Dugout Discussion
22 June 2016 1894 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

The Euro 2016 group stages now come to their conclusion this evening as Group E treats us to two final matches before the knockout Round of 16 gets underway on Saturday.

Group E winners Italy already know their fate.

Having won their first couple of fixtures, The Azzurri will battle Spain for a place in the last eight after the defending champions threw away a one-goal lead against Croatia last night.

With five regulars just one caution shy of a ban, there’s no surprise that Antonio Conte has made numerous alterations to his XI for the clash against the Republic of Ireland.

Martin O’Neill’s men are hoping to upset the odds and register a shock win to seal a place in the next stage, though they are clearly up against it here – the Italians have racked up back-to-back shut-outs and allowed their opponents just six shots inside the box, whilst Ireland have managed a mere four attempts on target.

Belgium and Sweden square up in the other fixture.

Marc Wilmots’ men bounced back from their opening loss to Italy with a resounding 3-0 win over Ireland and need only a draw to seal second place. Such a scenario would see them face the winners of Group F, Hungary, in the next round.

Given that the Swedes have yet to register a single attempt on target, The Red Devils look strong favourites to clinch a spot in the knockouts and send Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co. home early.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,894 Comments Login to Post a Comment

No comments have been submitted for this post yet.