Weekend Euro Winners, Ukraine v Austria, Finland v Belgium, What Happens Next? and more

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The Big Winners – Saturday & Sunday

Saturday
In Group F, Hungary used their home support to maximum advantage at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, holding World Champions and tournament favourites France to a 1-1 draw, with Antoine Griezmann having to score an equaliser to spare Les Blues blushes. With the French on four points, knockouts qualification should be secure, but the final group match against Portugal may decide the fate of who wins the group. Hungary, on the other hand, have given themselves a lifeline – something nobody expected for them in the ‘Group of Death’, but will have to beat Germany in the final match to have a chance of knockout qualification.

Speaking of Germany, Joachim Low’s side were victorious in probably the most entertaining and high-quality match of the tournament so far, in a hugely impressive 4-2 victory over reigning champions Portugal. After a quick start and plenty of possession, the Germans must have been fearing the worst when Cristiano Ronaldo finished off a lightning counterattack to give Portugal the lead. However, the Germans came storming back, forcing two own goals from the Portuguese, and then going 4-1 up with goals from Kai Havertz and MOTM Robin Gosens, before Ronaldo set up Jota for a consolation. Germany now have their fate in their own hands if they beat Hungary in the final game, while Portugal face a tasty tie against France.

In Group E, Poland will probably be looking at their hard-fought 1-1 draw with Spain as a victory, with a valiant defensive effort and a bit of brilliance from Robert Lewandowski grabbing an important point which leaves the Poles in with a chance of qualification provided they win their final match. Spain once again flattered to deceive and will be rueing a missed penalty and their second consecutive draw, which now leaves them requiring a victory against Slovakia in the final round of games to secure qualification.

Sunday
With Italy already sure of their place in the next round, all that was required was to avoid defeat against Wales to finish as Group A winners. Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri side were once again hugely impressive, continuing their unbeaten (and winning) runs – and with a side of wholesale changes no less. Wales had their chances through star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey but could not prevent a 1-0 defeat.

The Welsh side’s fighting spirit should not be questioned, with the Dragons having to play a fair portion of the second half with 10 men. They will be proud of once again securing knockout qualification, and anything from here will likely be a bonus. For Italy, this was a chance to implement squad rotation and keep morale high, and their status as one of the favourites will be growing with each positive result.

Switzerland also kept their tournament alive and likely secured knockout qualification as one of the best 3rd placed teams with a comfortable 3-1 victory over the hugely disappointing Turkey, who came into the tournament with big expectations as dark horses but ended up with no points scored and a solitary goal – at the expense of 8 conceded. Xherdan Shaqiri’s double ensured it was another major tournament in which the Liverpool man has impressed with his impact and scored goals, and it could well be a springboard for a big move after the tournament.

MONDAY Previews

Ukraine v Austria, 5pm ITV4
After both sides beat North Macedonia and lost to the Netherlands, this 2nd v 3rd clash will be pivotal for both sides’ chances of qualifying for the knockout stages. In a precarious situation, both sides know that a draw will likely guarantee them both safe passage for the knockout stages. However, Ukraine know avoiding defeat will secure second place, while Austria must get the victory if they wish to leapfrog Andriy Shevchenko’s side, on account of them scoring more goals so far.

3 points and a negative goal difference was not enough to be one of the best 3rd placed teams in EURO 2016, so it remains to be seen how ambitious either side is in risking a defeat to secure a victory.

Spreadex anticipate an extremely cagey match, with a Ukraine/Austria Goal Supremacy spread of -0.1-0.1 available, as well as Total Goals at 1.95-2.15 and Total Goal Mins at 98-108. On the fixed odds, both sides are at 13/5 to grab the victory, while the Draw is available at Evens.

North Macedonia v Netherlands, 5pm ITV1
After two wins out of two, the Netherlands have been in impressive form. After a shaky 3-2 victory over Ukraine in matchday one, Frank de Boer’s side looked much more composed and solid with the return of Matthijs de Ligt in the 2-0 victory over Austria.

This match will likely be an opportunity to rotate the squad and rest key players ahead of the knockouts, while the already-eliminated North Macedonia will look to end their tournament on a high with a morale-boosting result or at least performance.

Spreadex are offering a Netherlands/North Macedonia Goal Supremacy Spread of 1.75-1.95, as well as a Total Goals spread of 3.15-3.35 and Total Goal Minutes of 160-170. On the fixed odds, the Dutch are available at 1/4, with North Macedonia at a long 10/1 and the Draw at 19/4.

Finland v Belgium, 8pm BBC1
After Finland’s surprise victory over Denmark in matchday one, the underdogs still have a chance of qualification – especially if they avoid defeat here. Belgium on the other hand are already qualified, and merely wish to secure their position as group winners.

Belgium may elect to rotate their squad against an opponent that they should expect to defeat comfortably under any circumstances, but it remains to be seen which side Roberto Martinez will put out, and whether this will help Finland’s quest for an unlikely result.

Spreadex are favouring Belgium to get the job done, with a Belgium/Finland Goal Supremacy spread of 1.35-1.55, a Total Goals spread of 2.5-2.7, and a Total Goal Minutes spread of 128-138. On the fixed odds, Belgium are odds-on at 4/11, with Finland at 9/1 and the Draw at 4/1.

Russia v Denmark, 8pm BBC2
Denmark have arguably been the unluckiest side in the tournament so far, with a dominant performance against Finland under terrible circumstances leading to a 1-0 defeat, and a brave effort against Belgium only bringing 1 point, albeit plenty of chances and shots.

Russia put the disappointment of defeat against Belgium in matchday one behind them with a crucial victory over Finland in their second match and will know that avoiding defeat here should be enough to reach the knockouts.

Spreadex fancy Denmark to get the victory they are so desperate for, with a Denmark/Russia Goal Supremacy spread of 0.75-0.95 on offer, as well as Total Goals at 2.35-2.55 and Total Goal Minutes at 120-130. On the fixed odds, Denmark are available at 8/11, with Russia at 4/1 and the Draw at 3/1.


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