Euro 2016 draw: Spain and Italy at risk of early elimination

Spain and Italy were both eliminated in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. They could repeat that tragedy if they are not careful at Euro 2016.

Euro 2016 has 24 participating teams and the format is exactly the same as the World Cup from 1986 to 1994. That is, the top 2 teams in each group and the 4 best third-placed teams advance to the next round. However, that does not mean that the teams can be complacent, especially Spain and Italy.

Spain were eliminated in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup and this time they also face many challenges when falling into the group of death. Spain's group includes the Czech Republic, Croatia and Türkiye. Remember, the Czech Republic and Turkey stepped over the body of the Netherlands (the team that humiliated Spain at the 2014 World Cup) on the way to France and Croatia has never been an easy team to play against. A group with no weak opponents requires Del Bosque and his team to focus from the beginning.

Meanwhile, Italy also failed to get past the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, so they really have to be careful when they are in a difficult group with Belgium, Ireland and Sweden. Belgium is the number 1 team in the FIFA rankings and they just won a friendly match against Italy last month. Sweden and Ireland with their physical style of play will also be worthy opponents for Coach Conte and his team.

England must also be cautious when in a balanced group with Russia, Slovakia and their brother Wales. Only France and Portugal have an easy time when falling into a relatively easy group: Romania, Albania, Switzerland are not formidable opponents for France while Portugal is superior to Austria, Iceland, Hungary. As for Germany, they have enough courage and experience to face Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland.

Euro 2016 will take place from June 11 with the opening match between host France and Romania. The tournament ends with the final on July 7.

Euro 2016 group stage draw results

Table A:France, Romania, Albania, Switzerland

Table B:England, Russia, Wales, Slovakia

Table C:Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland

Table D:Spain, Croatia, Czech Republic, Türkiye

Table E:Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Sweden

Group F:Portugal, Austria Iceland, Hungary

According to Motthegioi