Sweden will hope to hit its first shot on target at the UEFA Euro 2016 finals in Wednesday evening when at the same time Belgium must meet the expectations after being considered for one of the main favorites.
“Allianz Riviera” in Nice will host the last Euro 2016 fixture for one from both teams as Sweden can make it to the 1/8 finals only if they win, while “Belgian Red Devils” can be pleased with the draw, since they cannot be moved from the second Group E position. Even if that game ends with a draw (Belgium will have 4 points), while Ireland manage to cause the surprise and win over Italy, Belgium will still be second, as they can even qualify if they lose here, but with not more from four goals… something which seems pretty unlikely. And if Ireland fails to win against Italy. As you can see situation is very tied but Belgium is the team in best position from all three.
Sweden at Euro 2016 – Team news and squad
21 June 2016 was a wistful day for Swedish football as Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced he’ll quit international football after UEFA Euro 2016 so virtually this clash can become his last match with Swedish kit. Well, now he has another chance to improving his own accomplishment and to score on fourth consecutive European Championship, which inevitably will contribute for the overall performance of his country.
Sweden still can’t find the main target and their only goal in the competition came as a result of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s effort, but scored by Ciaran Clark from Ireland – 1:1 draw at “Stade de France”.
Almost 10 days later Sweden is on the edge and Erik Hamrén must take some important decisions in the eve of the upcoming encounter. He will hope that Mikael Lustig will be fit after a groin strain he picked during the draw vs Ireland. Lustig was substituted on half time and his position was took by Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, whose move opens position for Erik Johansson next to Andreas Granqvist in heart of Sweden’s defense.
Albin Ekdal and John Guidetti are two other players who entered on the field in the first Euro 2016 round as they replaced respectively Oscar Lewicki and Marcus Berg. They have even replaced them in the starting lineup against Italy but we all saw they failed to fulfill the expectations and we had the opposite substitutions happening Toulouse.
These positions look like the biggest doubts of Erik Hamrén at this moment and he must find the way to stop Belgium’s attacking strength, but to break their tight defense as well. Something which looks more difficult after the first two matches Euro 2016 games which Sweden played.
Belgium at Euro 2016 – Team news and squad
Belgium answered to all critics over them after the defeat by Italy, with the 3:0 victory against Ireland where Romelu Lukaku scored a brace.
This time Belgium looks in good position to stand on the second position and even if draw does the work, we’re sure that Marc Wilmots will have to keep the morale high and this can happen only with victory. Especially after the already shaken obedience of the team after the lost Euro 2016 opener against Italy.
Belgium were considered for one of the hidden favorites to lift the famous Henri Delaunay trophy on 10 of July, but after their first match on French turf we are far from convinced about their capability when it comes moment for a clash against reputable opposition.
This time Belgium will play against the most toothless team at the competition yet, and this will be serious test for the condition of their defense as well. “The Red Devils” have to play for their own confidence and for keeping the second position which will secure them a 1/8 final match against the winner of Group F.
Mousa Dembélé remains the only doubt in Marc Wilmots’ list and since he has names like Radja Nainggola and Axel Witsel on duty, we believe that Wilmots won’t be taking any unnecessary risks and he’ll try to have Dembele in optimal condition for the possible Round of 16 clash. All other players are likely to remain on their starting positions after the win against Ireland and Belgium can surely be pleased with Thomas Meunier’s presence on the right back.
Euro 2016: Sweden vs Belgium – betting prediction
Some of you probably remember that UEFA Euro 2000 opener at “King Baudouin Stadium” in Brussels where hosts Belgium achieved their most recent European Championship success (except the already mentioned victory in France), when Belgium with Marc Wilmots as an attacking midfielder won against Sweden – 2:1, after goals by Bart Goor and Émile Mpenza.
Sixteen years after this clash Sweden will hope to avoid that scenario which will be consequential hit over their Euro 2016 aspirations and the absolutely same goes for Belgium. In current rosters and potential of both sides we definitely find more squad depth and quality in Belgium, so logically we will place our pledge for “The Red Devils”. Even if they don’t have to win at any price, we believe they can use the must win situation in Sweden’s camp and this may open more spaces for the fast-flowing Belgian attackers. We saw how they act against Ireland and the extraordinary speed shown by Belgian captain Eden Hazard, who thankfully of all Belgians found his form at the end of season 2015-2016.
Referee: Felix Brych from Germany.
Assistant referees and fourth official: Mark Borsch, Stefan Lupp (Germany) and Matej Jug (Slovenia).
Venue: “Allianz Riviera”, Nice.
Possible starting squads of Sweden and Belgium
Sweden: Andreas Isaksson – Victor Lindelöf, Andreas Granqvist, Erik Johansson, Martin Olsson – Sebastian Larsson, Oscar Lewicki, Kim Källström, Emil Forsberg – Zlatan Ibrahimovic (c), Marcus Berg. (4-4-2)
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois – Thomas Meunier, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen – Axel Witsel, Radja Nainggolan – Dries Mertens, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard (c) – Romelu Lukaku. (4-2-3-1)