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France vs Romania (Group A)
The game between the hosts and Romania on 10th June at the Stade de France will kick-off the 15th edition of the European Championship. France have been underperforming at the highest stages for quite some time and the opening fixture will give them the chance to show their credentials to the rest of the field. The game, being played at the national stadium of France, will also have symbolic value due to the unfortunate incidents that transpired there during the Paris attacks late last year.
England vs. Wales (Group B)
The Dragons have qualified for the European Championship for the first time in their history and it is only their second appearance at a major tournament – the first being the 1958 World Cup. The two home nations have been pitted in the same group and it looks like an intriguing encounter as the two teams – who have most of their first teamers playing in the Premier League take on each other.
Germany vs. Poland (Group C)
The Poles registered their first ever win over Germany during the first leg of their European Championship qualifier last year; however, the Germans avenged the defeat in the second leg. The two teams have a historic rivalry that gives a certain edge to this tie, and the plethora of talented and attacking players in the ranks of the two teams make it an enticing affair for the football fans.
Spain vs. Croatia (Group D)
The two teams have a similar strength – a midfield brimming with talent. Spain have the likes of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Javi Martinez, Santi Cazorla, Isco, Koke and David Silva amongst others, while Croatia have the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric to call upon. This match should see an intriguing battle in the centre of the park.
Belgium vs. Italy (Group E)
This is a match that will see a relatively young and inexperienced team take on the might of the seasoned campaigners Italy. Belgium have a squad brimming with prodigious talent, but they remain relative greenhorns at the biggest stage, while the Italian squad comprise of numerous players above 25, including veterans like Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini. It promises to be a great battle between two sets of exceedingly gifted players.
Portugal vs. Iceland (Group F)
In a group that looks like an easy meal for Portugal, their fixture against Iceland appears to be the one that could throw up a surprise. Iceland have qualified for their first ever major tournament and there will be no better way for them to prove that they belong at the highest stage than if they could cause an unlikely upset.
Wasi is a keen fan with loads of knowledge about the game. He has written for some of the world’s leading soccer websites and is a major Barcelona and Pune City FC fan. He loves the Champions League and watches 200+ EPL games & La Liga games per season.