Euro 2016: Who will qualify for the knockout stages?
Matchday 2 of Euro 2016 is finished with all groups looking finely poised going into the last round of matches with only 3 teams through and many groups still uncertain on who will make the next round.
Euro 2016 has already thrown up a lot of surprises with some teams doing better than expected and some failing to live up to hype, looking at you Portugal. Other than France, Spain and Italy guaranteed with a place in the next stage all other teams will be fighting it out to qualify from their groups. Below are some preview and predictions on each group.
Group A : Final Standings- 1. France, 2.Switzerland, 3.Romania, 4.Albania
Having won their first 2 matches, France are guaranteed a place in the next round. Against Switzerland they will be playing for top spot which will be hugely beneficial to them. In all likelihood Switzerland will lose the match and finish the group on 4 points. Romania and Albania will be playing for 3rd spot and Romania barring any upsets should secure 3rd and have a chance at going through.
Group B : 1.England, 2.Wales, 3.Slovakia, 4.Russia
By beating Wales, England moved to top spot in Group B and looked to have momentum on their side going into the last match against Slovakia. Slovakia have played well in the tournament and might make matters hard for England but I expect England who have discovered their form lately will have to much quality against Hamsik and co. Wales have been a surprise package and almost held out against England. Russia have been extremely poor and Wales should easily beat them or at least secure a draw against minimal attacking threat. Wales will be dangerous going further in the tournament.
Group C : 1.Germany, 2.Poland, 3.Northern Ireland, 4.Ukraine
Germany and Poland are level on 4 points after playing out a largely 0-0 draw which, if anything, should have been won by Poland who missed some glorious chances. Germany have not been very impressive but should have too much quality to beat Northern Ireland who on 3 points have a decent chance of qualifying 3rd. Poland should easily dispose of a disappointing Ukraine side who will finish last. Germany will probably finish 1st on their superior Goal Difference.
Group D : 1.Spain, 2.Croatia, 3.Turkey, 4.Czech Republic
Spain have perhaps been the best team in the tournament so far and will be going into the final match playing for First place against Croatia. Croatia have played well but Spain should dispatch them because of their superior quality and Croatia's weak defense. Turkey have been very disappointing so far but I expect them to finally wake up and beat Czech Republic to secure 3rd spot with a small glimmer of hope for qualification still in the picture.
Group E : 1. Italy, 2.Belgium, 3.Sweden, 4.Ireland
As much as it pains me to say this but Italy have been exceptional thus far and will most probably dispatch Ireland easily and secure 1st spot unbeaten. Belgium emphatically bounced back from their disappointing loss to Italy and should easily beat a under performing Zlatan, i mean Swedish team. They have recovered well and if they can remain consistent have a good chance of advancing as they will have a favorable Round of 16 Draw with Portugal playing bad and IHungary looking set to top Group F. Sweden will get 3rd but wont have a realistic chance of qualifying.
Group F : 1.Portugal 2.Hungary,3.Iceland 4.Austria
This is perhaps the most interesting group with the favorites, Portugal and Austria being at the bottom. Portugal have played badly and not converted their chances but it seems as though Ronaldo will finally deliver and they will beat surprise package Hungary and still top the group. Iceland and have not been good either and in all probability will draw with Austria and pick up 3rd place.
Best 3rd Place teams- 1. Romania, 2.Slovakia, 3. Iceland, 4.Northern Ireland 5. Turkey, 6. Sweden
Turkey and Sweden look to be shock exits and Northern Ireland and Iceland are real underdog going into the next round of matches. Austria are also shock exits. Nevertheless the next round of matches promises to be exciting with all teams still in with a chance and some shocks could still occur. France, Spain and Italy look set to continue their form with hopefully Belgium getting some consistency going into the next round.
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-Zorawar
