The Euro 2020 tournament moves into the second set of group stage games on Wednesday, June 16. The tournament is off to a great start and Group A’s Italy will fancy their chances of claiming three more points when they face off with Switzerland.
Three matches will be played on Wednesday in the Euro 2020 tournament. Italy will host Switzerland in Rome, but before their fixture, Russia will play Finland and Turkey will face off with Wales.
Finland vs. Russia
Although Russia are listed as the away team for the game on Wednesday, the Russians will host the game in St. Petersburg. The crowd could be the X-factor for Russia on matchday No. 2 of Group allowing them to seal a victory over Finland.
Wait a minute… Russia were played off the park against Belgium on Saturday. The Belgians won 3-0 with Russia tallying 33% of the possession and tallying five shots. Finland are not at the level of Belgium, but they are a good side that will be difficult to defeat.
Yes, Finland defeated Denmark 1-0 in their opening group game. Throw that result out. The game resumed after the near-death of Denmark’s Christian Eriksen and the Danish players were in no way able to carry on. Denmark, who are a good team, may not recover now.
Finland’s Teemu Pukki is one to watch. The striker could get on the scoresheet versus the Russians. However, despite Russia’s flaws, they should win in St. Petersburg with the crowd behind them.
Result: Russia to win versus Finland
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Turkey vs. Wales
Turkey were thrashed by Italy on the first night of the Euro 2020 tournament. The Azzurri won 3-0 and looked fantastic. Turkey now limp into their second group stage game against Wales.
The Welsh came from behind to draw 1-1 with Switzerland. They nearly took the win at the end. Coach Rob Page had two standout players as striker Kieffer Moore scored the equalizer and nearly had another goal. Goalie Danny Ward kept Switzerland out of goal on multiple occasions.
Turkey are favourites going into the match. Yet, Wales could get a result out of this match. A win or draw for Wales could make them the group’s second-best team and potential last 16 qualifiers.
Wales need to win this match more than Turkey. Why? Wales will play Group A’s best team Italy in their third group match. On paper, they will lose the fixture. Therefore, Page needs the team to do their best to get a win against Turkey.
Turkey have a lot of talent, but Wales have some solid players as well. The two sides could finish up in a score draw on Wednesday. Wales need star player Gareth Bale to do far more than he did against Switzerland. Moore should be just as good as in the first fixture.
Result: Score draw
Italy vs. Switzerland
Italy opened the Euro 2020 tournament with a brilliant 3-0 thrashing of Turkey. The Azzurri have gone from 8/1 to win the tournament to 7/1 (although not all group stage matches are finished as of this writing). Italy are a dark horse to win the tournament but a big win versus Switzerland will make them one of the frontrunners in the race.
Switzerland were troubled at times versus Wales but should have won the game comfortably. The Swiss had the opportunity to put the game to bed yet failed to take their chances.
Against Italy, they should struggle in the final third. Italy have won nine straight matches without conceding a goal. They could keep that run going. If Switzerland are to score, it could come three one of the trio of Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo or Mario Gavranovic. Still, the Italians’ defence is strong and difficult to break down.
Italy could win this game to nil and keep their run of strong defensive performances going.
Result: Italy to win to nil
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