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What to expect from the bottom bracket in Euro 2016

Spain take on Italy in Euro 2016. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)
Roar Pro
24th June, 2016
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With eight nations competing for a spot in the quarter finals, the bracket of death host to five top 20 nations.

Germany face Slovakia, Italy play Spain in the biggest clash in the round of 16, France host Republic of Ireland and England play Iceland.

Germany failed to thrill in their any of their three group C clashes, regardless of this, their quality showed, topping the group with two wins a draw and three clean sheets.

Dominating possession and games as they were expected, they haven’t possessed their usual ruthlessness in front of goal.

In their first three matches they’ve created 53 chances but have only managed to convert three of those into goals. A team full of so many superstars, they lack an out and out striker like they previously had in Miroslav Klose, currently having to settle for Mario Gomez or midfielder Mario Götze.

Slovakia impressed in qualifying for the knockouts beating Russia then holding out England in their final match enough to seal qualification. Another defensive performance like they showed against England will be needed if they are to remain a chance against a strong German side.

Another mediocre performance could be all Germany need, but if they are to challenge the best in this tournament they’ll need to start convert goals more efficiently. 2-0 Germany.

After winning the opening two matches, Spain let it all slip away in the final match again Croatia, blowing an early lead and missing a crucial penalty that would’ve handed them the lead and the group.

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Now facing a top side earlier than they would’ve hoped, Spain’s campaign could be over before the competition really gets started. Álvaro Morata put a shaky opening performance behind him to score three goals in his next two matches. Andrés Iniesta and David Silva have been key midfield cogs and will need to be on form again if Spain are to progress.

Shocking Belgium 2-0, Italy too almost let the group slip when a second string side went down to Republic of Ireland 1-0. Early promise of a strong showing in this tournament has somewhat disappeared with their group stage statistics highlighting the lack of midfield quality.

Central defender Andrea Barzagli holds their most completed passes and highest passing percentage while striker Graziano Pellè has created their most chances (3).

Italy will be ruing the tough draw as they face an uphill battle to progress.

It’ll be no walk in the park for Spain but they will head into this match as confident favourites. It’ll take nothing less than a brilliant Italian defensive performance to see them thought but Spain will have more on the day. 2-1 Spain.

As with all the major nations, hosts France have failed to convince they’re champion material. Three of their four goals, including match winners in the first two games have come after the 80th minute, as has been the trend of all teams this tournament.

Dimitri Payet has starred, scoring their opening match winner before assisting and scoring within six minutes against Albania to give France the win. Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kanté has proved to be a crucial member of the midfield in both attack and defence.

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After a 0-0 draw with Sweden, Republic of Ireland’s famous victory against Italy secured their qualification. Finishing the group on negative goal difference, the only qualifying side to do so, a side with such little attacking options will struggle against a French side looking to impress.

Ireland will do themselves proud with another highly contested match but ultimately will come up short against hometown favourites, 3-1 France.

If finishing second in a group they were hot favourites to win wasn’t bad enough, England now face the likely prospect of having to beat Iceland, France and one of Germany, Spain or Italy, and that’s just to make it to the final!

If there was to be one silver lining from their draw it’s that they were mere minutes away from facing Portugal only to be saved by there now opponents thanks to a 94′ winner. A lapse of concentration saw them conceded late to Russia, losing two points in the process.

A win in the local derby saw hopes rise again only to be dashed by a determined Slovakian outfit they failed to break down. As the saying goes, if England are to win they will need to score more than one.

The good news is they will have plenty of chances to do so. Averaging 18 per cent more possession and creating on average just over 17 chances per match, England should feel confident. After resting majority of his first choice 11, Roy Hodgson will have a fresh side ready to take on the challenge.

Iceland likewise will know they’ll have to score more than one to win, but as shown against Austria, they are capable of doing so. Their biggest threat is combined with their smallest threat, statistically speaking.

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They’ve created only 16 chances, (equal second fewest) but have scored four goals, a conversion rate of 25 per cent. Compared to England’s three goals from 53 chances (5.6% conversion) Iceland have proved more lethal, although less effective in creating chances overall.

If England turn up and play to their full potential there’s no Iceland team that can stop them, but that’s a big if. Iceland have proved great value in this tournament and will fight until the end before going down 2-1 to a dominant English side.

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