By Andrew Warshaw
June 13 – Spain-Czech Republic: Spain are not quite the unstoppable force they were four years ago. Witness them being eliminated from the last World Cup at the first hurdle. But the defending champions still have a fearsome look about them as they try to clinch a third consecutive European title, having already made history by retaining it.
A series of dodgy results in buildup friendlies including a 1-0 defeat by Georgia, combined with an ageing squad, represent danger signs but they have not lost a match at a European Championship finals since June 20, 2004 and will be out to disprove any doubters.
This is a tough group to get out of, with Croatia and Turkey also knocking at the door. The Czechs finished runners-up in 1996 and should have won the title eight years later. Their weakness is at the back where they conceded 14 goals in qualifying, more than any other team who reached the finals, but they are rarely easy opponents in tournament play.
Belgium-Italy
Belgium captain Eden Hazard limped out of training after being trodden on but is expected to be fit in a fixture between two heavyweights with genuine aspirations to go all the way, in Belgium’s case for the first time.
As in recent years, the Belgian squad contains a raft of breathtakingly talented individuals though Vincent Kompany has been ruled out through injury.
Italy, too, contain household names and as usual their defence is their strong point. Unbeaten in qualifying, they will be out to go one better than 2000 and 2012 when they finished runners-up. But there are genuine concerns.
The Italians appear less than potent up front and have been plagued by injuries to key midfielders, suggesting they could find the going the tough over the next few weeks.
If past history is anything to go by, expect goals in this one. On average there have been more than three per game in clashes between these two sides.
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