1. Italy win good for Ireland
ITALY DESERVEDLY BEAT Belgium 2-0 tonight in an outcome that is conceivably good news for Ireland.
The Azzurri delivered arguably the performance of the tournament so far, as they tactically out-witted a frustrated Belgian side, with Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci in particular giving a masterclass at the back.
Italy look comfortably the best side in the group on the basis of today’s games, and so will be expected to beat Sweden in their next match.
If they succeed in doing so, Antonio Conte’s side will secure qualification for the last-16. That outcome would consequently mean that their last game against the Boys in Green is a dead rubber from their perspective — a scenario that would definitely favour Ireland as it would inevitably lead to the Italians resting key players ahead of the knockout rounds.
2. Iniesta’s sumptuous pass the difference as Spain get over the line
https://vine.co/v/iLdMmXzVbIe
Spain found it difficult today against a stubborn Czech Republic side.
Alvaro Morata, Jordi Alba and David Silva all wasted good chances as Vicente del Bosque’s men were left frustrated for long periods.
Despite an array of richly talented creative players in the Spanish side, they had to wait until the 87th minute to break the deadlock.
However, the goal, when it came, was worth the wait. Andres Iniesta produced a moment of individual brilliance, as his glorious cross left Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique with a straightforward header into the net.
3. Tight games the trend so far
After four days of action, we’ve seen nearly every team in the competition now.
What’s noticeable about the tournament thus far is how incredibly tight each game has been.
Just two matches have been decided by more than one goal — Germany’s 2-0 win over Ukraine yesterday and Italy’s 2-0 defeat of Belgium this evening.
And even the two encounters mentioned were very close until the dying moments, with injury-time goals ultimately making both games safe.
Consequently, the identity of the tournament winners seems as difficult to predict as before proceedings kicked off in what is one of the most open tournaments in recent memory, though Italy have probably enhanced their prospects after tonight, while Spain, Germany and France will still fancy their chances after their respective solid starts.
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