Euro 2016 is hotting up as the remaining teams prepare for this Sunday and Monday’s matches.
Euro 2016 has thrown up a fair few surprises so far with the likes of Wales, Hungary and Croatia topping their pools while both Northern and the Republic of Ireland have managed to secure places in the knockout phase of the competition.
Sunday and Monday will see five mouth-watering games take place including a massive clash between Italy and Spain on Monday evening. Let’s get to it!
Sunday 26 June
France 9/20 | Draw 3/1 | Republic of Ireland 8/1 (90 Mins)
Host nation France are firm favourites to get past the Republic of Ireland in the last 16. Despite coming under criticism, Didier Deschamps’ side topped Group A with seven points. Les Bleus beat Romania, 2-1, and Albania, 2-0, but struggled to unlock Switzerland’s defence which resulted in a goalless draw. France will look to the likes of Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann to fire them into the quarter-finals. The Republic of Ireland booked their place into the last 16 by recording a 1-0 win over Italy, thanks to a dramatic late goal from Robbie Brady. It was a solid performance from Martin O’Neill’s side, however, take into the account that Antonio Conte had made eight changes and were already assured top spot in Group E. The Green Army drew 1-1 with Sweden in their opening game, but were thrashed 3-0 by Belgium in their second. With the quality France have, along with home advantage, they should win comfortably.
Germany 9/20 | Draw 31/10 | Slovakia 77/10 (90 Mins)
Germany will be hoping to emulate Spain and France by lifting the European Championship trophy while World Cup holders, but they’ll face a tough test against Slovakia. The Germans, who topped Group C, have been workmanlike rather than spectacular in this tournament. Joachim Low’s side recorded wins over Ukraine, 2-0, and Northern Ireland, 1-0, but had to settle for a goalless draw against Poland. The world champions will be looking to step up a gear as they look to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Slovakia qualified for the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams. They began the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Wales. An impressive 2-1 win over Russia followed, before a hard-fought goalless draw with England. However, a meeting with the world champions should prove too difficult. Germany are tipped to win the tie convincingly.
Hungary 11/2 | Draw 5/2 | Belgium 6/10 (90 Mins)
Free-scoring Hungary will take on the no. 1 ranked European nation, Belgium, in what should serve up an entertaining matchup. Hungary began the competition with a 2-0 win over Austria, while draws with Iceland and Portugal, during which they relinquished the lead on three occasions, saw them top Group F on goal difference. Hungary will face a stern test against a star-studded Belgium side, but they’ll fancy their chances. The Red Devils bounced back from their opening 2-0 defeat to Italy with a resounding 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland. A narrow 1-0 victory over Sweden, thanks to a stunning strike from Radja Nainggolan, secured second place in Group E. This should be a tight affair, but Belgium should have too much class for Hungary. However, Marc Wilmot’s side are not as solid without Vincent Kompany in defence and Hungary should manage to get on the scoresheet. Take Belgium to win + Both Teams To Score at 4/1.
Monday 27 June
33/10 Italy | 19/10 | Spain 21/20 (90 Mins)
The encounter between Italy and Spain is undoubtedly the biggest tie in the last 16. Group E was dubbed as the ‘group of death’ but Antonio Conte’s men not only finished on top but won it with a game to spare. The Italians ousted Belgium, 2-0, and Sweden, 1-0, and kept clean sheets in both those games, before making eight changes and losing their third 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland. With most of their players rested, Italy will be fresh and ready for the reigning champions. Spain secured victories over Czech Republic, 1-0, and Turkey, 3-0, but suffered a shocking 2-1 loss to Croatia that saw them finish second in Group D. La Roja will be re-focused for this mouth-watering clash and will need in-form striker Alvaro Morata to unlock Italy’s rock-solid defence. Morata, who has netted three goals, will know all about Italy’s backline having played for Juventus. That being said, these teams are hard to separate and the draw looks likely at 19/10.
England 5/10 | Draw 27/10 | Iceland 13/2 (90 Mins)
England could only manage a second-place finish behind Wales in Group B. Roy Hodgson’s side played attacking football, dominated the midfield and defended resolutely enough. The Three Lions were unlucky not to win their opener against Russia, with Vasili Berezutski’s last-minute goal cancelling out Eric Dier’s free-kick. In their second match, England overcame Wales 2-1 in a hotly contested affair, but failed to find a way past a stubborn Slovakia backline, settling for a goalless draw. With all due respect to Iceland, this is a favourable tie for England and they’ll be confident of advancing to the quarter-finals. Surprisingly, Iceland are yet to lose a match in Euro 2016. However, they have only managed to win once, 2-1 against Austria on Wednesday. England shouldn’t have any hassles here. Back Hodgson’s side to reign victorious at 5/10.
Written by Chad Nagel for @Hollywoodbets.net!
