It's the last day of the Group stage and only five places in the Round of 16 are left to fill. Today's schedule will start in Group F where everything is left to be determined, though Hungary will certainly advance, but if it is as group leader or as third place qualifiers remains to be seen. Hungary will today take on Portugal while Austria look to turn their Euro around against Iceland. Even a draw should result in Hungary winning the group, though a high-margin Iceland win could prevent that. A loss could see Hungary drop all the way down to third place but they would still make it to the round of 16.
Portugal need a win or a draw as either would suffice for a top three finish. A win with coupled an Iceland draw or loss would propel Portugal to first place while with a draw the best Portugal can hope for is second place, in which case Portugal's draw would have to be higher scoring than Iceland's draw. Iceland are in a similar boat as Portugal as they too advance with either a draw or a win. An Iceland win with a Hungary loss or draw would even result in a shocking group win for the Euro debutantes. Austria also control their own destiny, but because of a loss to Hungary they can't move up to first place anymore, but three points would bring them up to at least second place. Anything less than a win would send Austria home.
In the late time-slot three teams, Belgium, Sweden and Republic of Ireland, will play for two open positions while Italy were crowned group winners after the second round of matches. As Italy have nothing left to play for it is widely expected that manager Antonio Conte will rotate heavily which could be a lifeline for Ireland who need to win to advance. Anything less would send them home.
Sweden are in a similar similar, but their opponent, Belgium, still have plenty to play for as a mere point would be enough for the highest ranked European team on the FIFA rankings to secure second place. A loss, as long as it's not by more than three goals, would also be enough for Belgium, but for that scenario to work Ireland mustn't beat Italy. It's fairly simple for Sweden though, as if they win, they are in the Round of 16.
Let's enjoy this last day of group stage of football as there will be a two day wait before the knockout stages begin.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/28MgHJR
