ON TODAY’S MENU
THE group stages are set to finish and Republic of Ireland are hoping to defeat Group E winners Italy, thus securing a place in the knock out stage of the competition.
With many expecting Italy boss Antonio Conte to play a second string squad, Ireland could benefit from the Italians resting players.
Belgium will face Sweden, and the Red Devils will be optimistic they can continue on from their comfortable 3-0 win over Ireland.
The earlier kick-offs see Group F leaders Hungary take on Portugal, at 5pm in Lyon. Austria will hope to see past Iceland. Having failed to live up to the dark horse title so far, Austria will need three points and Portugal to fail to win against Hungary to qualify.
TALKING POINT
ZLATAN Ibrahimovic will retire from international football after Euro 2016. Sweden’s record goal scorer could play his last international game tonight in Nice, against Belgium.
NUMBERS GAME
IF Republic of Ireland does not score against Italy, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will keep his eighth clean sheet at European Championships, one off the record (9) held by Edwin van der Sar and Iker Casillas.
TALKING SENSE
"WE'LL be positive. You can look back all you want, but you're talking to the wrong man. We look forward and get ready for the next challenge - that's what sport is about. It's like a boxer. I've seen great boxers get knocked out, but you get back up and you start swinging and hope for the best" - Republic of Ireland assistant Roy Keane on not dwelling on Belgium defeat ahead of Italy clash.
PLACE YOUR BET
ONLY a win is good enough for Portugal, but Hungary will make them work for it. Possibly a low scoring game, with odds of Quaresma to score and Portugal to win 18/1 with Sky Bet.
WELL THAT WAS UNEXPECTED
IMPRESSIVE football from Wales saw them top their group over favourites England, with both teams qualifying. Wales have been the tournaments top goal scorers thus far. The likes of Joe Allen, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley have all impressed in Wales first three fixtures.
CHAUD OR FROID
HAVING not conceded a goal as of yet and scoring three in their first two fixtures, the Italians are turning on the heat. Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci have been defensively rock solid.
Opposite to this form, Ibrahimovic has failed to showcase himself as a world class striker, like Ronaldo who is also hoping to open his tally as he captains Portugal.
The three time Ballon d’Or winner found himself unlucky not to score against Austria; hitting the post with a penalty in the 0-0 draw.
