The Euro 2106 group stage is coming to a close, with the last four games on Wednesday night. The second half of the draw always looked more interesting, and that seems to be the case heading into these last few clashes. Who will book a place in the knockout round?
The expanded format means the games all have something riding on them. There are no dead rubbers in these games, so there should be some excitement. If you’re looking for a little extra, then why not try our betting tips on the clashes? We’ve picked out four of the biggest games across Tuesday and Wednesday, and selected our tips, which you can see below.
Tuesday 21st June 2016
Croatia v Spain (12:45) – Draw (21/20 with Sky Bet)
It’s a shame that there’s not more riding on this game. While both teams do have something to play for here, a draw is about the height of their aspirations. The Spanish are qualified, and they need a point to win the group. Croatia are second, and they need a point to make sure of finishing in the top two. Their points haul would probably take them through in third as well, but they’d rather avoid sipping out of the top two. Had this been the opening game, it all could have been so much different. This could have been a tournament highlight.
It can be argued that Croatia are one of the few sides who have a midfield to rival Spain. Real Madrid’s Luca Modric and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic make that case. Those two are fantastic, while Mateo Kovacic, also of Real, can’t get in the team. Those two midfields going full pelt at each other is an amazing thought.
Instead, Spain will almost certainly rest players and Croatia might not even risk Luca Modric. Both will take a point, and we can see the sides just playing out a draw with their minds elsewhere. France and Switzerland did it on Sunday night, we’re expecting something similar.
Wednesday 22nd June 2016
Hungary v Portugal (17:00) – Both teams to score (6/4 with Coral)
The Portuguese have really messed up what should have been a straightforward group. This was supposed to have been Cristiano Ronaldo’s chance to win the golden boot in three games, but he’s yet to score despite a hatful shots in two games. If he had of turned up, this group would have been turned on its head almost. Instead, Hungary are top while Portugal are currently third and in real trouble of going out. If they lose this game against the Hungarians, they’ll be heading home. A draw might be enough, but it’s hardly a good enough result for them.
Portugal are still odds on after all this, with Hungary outsiders. The thing to remember is that four points is enough for Hungary if they finished third. And that’s the lowest they could finish. Realistically, they’re through. It’s just where they finish that has to be decided. They have nothing to fear here, and that should see them push Portugal. They don’t need to play for a point, they can counter the Portuguese at will and try and win this group. Given how the two sides are approaching this, we’re expecting goals. Both teams to score is our tip here at 6/4 with Coral.
Sweden v Belgium (20:00) – Romelu Lukaku to score any time (7/4 with Betfair)
Sweden have been very defensive in their opening two games, but they need to change that here against Belgium. After picking up one point so far, they need a win. Nothing short of victory will do at this stage. With a win they leapfrog Belgium, and they’ll book a place in the next round. That will take a huge change for the Swedes, they’re going to have to play a very different style. On top of that, they need to do it against an in-form Belgian team.
The Belgians are back in a strong position after beating the Irish, and now they can wrap up second place with a point. They’ll want a win, a result which would see them ease into the next round with a lot of confidence. With Sweden likely to be more open, Belgium can afford to be patient and spring on the counter, like they did last time. The Republic of Ireland committed too many men forward, and Romelu Lukaku punished them with a well-taken brace. We’re backing him to get on target again, after he showed his class in that game. He should be back to his best, and he’s well priced to score at any time at 7/4 with Betfair.
Republic of Ireland v Italy (20:00) – Both teams to score (11/10 with Betfair)
The Republic of Ireland have been handed a huge Euro lifeline. Thanks to their 3-0 hammering by Belgium, Italy are group winners. That means Antonio Conte won’t be risking his stars in a game which means little to them. After six points from six, they can afford to write off this game, and focus on their knockout match in the Stade De France on Monday. That’s certainly some luck for the Irish, but can they take advantage and claim a famous win against a weakened Italy?
Right now, a victory is all that will do for them. Draw and they go home. They have to win this game, so expect them to commit men forward and push this makeshift Italian defence. It was hard to see anyone scoring past their usual back three, never mind the goal-shy Irish.
With these changes we think Martin O’Neill’s men can get themselves a goal, and they’ve got a chance of staying on in France. Their own defence is a worry though and we can see Italy causing them problems. It’s hard to call which way this game will go, but we’re going with both teams to score at 11/10 with Betfair.
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