Group D – Spain, Turkey, Croatia, Czech Republic
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Arguably the group of death, Spain and Croatia are sitting pretty after victories over Czech Republic and Turkey respectively. Croatia secured a crucial victory over Turkey thanks to a Luka Modric stunner and they will now be confident of finishing in the top 2.
Spain will be facing off against Turkey while Croatia will be playing against Czech Republic. Croatia will be confident of continuing their good form against the Czechs while Spain will have to be wary against a dangerous Turkey side.
The defending champions have not been at their best recently and Turkey are a team capable of causing plenty of problems. Turkey will be giving it their all to secure a positive result against Spain while Croatia will be hoping that their quality in midfield will overcome the stubborn Czech defence.
Prediction – Spain to win narrowly against Turkey, Croatia to be held to a draw against Czech Republic.
Group E – Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Sweden
Belgium, Ireland, Italy and Sweden are the teams in this interesting group. Conte’s tactical brilliance saw Italy overcome Belgium 2-0 while Sweden and Ireland played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The next set of matches pit Italy against Sweden while Belgium will face off against Ireland in a must-win encounter for both sides.
Italy will be strong favourites against Sweden, but one can never relax when a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic is around. Belgium will have to win at any cost against Ireland and Marc Wilmots will be hoping that Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are at their best against Ireland.
Italy’s defence will be confident of another accomplished performance against Sweden while Belgium's attacking talent will be hoping to be more clinical against Ireland.
Prediction – Italy to win against Sweden, Belgium to cruise to victory against Ireland.
Group F – Portugal, Austria, Iceland, Hungary
Considered to be one of the easiest groups, this group had plenty of surprises in the first round of matches. Unfancied Hungary put David Alaba’s Austria to the sword while Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by a gritty and determined Iceland.
Portugal next face Austria and it looks like it will be a tricky fixture for Cristiano Ronaldo’s men. Although Austria stumbled against Hungary, they have a very good squad and they will be eager to bounce back in a strong manner against Portugal.
Hungary and Iceland both have a chance to create history as a victory for either of them will all but confirm their place in the knockout stages. Both Hungary and Iceland were thought to be easy pushovers, but they have proved that they are not here to just make up the numbers.
Prediction – Portugal to draw against Austria, Iceland to secure a narrow victory over Hungary.
Matches to watch out for
England vs Wales
Germany vs Poland
Spain vs Turkey
Italy vs Sweden
Portugal vs Austria
