Many pundits consider Euro 2016’s Group E as the “Group of Death” with no team being below 35 on the FIFA Rankings, which says something about the group. Also, with such teams as Belgium, Sweden and Italy in the group it’s not hard to see why this is being considered one of the toughest groups in the competiton.
Because this group is labeled of the Group of Death, it will be interesting to see who makes it out alive to see the round of 16 and to see if one of the strongest third place teams will come from this group. (My prediction is yes).
The Teams (odds according to Bwin.com)
Belgium – FIFA Ranking: 2 — Best Euro Finish: Runners-up (1980) — Odds to win: 10/1
Sweden – FIFA Ranking: 35 — Best Euro Finish: Semifinals (1992) — Odds to win: 80/1
Republic of Ireland – FIFA Ranking: 33 — Best Euro Finish: Group Stages (1988 & 2012) — Odds to win: 150/1
Italy – FIFA Ranking: 12 — Best Euro Finish: Champions (1968) — Odds to win: 16/1
Best Goalkeeper – Gigi Buffon (Italy)
It’s hard not to put the ageless wonder that is Gigi Buffon as the best keeper of this group. It was a hard decision to put him here when there are quality keepers such as Courtois, Mignolet, Shay Given and Keiren Westwood. But overall, Gigi Buffon’s veteran presence will be key for the Italian squad as with such players like Hazard, De Bruyne, Keane and Ibrahimovic coming at him, he will have to be the great goalkeeper we know him to be if Italy has any chance of suriving in this group. Look for Buffon to keep Italy in these games and be the difference when it matters most.
Best Outfield Player – Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
With a stacked team like Belgium’s, it’s pretty hard not to give the best outfield player to the whole squad. In lieu of that, Kevin De Bruyne seems like the man that can make things happen for the Red Devils. His quickness and pace will have defenders scrambling around as he can pass it off to Benteke, Lukaku or Hazard, or he can just have a shot on goal himself as he does pretty well when it comes to goal scoring. Look for De Bruyne to be a double threat for Belgium throughout the tournament.
Most Important Game – Belgium vs. Italy
This will be the matchup that will set the pace for the Italian squad going forward, as it is crucial for them to not start off on the wrong foot with two big back-to-back games to start off the Euros. This early test for Italy will showcase how well the Italian squad is built, after critics have argued that this is one of the weaker Italian squads in some time. So for Italy it is time to show up or face an early exit from the most prestigious European national team competition.
Teams to Move On – Belgium, Sweden
Schedule (All Times Eastern) –
Monday, June 13
Rep of Ireland vs. Sweden, 12 PM, ESPN
Belgium vs. Italy, 3 PM, ESPN
Friday, June 17
Italy vs. Sweden, 9 AM, ESPN
Saturday, June 18
Belgium vs. Rep of Ireland, 9 AM, ESPN
Wednesday, June 22
Italy vs. Rep of Ireland, 3 PM, ESPN
Sweden vs. Belgium, 3 PM, ESPN
