“Les Bleus” face the Netherlands on Friday night. They can secure their qualification for the round of 16 with a win. After their victories in the first match, the winner of the clash between France and the Netherlands can almost secure the top spot in Group D on Friday (at 10 PM). In the same group, Austria and Poland face off earlier in the day. Then Ukraine, surprised by Romania on the first day, will need to bounce back against Slovakia to keep their hopes of reaching the round of 16 alive.
4:00 PM: Slovakia vs. Ukraine
Can Slovakia pull off another surprise? After their shock victory over Belgium (1-0) on the first day, Milan Skriniar’s teammates can achieve the same feat as in 2016, namely reaching the Euro round of 16 with a win against Ukraine. Drenched by Romania, Andriy Shevchenko’s men suffered a heavy defeat (3-0) and can no longer afford to lose. Quarter-finalists in 2021, Ukraine, which boasts a golden generation with Mykhailo Mudryk, Andriy Lunin and Oleksandr Zinchenko, would like to reach the finals to bring some joy to their war-torn country.
7:00 PM: Austria vs. Poland
This is the match of the defeated. Dominated by the Netherlands and France, both Poland and Austria can no longer afford to lose, under penalty of being almost eliminated. With their pressing game and players like Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer and Christoph Baumgartner, who play in top European clubs, Austria has the means to win and set up a “final” against the Netherlands in the last match. Exiting in the first round of Euro 2021, Poland would be on the brink of elimination if they lose, even before their last match against Les Bleus. Michal Probierz’s men should recover their captain Robert Lewandowski, back from injury, an essential boost to regain the offensive efficiency they lacked against the Dutch.
10:00 PM: France vs. Netherlands
The Dutch have generally been favorable opponents for the French. In their last nine encounters, Didier Deschamps’ men have won seven, including both Euro qualifiers (4-0 at Stade de France and 2-1 in Amsterdam). Hard-fought winners of their first match, the Netherlands came from behind to beat Poland (2-1), while Les Bleus needed an own goal to overcome Austria (1-0). Against Memphis Depay’s teammates, the French will be without their captain Kylian Mbappé, who is out with a nose injury after a clash with Austrian Kevin Danso. A significant absence in a match where the winner will secure qualification for the round of 16 and take a big step towards winning the group.
