Group C:
Germany v. N. Ireland
Poland v. Ukraine
Not really much of interest here with these final Group C games. Northern Ireland could get to the magic number 4 points with a draw vs. Germany. Even though they were impressive in beating Ukraine 2-0, I just don’t see it happening. Expect Germany and Poland to move on and the other two to pack it on home.
Predictions:
Germany 2, N. Ireland 0
Poland 1, Ukraine 1
Group D:
Spain v. Croatia
Czech Rep. v. Turkey
Spain/Croatia is a great match-up but tempered somewhat because both teams have already reached the 4 point total, at least. But there does appear to be a real advantage to winning the group, which Croatia could do by beating Spain. The group winner here will get a third-place team in their first knock-out game, while the second-place team will get Italy, who will be a tough out, of course. You could probably argue that finishing third with four points in this group could be a preferable route to seeing Italy in the Round of 16. Croatia needs to hope its players and its fans can regain their composure after the flare-throwing, protest thing that marred their draw vs. the Czechs, but they are with out Luka Modric for this one, as he’s out with an injury.
Speaking of the Czechs, their tournament appeared all but over when they were down 2-0 in the 2nd half vs. Croatia. Their equalizer in extra time of that game means all they have to do is knock-off what appears to be a dysfunctional Turkey team to get to the 4-point plateau.
Predictions:
Spain 0, Croatia 0
Czech Rep. 2, Turkey 1
