RESULTS
ITALY 1 WALES 0
SWITZERLAND 3 TURKEY 1
Xherdan Shaqiri showed up when his country needed him the most, popping two goals against Turkey to keep Switzerland’s last 16 hopes alive. In the process, the Liverpool winger became his nation’s all-time leading scorer at major tournaments, with last night’s brace taking his tally to seven and making him the first Swiss to score at four tournaments in a row. If other results go their way, Vladimir Petkovic’s men could qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.
FUN FACT: Italy have matched their unbeaten record (30 games) from 82 years ago, achieved under Vittorio Pozzo between 1935-1939.
TONIGHT …
NORTH MACEDONIA vs HOLLAND
Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, 12am
With Holland assured of top spot in Group C, coach Frank De Boer can be expected to ring the changes and allow squad players some playing time. North Macedonia are already out but will play for pride and 37-year-old captain Goran Pandev, who could retire after the tournament.
UKRAINE vs AUSTRIA
Arena Nationala, Bucharest, 12am
One point would suffice for Ukraine to finish Group C runners-up but Austria will pip them if they get three points. Andriy Shevchenko’s side is the only one other than Italy that has two players on two goals – Roman Yaremchuk and West Ham star Andriy Yarmolenko.
FINLAND vs BELGIUM
Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg, 3am
Newbies Finland can progress to the next phase with a win but they face one of the title favourites and an on-song Romelu Lukaku. The Scandinavians can be sure of a last 16 berth if they pick up a point and Denmark beat Russia.
RUSSIA vs DENMARK
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, 3am
Denmark don’t have matters in their hands but can go through with a handsome win coupled with a Belgium victory in St Petersburg. Expect them to go for broke in front of their fans.
