Some great football, some cracking goals, some surprising results and bouncing, fanatic fans. Yesterday was a great day for football. The 2pm kick off between Hungary and France looked like it was only going to go the way of the favourites. The Hungarians had other ideas though. In their home ground packed with 60,000 fans they weathered the French attacks to take the lead on the stroke of half time. The celebrations between players and fans in the sunshine was one of the moments of the tournaments so far. Incredible to see after months and months of empty or sparsely filled Stadiums around the world. France dominated the game but struggled to take their chances until Antoine Griezmann equalised on 66 minutes. France couldn't make the pressure count though and it finished 1 - 1. I wanted France to win but this result makes things interesting for Group F. France still top the group after Germany beat Portugal. In what was possibly the game of the tournament so far Germany reacted to Portugal's early opening goal by winning 4 - 2. Portugal, the Champions and one of this tournaments favourites, were shocked and outclassed by Joachim Löw's side. Germany will now go in to their final group game with Hungary on Wednesday knowing a win will get them through. A draw may not be enough for Germany and a Hungarian win could see the latter qualify. Very tightly poised in Group F. The final game of the day came from group E in Seville where Spain and Poland drew 1 - 1. Morata got Spain off the mark with a tidy finish that looked marginally offside and Lewandowski finally got his goal. Group E is also tightly poised going in to the final games with Sweden surprisingly leading the way.
Today we have just the two games both of which will decide the outcome of Group A.Italy are already through with Wales probably joining them. The outcome of the Switzerland V Turkey game will determine whether either side qualify as one of the third placed highest finishers.
Italy V Wales - Group A - Kick off at 1700 from the Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
For their third game running Italy play at home. They have already qualified for the knockout stage after winning both their previous games comfortably. Italy have been arguably the team of the tournament so far. Two wins, six goals scored with none conceded. Roberto Mancini's team have attacked their opponents with fluid passing football whilst looking completely composed at the back. A joy to watch but with an end product that other sides have failed to match. Wales meanwhile are on a high after a fantastic performance and win against Turkey. Wales have good players in Bale, Ramsey and James. But more than that they get the best out of their players with limited talent. Wales played against Switzerland like it was the last game of their lives. Perhaps it's not sustainable over time but it surprises me that more teams don't play like that in tournaments. It will be interesting to see if either team takes it easy here. Italy are through no matter what the result and Wales will be guaranteed if they get a draw. I don't think either team play that way though. Can Wales give the Italians more of a game than Turkey and Switzerland did? The imperious Giorgio Chiellini is a doubt for this game with a hamstring so Mancini may not want to risk him. It would be shame if he doesn't as he's been a joy to watch but it would be understable with his team already qualified. Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has scored in each of the previous games and will be looking to add to that here.
Frenchfooty prediction: Italy 2 V Wales 1
Switzerland V Turkey - Group A - Kick off at 1700 from Baku Olympic Stadium.
The Swiss were a little unlucky not to beat Wales in their first game and were rolled over by Italy in their last. They need to go for a win here to have a chance of qualifying. Arsenal's Granit Xhaka and Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri will need to show more than they did against Italy if they are to drag the team through this Group. I keep saying it but I've been so disappointed with Turkey in this tournament. They've had no energy or creativity at all despite having a a decent squad. They also need a win to have a chance of qualifying. They need more from their talented number 10 Hakan Çalhanoğlu and need to create chances for striker Burak Yilmaz. If nothing else they need to show some pride and fight. Otherwise they face going home as the tournament's worst team.
Look for changes with gli azzurri today but should still be strong enough to beat Galles.