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Euro 2016 analysis: Italy through, Belgium and Sweden battle in Group E

Kevin de Bruyne has been a star for Belgium. (AFP PHOTO / OLI SCARFF)
Roar Pro
21st June, 2016
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With the final round of the Euro 2016 group phase just around the corner, it’s time to have a look at who will realistically be qualyifing from group E.

Who’s playing?
Sweden are taking on Belgium, while Italy will do battle with the Republic of Ireland.

How does the table look?
Italy and their unbeaten start put them on top with six points. Belgium sit in second with one win and three points while Sweden and Ireland are third and fourth respectively on one point each, separated by goal difference.

Who can still qualify?
All nations can still mathematically qualify, but Italy have guaranteed a place in the knockout stages.

Who’s favourite to go through?
Italy have already reached the six points needed to qualify, while Belgium only need to draw with Sweden to confirm their place in the knockouts.

How can others qualify?
With Italy already guaranteed a top two finish there is only one automatic qualifying spot left. Barring an Irish demolition of Italy, Belgium only need one point from their Sweden game to qualify second.

Anything less than a win for Sweden or Ireland would all but end their European campaigns. If Sweden were to win they would leapfrog Belgium into second on four points.

Ireland’s goal difference is their main weakness, however if they were to beat Italy they would get to four points which is likely to see them finish as a top finishing third team.

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Match Analysis
Sweden versus Belgium
Swedish talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic came into his fourth Euros within three goals of Michel Platini all-time goal scoring record (9), but so far as failed to inspire.

Sweden, lowest ranked in their group, rely so heavily on everything Zlatan that when he fails to deliver like he so far has, they struggle to produce results.

A second half Irish OG handed Sweden the solitary point they have, highlighting the improvement they will need if they are to challenge the highest-ranked team (2) at the Euros, Belgium.

After being shocked with a comprehensive 2-0 loss to Italy in their opening fixture, Belgium bounced back in a big way. After a frustrating first half, the floodgates opened with Lukaku scoring twice to seal their 3-0 win over Ireland.

With Zlatan now in his mid-thirties this is likely to be not only his last European Championship but his last major international tournament, possibly meaning Sweden’s last tournament for the foreseeable future.

Both parties will be out to prove their worth and see themselves through to the knockouts, or at least end with a bang. Belgium too have plenty to play for, they are seen as somewhat undeservingly high in the world ranking and have the chance to stamp their authority against Sweden and show the world they mean business.

After a much improved performance in their second game expect Belgium to trump 3-1 winners with Zlatan signing off with a farewell goal.

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Italy versus Republic of Ireland
Ireland could consider themselves unlucky not to be sitting pretty on three points before a previously mentioned own goal costed them a victory and two crucial points. Coming up against an Italian side that will rest key stars, Ireland will feel confident they can produce an upset and proceed through to the sudden death stages of the competition but it still won’t be a walk in the park.

An already depleted Italian midfield has overachieved somewhat after beating an unaware Belgium team. A full Juventus defence has aided Italy as they have chemistry other teams don’t instantly have, with a solid baseline and attackers confident in their ability, Italy have the potential to cause further upsets.

A second-string Italian side should still boast the quality to at least gain the required one point to top Group E. Ireland will fight hard until the end and put on a show before being eliminated after a 2-2 draw.

Final verdict
In what has the potential to be an open group where anyone can still qualify, Italy will show they’re here to stay by going unbeaten through the group and finishing top with seven out of a possible nine points.

Belgium will romp into second spot on six points. Ireland will finish third on two points not qualifying but still proud of their efforts while Sweden and Zlatan will head home with one point wondering what could’ve been.

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