In the highly-rated European Championship Group B, only Spain, who have been confirmed as the winners, can take it easy at the end. Italy need just one point to reach the round of 16, while Croatia must win. Albania also still have a chance. And the Swiss have a dream opponent for the round of 16.
24.06.2024, 05:01
24.06.2024, 11:18
SDA
A 2:1 win against Albania and a 0:1 defeat against Spain - Italy don't have to question themselves too much in terms of results. However, the lack of chances against the strong Iberians was shocking. The defending champions are now very nervous. The Italians' luck is that one point is enough for them to remain second in the group, and that the Croatians have also failed to impress so far.
Both teams lack penetration in front of goal. The technically brilliant but overaged Croatian midfield around Luka Modric also seems to have finally passed its zenith almost two years after finishing third at the World Cup in Qatar. Now they need another special performance to avoid elimination before the knockout phase.
The Croatians will probably need a win to reach the round of 16. A draw - and a simultaneous defeat for Albania - would see them finish third in the group. But two points have never been enough to progress since the current format was introduced.
Past his peak? Like his team-mates, Croatia's former star Luka Modric has so far failed to impress
Image: Keystone
Italy's life insurance: Gianluigi Donnarumma was the only Italian in top form against Spain
Image: Keystone
Overstretched against the Spanish youngsters like Nico Williams and therefore now a candidate for the substitutes' bench: Italy's European champion Jorginho
Image: Keystone
Can still qualify for the round of 16 with a win against Spain: Albania with Zurich-born captain Berat Djimsiti (left)
Image: Keystone
Luxury problem: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is likely to rest a number of regular players for the final game against Albania
Image: Keystone
Past his peak? Like his team-mates, Croatia's former star Luka Modric has so far failed to impress
Image: Keystone
Italy's life insurance: Gianluigi Donnarumma was the only Italian in top form against Spain
Image: Keystone
Overstretched against the Spanish youngsters like Nico Williams and therefore now a candidate for the substitutes' bench: Italy's European champion Jorginho
Image: Keystone
Can still qualify for the round of 16 with a win against Spain: Albania with Zurich-born captain Berat Djimsiti (left)
Image: Keystone
Luxury problem: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is likely to rest a number of regular players for the final game against Albania
Image: Keystone
Albania will have a good chance of reaching the round of 16 for the first time if they win, but face a Herculean task. Although it remains to be seen which of his players Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will give a rest, the "Furia roja's" bench is also full of quality.
The Swiss are hoping for Italy
Italy, Croatia or Albania - Switzerland will face one of these nations next Saturday in Berlin. "Of course, playing against Italy would be special, I know a lot of the players in that team," said national team goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who is under contract with Inter Milan, to blue Sport after the game.
Bologna international Michel Aebischer also said: "A duel against Italy would be special and nice. Because we have the chance to beat Italy. But I wouldn't be sad if it was another opponent either." Kwadwo Duah would also "love to play against Italy".
