Impressive Dutch and Italians look to top groups with maximum points
The Netherlands and Italy both secured their passage to the knockout phase of Euro 2020, with comprehensive matchday two victories over Austria and Switzerland, respectively and the aim now in both camps will be to secure maximum points from their final group matches.
The Dutch supporters will feel relieved to have guaranteed their place in the knockouts after a routine 2-0 win against Austria with a performance full of confidence. The Netherlands team have much to repay their supporters after not even making the Euro 2016 tournament and knocked out early from the groups in 2012. This early show of form early in the tournament has given the supporters much optimism.
Depay opens Euro 2020 account as Dutch triumph
Talisman Memphis Depay finally opened his account for the tournament, coolly finishing from the spot having missed several chances and this will be a boost to his own confidence. Another standout performance by Denzel Dumfries, capped by another goal puts him level at the top of the scoring charts which will no doubt increase his ever-rising stock. The Netherlands will look to take maximum points from the group by beating North Macedonia in what could be a goal-fest for the neutrals.
Austria meanwhile has still kept themselves in the running for qualification into the next round despite defeat. They will face off against Ukraine in the last match needing to win but Ukraine will also need the same result to guarantee their qualification. A draw could mean Ukraine are through in second because of superior goals scored but Austria would be in with an opportunity to qualify via one of the best third-place finishes should this be the case.
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Italy looking for 11 straight victories in Wales faceoff
For Italy, the records keep falling after a convincing 3-0 victory over Switzerland. Another complete performance that will please their supporters and so long as they can keep a clean sheet against Wales they would break an all-time national record of going 11 competitive matches without conceding a goal. If they secure a victory that would mean 11 straight victories and also extend their unbeaten run, which stands at 29 currently in competitive matches.
One more win will equal their own national unbeaten record, a confidence boost any side would gladly take going into the knockout phase much of that has been down to Manuel Locatelli who has burst onto the scene in this tournament. The cultured midfielder scored a brace in a dominating victory with Ciro Immobile scoring his second of the tournament in the latter stages.
Baku on Wednesday night hosted an eventful game, with both sides showing much passion and energy. Wales and Turkey battled it out to grab all three valuable points. However, it was Wales and in particular Gareth Bale that lit up the match. The influential Welsh captain created chance after chance and even won a penalty, which he then missed. Irrelevant as Turkey struggled to find that final finish with their forwards, squandering many opportunities with Yilmaz fluffing his lines frequently.
We will learn far more about the credentials of these nations as Italy face off against second place Wales, who will be the toughest side that Italy will have faced in their eleven game winning streak. However, there is also a real possibility that both sides will play out a draw and could rest key players to avoid any injuries. Should both teams decide to go for all three points it will be an enthralling encounter but who will emerge victorious?
