Group F

 

Image Courtesy of Uefa.com

As termed from the beginning of the tournament, the group of death has brought us tantalizing fixtures. 3-times champions Germany, 2- time champion France, and Portugal all playing for two spots. Not forgetting world cup accolades (4-time champions Germany and 2-time & defending champions France). It can be termed as the group of the fathers of the tournament.

With only one match for each of the teams, it seems it will go down to the wire for the teams. Germany put their hopes alive with their 4-2 win against Portugal while France had the chance to go through into the Round of 16 with a win against Hungary "termed the weakest team in the group."

The teams will need to pull their best performances to advance as results from each match would directly influence the progressiveness of each team to the next Round.

Portugal vs. France

The defending world champions have a tough last match against Portugal, a repeat of the 2016 finals. Sitting at the top of the group with 4 points, France requires a draw to guarantee them a spot in the Round of 16. Termed as the tournament favorites, having reached the final in 2016, France will need to pull out a master class against Portugal, who have to win the match to proceed into the Round of 16 without looking into proceeding as the best third-placed team in the tournament. From the Hungary game, it is evident that Benzema still has got something to prove to be considered as France's striker. His lackluster performance cost France opportunities to go in front. Giroud does not easily score goals, but his impact is felt on the pitch. Pushing defenders towards him leave Mbappe and Griezmann free to achieve goals. Therefore, Giroud is a team player and would be a better option to lead the striking force against a team with the best defender in the premier league.

Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo, the Euro record holder for the most goals in the tournament. In addition, it has got the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernado Silva, and Diago Jota to boost their attacking options. However, it would require a team's contribution and star performances from the star players to win the match against France. Coordination at the back would be of the essence in cutting a paced France team who make quick passes and runs out wide, cutting crosses into the box and with Pogba's visionary passes.

Germany Vs. Hungary

A must-win match for Germany as a loss would mean they end up third in the group if Portugal wins or draws in their fixture with France. It can be seen as an easy match for Germany, but the surprise draw pulled against France would leave them rethinking the game. A win for Hungary accompanied by a win for France would mean Hungary go through in position two. Germany has the best odds to win that match as compared to Hungary. However improbable it might look for Hungary to win the game, we are never sure until the last whistle is blown.

All the teams will take the last match of the group as a final, pulling everything they have.

Favorites do not win matches; winners do win the matches.