Guide: European Championship 26 June

Group E is living life to the fullest. All teams, Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine, are on three points ahead of the group stage finale. A fierce battle to the end is also expected in Group F, where Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia want to join Portugal in the round of 16.

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Guide: European Championship 26 June
Photo: Alessandra Tarantino

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Group E is living life to the fullest.

All teams, Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine, are on three points ahead of the group stage finale.

A thrilling finish is also expected in Group F, where Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia want to join Portugal in the round of 16.

What: Slovakia-Romania, Group E.

When: Today. 18.00.

Where: Waldstadion, Frankfurt.

TV/Radio: SVT Play, P4 Radiosporten.

+ Chasing their first knockout stage in 24 years

Romania is one of the lowest-ranked teams to qualify for the European Championship, but despite that, the team has surprised. The fact is that the battle for group victory is still alive, and all teams are on three points. This makes the conditions crystal clear.

If Romania wins, they will secure their first championship knockout stage since the European Championship 2000, and if they lose, they will have to rely on the result of the other match not being a draw to have a chance to snatch third place.

+ Both teams benefit from a draw

Since all teams are on three points, and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage, a draw is beneficial for both teams. Then, both Romania and Slovakia will have four points, which for Romania would be enough for advancement (they top the group on goal difference). Even for Slovakia, four points are good, and if Belgium beats Ukraine, the team will advance as the best third-placed team.

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What: Ukraine-Belgium, Group E.

When: Today, 18.00.

Where: MHPArena, Stuttgart.

TV/Radio: SVT, SVT Play, P4 Radiosporten.

+ Internal criticism – from the player's father

Belgian Arsenal player Leandro Trossard has had a fine season, with 12 goals in 34 appearances. And in the European Championship premiere against Slovakia (0–1), the winger got a chance to start, but in the second group stage match, he was benched.

Now, his father is directing sharp criticism at national team coach Domenico Tedesco.

Leandro has received criticism, but he's being moved from one position to another. That way, you don't get a clear thread. I don't think Tedesco is a good coach, even though he's not as stubborn as Roberto Martinez (former national team coach of Belgium), says father Peter Trossard to Belgian De Morgen.

+ "Afraid to celebrate"

Romelu Lukaku continues to be plagued by bad luck. For several years, the striker has been ridiculed for missing too much, and during the European Championship, it hasn't been any different. The striker has had three balls in the net, but none of them have counted. All the goals have been disallowed, and the 31-year-old still has zero goals in the European Championship.

Now, he's getting support from his teammates.

He hasn't had luck on his side, but he's happy anyway after the latest win. As a striker, you always want to score, but he's happy about his contribution to our team and the chances he creates, says winger Jeremy Doku to AFP.

22-year-old Doku can't help but send a playful jab at his teammate.

He probably wouldn't want the goals to count now, or he'll be afraid to celebrate in the future.

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What: Georgia-Portugal, Group F.

When: Today, 21.00.

Where: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen.

TV/Radio: TV4, TV4 Play, P4 Radiosporten.

+ Chance to make history

Georgia is making its first major football championship and surprised by snatching a point against the Czech Republic in the previous match. This means that a win against already qualified group winner Portugal takes the team from the Caucasus to the next round.

Four points are enough to secure a spot among the four best third-placed teams that reach the round of 16.

+ Portugal rests players

National team coach Roberto Martínez will likely take the opportunity, like Spain against Albania, to rest players and give others a chance to show what they can do. Something that can pay off later in the tournament for one of the biggest European Championship favourites.

+ Suspended

Milan and Portugal's striker Rafael Leão is a man with many talents, but as an actor? Nja, doubtful. Two yellow cards for simulation in two matches are not exactly something he can brag about on his CV. On the other hand, it's a good grade for the referees who crack down on this kind of cheating.

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What: Czech Republic-Turkey, Group F.

When: Today, 21.00.

Where: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg.

TV/Radio: TV4, TV4 Play, P4 Radiosporten.

+ Conditions

Turkey, which has three points, needs a point to secure second place behind Portugal. The Czech Republic, on the other hand, must win to avoid being eliminated after the group stage.

+ Enormous disappointment

So close, yet so far from points. The Czechs fought incredibly hard in the opening match against Portugal, but lost 1–2 due to a late goal by substitute Francisco Conceicão. That blow could have been repaired against Georgia, but 1–1 and only one point has put Ivan Hasek's men in a tough spot. It won't get any easier with striker Patrik Schick missing the crucial moment. He's injured. The Turks are missing suspended defender Abdülkerim Bardakci. Additionally, backline colleague Samet Akaydin is a question mark ahead of the group stage finale.

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