises of the tournament and have shown great determination in their two games to date. They came from a goal down to draw with Portugal before a late own goal saw them draw with Hungary. Iceland have shown they aren’t afraid of the big teams and will head into this clash full of optimism. Austria were shocked in their opening game by Hungary who defeated them 2-0. Austria them battled for a nil all draw with Portugal. Austria will be desperate for a win but that will a tough task against this Icelandic squad.
Hungary pulled off a shock 2-0 win over Austria in their opening game before a late Icelandic own goal gave them a point last time out. As a result they sit at the top of Group G and have shown they will be no pushovers. Portugal have struggled in their opening encounters. They have created plenty of chances but their forwards can’t find the back of the net. Cristiano Ronaldo has missed some sitters including a penalty against Austria. Portugal need a win but will have to be at their best against this surprising Hungary side.
Italy have already secured top spot in Group E and coach Antonio Conte has confirmed he will rotate the squad with a possible nine changes for this game. Ireland deserved to beat Sweden but an own goal saw them draw before Belgium picked the boys in green apart last Saturday inflecting a 3-0 defeat. Ireland need their first win in the EUROs since 1988 when Ray Houghton’s header saw them defeat England. Conte has said he expects the Irish players to play as if this is the most important game of their lives. Lets hope he is right as a win for Ireland puts them in a great position to qualify as one of the best third placed teams. Ireland have to win this game but the Italian players will be looking to impress Conte and will not roll over for Martin O’Neill’s men.
This match is likely to be Swedish captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s last game for the country. He announced yesterday that Sweden’s last game in EURO 2016 would also be his last for the side. He has failed to help Sweden to a victory at EURO 2016 and this Belgian side certainly won’t be looking to lose today. Belgium need a win to secure second place in the group. Romelu Lukaku scored two goals against Ireland as the Red Devils wiped their opening 2-0 defeat to Italy from their minds.Belgium should win this one but Zlatan could turn on the style one last time.
There is your preview to today’s games. Enjoy the football and be sure to check back here for full match reports on all the games.
