After the second round of group stage matches, things are still up in the air for most teams. as the last round of group matches begin tonight, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland find themselves out of the competition after failing to score a point from their first two matches.
A handful of teams look comfortable at the top of their groups but could still suffer heartbreak should there be more upsets in the tournament.
GROUP A:
Poland 1- 1 Russia
Greece 1-2 Czech Republic
Points:
Russia 4
Czech Republic 3
Poland 2
Greece 1
Next Games:
Greece vs Russia, Poland vs Czech Republic
Greece despite having only one point has a chance of still making it if they win against group leaders Russia. Russia looks comfortable on top and will likely qualify unless the universe completely works against them and they lose to Greece. If that happens, they need the other match to draw or risk elimination. The Czech Republic however, can't afford to lose to hosts Poland which could see them booted out of the competition.
Group B:
Netherlands 1-2 Germany
Denmark 2-3 Portugal
Points:
Germany 6
Denmark 3
Portugal 3
Netherlands 0
Next Games:
Denmark vs Germany, Portugal vs Netherlands
When Portugal went against Denmark, they had come from a first round loss to Germany and badly needed the win to keep their hopes up. The high scoring match went either way but to the relief of the Portuguese side, they came out on top in the end. After a shock win over the Dutch, Denmark is till in contention but face group leaders Germany next. If Germany lose to Denmark and Portugal win, There wil be a three way tie with 6 points and it will come down to goal difference. The Dutch still have a slim chance if they win over Portugal with a two goal margin and Denmark lose.
Group C:
Spain 4-0 Republic of Ireland
Italy 1-1 Croatia
Points:
Spain 4
Croatia 4
Italy 2
Ireland 0
Next Games:
Spain vs Croatia, Italy vs. Ireland
Whoever wins the Spain vs Croatia match will be in for sure. Spain can qualify with a draw along with Croatia. However, things get complicated if they draw and Italy win against Ireland with a very high margin bringing goal difference back into play. If Spain and Italy finish with a 0-0 draw, Italy could even come out group winners. Republic of Ireland unfortunately won't qualify even if they win by any margin.
Group D:
Sweden 2-3 England
Ukraine 0-2 France
Points:
France 4
England 4
Ukraine 3
Sweden 0
Next Games:
Sweden vs France, England vs Ukraine.
Simply put, Sweden are out. Ukraine are in a must win situation and will boot out England if that happens. Both France and England are in with a draw but if either lose, goal differences come into play again.
The last round of matches start tonight. Last night the Ukraine vs France match was momentarily suspended due to heavy rain and a lightning storm. Elsewhere, it was a storm of goals that rained down on the pitch. It ha been an exciting tournament so far with result being anything but predictable.
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