The group stage campaign at UEFA Euro 2016 is winding down, and the round of 16 spots are rapidly being filled. In Group E, there is still much to play for for three of the teams in this quartet. Who has a realistic shot at qualifying? And who will have to pull off a very impressive upset - a truly unprecedented feat - in order to make history? Let's have a look!
How Sweden can qualify automatically
This was supposed to be the tournament for star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. And having announced that he will be hanging up his boots, the 34-year-old is running of time to make his mark on what will be his final international competition.
Meanwhile as Ibrahimovic seeks to become the first player to score at four Euro tournaments, the Blågult are fighting for their spot in the round of 16. A bad start, which has seen them pick up just one point, sees them sitting bottom of Group E. Still, qualification is not out of reach, albeit it is not entirely in their own hands. Here's how Erik Hamren's men can book their place in the knockout rounds:
1. Beat Belgium AND hope that Italy don't lose to the Republic of Ireland. This, of course, is the simplest and best outcome for Ibrahimovic and his teammates.
2. If both Sweden and Ireland win, then it's decided by goal difference, then goals scored, disciplinary record (fair play), and finally, if all else fails - UEFA Coefficient (which presently helps Sweden).
How Belgium can qualify automatically
Despite suffering a disappointing 2-0 loss in their opening match against Italy, Belgium have rebounded in style. Marc Wilmots's troops cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Ireland and are in pole position to finish as runners-up in Group E.
This is how Eden Hazard and his teammates can join Italy in the round of 16:
1. Pick up at LEAST a draw with Sweden. Even if Ireland beat Italy, and Belgium still draw, it will have to be an absolute blowout due to Ireland's poor goal differential.
How Republic of Ireland can qualify automatically
At the last edition of this tournament, the Republic of Ireland had a torrid time as they lost every single of their group matches against Spain, Italy, and Croatia. This time around, the Boys in Green have fared a bit better - with at least one point from a draw with Sweden - but nonetheless are in danger of making an early exit as they sit at the bottom of their quartet.
That is, unless if Martin O'Neill's men can turn things around to seal their spot in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. However, it's a lot more complicated than it looks. Here's what needs for happen for Ireland to make it through:
1. Beat Italy AND hope that Sweden also beat Belgium. But that's not all. Ireland also need to make sure that they are superior to Sweden on overall goal difference because they tied 1-1. There are two ways to achive this:
- Score more goals overall than Sweden do
- Beat Italy by a bigger margin than Sweden do against Belgium
Simply put, if Sweden beat Belgium 3-0, Ireland have to beat Italy 7-0. Or if Sweden win 4-3, Ireland have to win 5-2.
2. Beat Italy AND Sweden draw with Belgium. They also need to totally rout the Azzurri and hope Sweden and Belgium finish scoreless.
Unfortunately if you are a fan of Ireland, things do not look good for O'Neill's side. Italy are well known for their defensive strength. However, if they can't seal second, there is still a glimmer of hope as they could snatch third - provided that Belgium beat Sweden to seal second spot.
How Italy can qualify automatically
If you're an Azzurri supporter, then you have no worries. Italy sealed their spot in the round of 16 after picking up all six points from their first two matches against Belgium and Sweden. As such, Antonio Conte will likely rotate his squad for their dead rubber match versus the Republic of Ireland as they prepare for their knockout game on June 27th against reigning champions Spain.
Where to watch UEFA Euro 2016 Group E matches simultaneously?
Both the Stade Pierre Mauroy and the Stade de Nice will be buzzing as Italy take on the Republic of Ireland and Sweden clash with Belgium. If you're fortunate to be at either location to catch one of these games live, great. However, if you are like millions of fans worldwide who will be tuning in, LiveSoccerTV.com has all the options to catch either - or perhaps both - of these games via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Did we mention both games? We certainly did. You may want to tune in to one, then the other. Or if you're into multi-tasking, you can certainly follow both Sweden vs. Belgium and Italy vs. Republic of Ireland at the same time. Below you will find all the choices to view one (or both) of these games for the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.00 EST: For those who want to follow Sweden vs. Belgium, check out WATCH ESPN, ESPN3 USA, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes Radio. If the Azzurri vs. the Green Army is your thing, then check out ESPN, WATCH ESPN, ESPN Xtra, ESPN3 USA, SiriusXM FC, ESPN Deportes TV, and ESPN Deportes Radio.
- In the UK at 20.00 BST: Sweden vs. Belgium will be featured on STV Scotland, TalkSport Radio UK, The ITV Hub, and ITV 4 UK, whilst Italy vs. Republic of Ireland will be featured on ITV 1 UK, The ITV Hub, STV Scotland, TalkSport Radio UK, and BBC Radio 5 Live.
- In Canada at 15.00 ET: You can catch Italy vs. Republic of Ireland on TLN, TSN4, RDS, and TSN5. And if you want to watch Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. Eden Hazard, tune in to RDS 2, TSN3, and TSN1.
Live elsewhere? No problem. Simply check out our special broadcast pages! You will find all the viewing information, options, and times for Sweden vs. Belgium and Italy vs. Republic of Ireland for wherever you call home.
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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