Ukraine vs. Poland
Well, I’ve pumped Poland’s tires this far in the tournament and I’m not going to stop now against one of the teams that has disappointed me the most in the tournament thus far. I really thought Ukraine had a good enough squad to cause all of the teams in their group some serious problems, but instead they have looked very poor and out of ideas going forward. They’ve lost both games 2-0 thus far, losing to both Germany and Northern Ireland. While Poland have been far from what I’ve come to expect from them in their two games so far, I do think they’ve been quite a few classes better than Ukraine. I think it’s also likely that Ukraine will give a few of their peripheral players a run out today as they have nothing to play for tonight. Poland, on the other hand, have everything to play for as they can win their group with a victory. Yes, for some teams and players, playing a side with nothing to play for actually leads to a poor result, but I have faith in the Polish as they’ve handled adversity well all through qualifying. There are also some rumours of dissent in the Ukrainian camp.
Northern Ireland vs. Germany
Arguably, this matchup is the biggest mismatch in stature. Northern Ireland are relative minnows on the international stage whereas the Germans have historically been one of the best teams in the world. This gap is quickly closing, however, as the talent and tactical awareness of Northern Ireland have risen dramatically in recent years. I mean, Northern Ireland impressively ran out 2-0 winners over Ukraine, and honestly looked in charge for the majority of the game. They also only lost 1-0 to Poland and could have nicked that one as well. This is a massive game for them as well. If they can get a positive result, they are more than likely through to the last 16. Heck, even a small loss may put them through. The team from Northern Ireland are always one of the more determined and resolute sides, and with a knockout berth being within touching distance, I expect their effort to be amplified. I don’t think anybody has been very impressed with Germany thus far. I’m surprised they have not yet conceded, but they also have not looked very good going forward. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time until the well oiled German machine begins to function again, but it may require dropping the out of form Gotze. I do think the Germans will rotate their squad a bit to try and generate some better play, and I do think it will work, but I think that Northern Ireland will keep this respectable and eventually qualify for the Round of 16.
Croatia vs. Spain
Croatia are certainly one of the darkhorses of European football, whereas the Spanish have remained at the pinnacle for so long that their star is only now starting to fade. The major issue for the Croatians heading into this game is that talisman Luka Modric appeared to tweak his groin in the last game and will certainly be rested today. The hope is that he will be ready for the knockout rounds, but that’s definitely a bit more up in the air than the Croatians would prefer. Further, veteran center back Corluka will likely be spared as well as he’s aggravated a head wound. Heck, there are even rumors that Mandzukic may be rested for this one. For the Spanish, they are already guaranteed to progress, so I expect some rotation there as well. In the end, we are left with a bit of a hodgepodge of starters and substitutes playing for both sides. I still have no idea how the Croatians gave up a 2 goal lead to the Czech Republic, but they will need a much more focused performance if they are to ensure qualification to the next round. I think the Spanish will be the more attacking side of the two, with the Croatians playing a clear counter attacking game, but ultimately, I expect this one to be played at a bit of a pedestrian pace.
Czech Republic vs. Turkey
I think the Czech Republic have performed admirably so far in Euro 2016, and they are left with an opportunity to advance against the bottom side of Group D, Turkey. Likely, a win for Czech Republic would see them through to the knockout rounds. Turkey also have an outside shot at qualifying, but it is quite unlikely. The Czech’s showed their mettle in their comeback draw against Croatia, and that 2-2 result will surely provide some momentum and belief that they can take advantage of a haphazard Turkish side. A major stumbling block for the Czech’s, however, is that their best player and lynchpin Rosicky is out of the tournament after injury. Literally everything is played through him and their team built around him, so this is a massive blow. Still, the Turks are one of the most unorganized and undisciplined sides in the tournament, though they are talented, so I do believe the Czechs have an opportunity. Ultimately, I expect the Czech’s desperation and the Turks talent and unstructured defensive play to lead the way.
Taken from: https://www.reddit.com/r/SoccerBetting/comments/4p1ey3/daily_picks_thread_tue_21062016/d4hnz4u