Euro 2016 draw: everything you need to know

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Euro 2016 draw: everything you need to know The draw for the 2016 European Championships has produced some interesting clashes in France next summer – we take a look at the groups, the players to watch and which teams should progress to the knockout rounds. Group A things to know Teams: France, Romania, Albania and Switzerland The big match: In a relatively weak-looking group, the biggest match is the final game between Switzerland and France in Lille on June 19. The French will be the more confident side given recent form, having thrashed the Swiss 5-2 in the group stage at last year’s World Cup — with Karim Benzema arguably having his best game for France. Player to watch: With Benzema looking likely to miss the tournament due to an ongoing legal case in which he has been charged with conspiracy to blackmail, France look like needing a new talisman. This is now Paul Pogba’s big chance to match the hype. The Juventus star is the most sought-after midfielder in Europe, with his valuation in the 100-million euros bracket, but for France he can sometimes look out of sorts. His attacking panache means he loves to burst forward, but coach Didier Deschamps wants him to play a deeper role because of his dynamic tackling. Projected top two: France should win the group ahead of Switzerland, with Albania and Romania both lacking enough firepower to threaten. Group B things to know Teams: England, Wales, Russia and Slovakia The big match: The northern city of Lens will host the highly anticipated clash between England and Wales on June 16. Located roughly 180 kilometres from Paris, the rough-and-tumble, working-class city is easily reachable for fans traveling from Britain, so there is likely to be a huge contingent of passionate fans from both countries. Player to watch: With goals likely to be plentiful in an attack-minded group, there is plenty of talent to catch the eye with Russia striker Artem Dzyuba, Slovakia midfielder Marek Hamsik, and England’s Wayne Rooney. But Wales winger Gareth Bale perhaps has the edge on them after scoring seven goals in qualifying. Projected top two: It’s a tough call, but England are likely to come top with Russia likely to just get the better of Wales. Russia has more experience and knowhow than Wales and, although they do not have a player of Bale’s outstanding ability, they have better technical ability overall and possesses the sharper centre forward in Zenit St. Petersburg’s Dzyuba. Group C things to know Teams: Germany, Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland The big match: Without question, Germany vs Poland on June 16 at the Stade de France. Poland proved a handful for the World Cup holder in qualifying, winning 2-0 in Warsaw in October 2014. Germany got their own back, winning 3-1, when they met again in Frankfurt this September. Player to watch: With 13 goals in 10 matches, Robert Lewandowski was the top scorer in qualifying and will be one of the most-watched stars in France next June. Projected top two: That’s easy — Germany and Poland should top this group. Far harder is guessing their order. The runner-up of Group C will play the second-place team of Group A, likely Switzerland, in the last 16. Group D things to know Teams: Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia The big match: Spain vs Czech Republic on June 13 in Toulouse. Spain can’t afford to lose their opening game: it was the humiliating 5-1 loss to the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup that set the tone for the team’s dismal display in Brazil. A loss to the Czechs would give Spain no room for more mistakes in its next match against Turkey. “It’s going to be very difficult for us,” coach Vicente del Bosque said. Player to watch: Turkey captain Arda Turan, who joined Barcelona this season from Atletico Madrid. Turan has had more time for the national side since his high-profile summer move to Barcelona, having to sit out of Spanish matches for the rest of 2015 due to transfer rules. Projected top two: Spain and Turkey. By winning nine of 10 games and finishing top of their group in qualifying, Spain showed they have recovered from their World Cup humiliation. Spain also has pedigree, as the only team to have won the European Championship twice in a row. Turkey overcame a poor start in qualifying and posted convincing wins against the Netherlands and the Czech Republic to reach the Euros for the first time in eight years. Group E things to know Teams: Italy, Sweden, Belgium and Ireland The big match: Italy vs Belgium on June 13 in Lyon. Although Italy’s performances over the past two years have not been so impressive, the Azzurri remain perennial contenders at big tournaments. The contrast between Italy’s efficiency and the free-flowing football from Belgium’s new crop of players promises one of the most interesting games of the tournament. Player to watch: Italy’s Marco Verratti. The Paris Saint-Germain player has become a beating heart of the French champions’ midfield since joining from Pescara in 2012. At just 23, Verratti impresses not only with his exceptional physical qualities but also his leadership. Projected top two: Belgium and Italy. With English Premier League stars Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany, Belgium are expected to go deep in the tournament, while Italy will count on their traditional stubbornness to advance despite some ageing players. “Belgium are a great team with outstanding players,” Italy coach Antonio Conte said. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was equally wary, saying: “It’s the most difficult opponents we could have.” Group F things to know Teams: Portugal, Iceland, Hungary and Austria The big match: The game between Austria and Portugal on June 18 is likely to decide who tops the group, and it should be an exciting atmosphere at Parc des Princes — home of Paris Saint-Germain — with a large Portuguese population in Paris. Furthermore, it could give Cristiano Ronaldo a glimpse of his future home, with PSG reportedly keen to sign him from Real Madrid for next season. Player to watch: Ronaldo is the obvious big name in the group, but Austria’s fans will be investing high hopes in Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba. He plays in a more attacking role for his country, and his brilliant performance in Austria’s 4-1 win away to Sweden in qualifying really caught the eye. The speedy, skillful 23-year-old Alaba could be one of the players of the tournament. Projected top two: This is Portugal’s and Austria’s group to lose, and they really should be confident of taking the top two spots, although Iceland showed their credentials by beating the Netherlands home and away in qualifying. Read the original story at: Euro 2016 draw: everything you need to know