Sports Blog 22/06/2016: UEFA Euro 2016 Preview – Final Group E & F Games, Wednesday 22nd June 2016

It’s the final day of the Euro 2016 group stages, and though Italy already know who they are facing in the last 16 the likes of Portugal, Belgium and Ireland still have it all to play for.

Arguably the most disappointing ‘major’ side in the tournament so far (a claim dependent on whether or not you are an England fan) Portugal desperately need a result against Hungary. A 1-1 draw against Iceland and a goalless mess against Austria leaves Portugal with a meagre 2 points, meaning a loss would send them home on Wednesday evening. Fernando Santos will hope a misfiring Cristiano Ronaldo (at a Super Mega PGM of 62-72) can finally find the back of a net against a Hungary side that is likely to be much-changed having already secured a place in the last 16. Despite their unlikely spot at the top of the Group F table Hungary may well struggle against a ravenous Ronaldo & co., leading Spreadex to offer a Portugal/Hungary Goal Supremacy spread of 1.1-1.3 alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.2-2.4.



There may be slightly more tension in Group F’s other game, as Austria take on Iceland. On 1 and 2 points respectively each side needs something different from Wednesday’s meet up. A draw or better will be enough to see Iceland finish anywhere between 1st and 3rd dependant on the other game; for Austria, on the other hand, things are slightly more do or die, Marcel Koller’s men requiring a win to progress. According to our traders they just might manage it, Spreadex offering an Austria/Iceland Goal Supremacy spread of 0.3-0.5 alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.05-2.25.



Turning to the evening and the Republic of Ireland will be hoping to join England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the last 16 when they face Italy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Drawn in the most difficult group Ireland have nevertheless had a disappointing tournament, an unlucky 1-1 draw against Sweden (thanks to a Ciaran Clark own goal) followed by a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of Belgium. Victory, then, is their own route to the knockouts; a daunting task, but one that is perhaps achievable dependant on what kind of team Italy field. For the Azzurri are already guaranteed to finish 1st in Group E, and could opt to rest key players ahead of what is set to be a tough last 16 tie against Spain next Monday. Nevertheless the solidity of this Italian side, yet to concede against talented opposition, gives them the edge, at an Italy/Ireland Goal Supremacy spread of 0.1-0.3 with a Total Goals spread of 1.95-2.15.



Finally, in what has the potential to be the pick of the day’s fixtures, Belgium face Sweden in Nice. A draw is enough for Belgium to confirm a 2nd place finish, one that would set up a last 16 tie against the winner of Group F. For Sweden, however, a win is the only possible outcome if they want to reach the knockouts following their late loss to Italy last Friday. Having confirmed he will retire from international football after the Euros Zlatan Ibrahimovic, at a Super Mega PGM of 21-26, will be looking to at the very least nab his first goal of the tournament. Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, will be aiming to stake his claim for this year’s Golden Boot after scoring a brace against Ireland. Despite Zlatan up front Sweden still haven’t had a shot on target in France, leading Spreadex to offer a Belgium/Sweden Goal Supremacy spread of 0.55-0.75 with a Total Goals spread of 2.15-2.35.

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