The Euro 2020 group stages are reaching their climax, and today promises to be an electrifying day of football! With crucial matches on the horizon for giants like Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France, everything is still to play for. Fans are eagerly asking: Who Is Playing In The Euros Today? Let’s dive into the day’s fixtures, team news, and what each team needs to advance to the knockout stages.
Wednesday Euro 2020 Matches: What to Watch
Wednesday’s Euro 2020 schedule is packed with high-stakes encounters. Here’s a breakdown of the key matches and what to expect:
Slovakia vs Spain
Spain finds themselves in a precarious position in Group E. After two draws, La Roja desperately needs a win against Slovakia to guarantee their spot in the next round. Slovakia, on the other hand, surprised many with their opening win but face a formidable Spanish side.
Team News: Slovakia will be without Ivan Schranz again, and defender Denis Vavro is also out after a positive coronavirus test. However, Spain receives a massive boost with the return of captain Sergio Busquets, who is set to feature after recovering from COVID-19. Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Alcantara, and Mikel Oyarzabal are also in contention to start, giving Spain fresh options.
What’s at Stake: For Spain, anything less than a win could see them facing an early exit from the tournament, a shocking outcome for a team with their pedigree. Slovakia, currently on three points, knows that a draw might be enough to see them through as one of the best third-placed teams, but a victory would secure automatic qualification.
Sweden vs Poland
In another Group E clash, Sweden takes on Poland. Sweden has impressed so far and is already in a strong position to qualify, while Poland needs a victory to keep their Euro 2020 dreams alive.
Team News: Poland is sweating over the fitness of Southampton defender Jan Bednarek (muscle) and Brighton midfielder Jakub Moder (knee). Their availability will be crucial for Poland’s defensive and midfield stability. Sweden has injury concerns of their own with midfielders Albin Ekdal and Mattias Svanberg both doubtful.
What’s at Stake: Sweden has already secured at least a third-place finish and is virtually assured of a spot in the last 16. However, a win against Poland would guarantee them top spot in Group E. For Poland, this is a must-win game. After a disappointing start, their draw against Spain has given them a lifeline, and they will be desperate to capitalize on it. As goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny stated, “You play for your life, and I think that can help us.”
Germany vs Hungary
Moving to the highly competitive Group F, Germany will face Hungary. After a dominant win against Portugal, Germany is looking to solidify their qualification, while Hungary, despite being underdogs, has shown they can compete with the best.
Team News: Germany has good news as Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan have returned to training, bolstering their squad. However, Thomas Mueller’s participation remains uncertain. Hungary will be relieved that their captain Adam Szalai is fit to play after a head injury scare in their previous match against France.
What’s at Stake: Germany can secure qualification with a win or even a draw, depending on the result of the Portugal vs France match. Hungary, after a draw against France, still has a chance to qualify, but they will likely need to win against Germany to guarantee progress. This match is a rematch of the famous 1954 World Cup final, adding historical significance to this encounter.
Portugal vs France
The highlight of Wednesday’s Euro 2020 fixtures is undoubtedly the clash between Portugal and France. This is a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, and both teams are packed with world-class talent. Portugal needs to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Germany, while France will aim to secure the top spot in the group.
Team News: France will be without Ousmane Dembele, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury. Portugal has fitness concerns over Joao Felix and Nuno Mendes, but Joao Moutinho and Renato Sanches are both in contention to start, providing coach Fernando Santos with midfield options.
What’s at Stake: France is already guaranteed to reach the last 16. However, winning the group is still a priority to potentially secure a more favorable knockout draw. Portugal needs at least a draw to increase their chances of qualifying for the last 16, either automatically or as one of the best third-placed teams. A defeat could put their qualification hopes in serious jeopardy. As Pepe emphasized, Portugal needs to rediscover their combative spirit: “We need to be what we have always been, a very combative team which plays with solidarity.”
Cristiano Ronaldo leading the Portugal national team during a Euro 2020 match, preparing to face France in a crucial group stage game.
Qualification Scenarios: Who Needs What?
The final round of group games is set to determine the fate of several teams. Here’s a quick look at the qualification scenarios:
- Group E: Sweden is already through. Slovakia needs a point against Spain to be virtually assured of qualification. Spain needs to win to guarantee qualification. Poland needs to beat Sweden to have a chance to progress, likely needing to finish second.
- Group F: France is already through. Germany, Portugal, and Hungary all have a chance to qualify. The results of Germany vs Hungary and Portugal vs France will determine the final standings and who progresses automatically or as a best third-placed team.
Datawrapper content regarding group standings and permutations was embedded in the original article. While I cannot directly embed interactive Datawrapper content in this markdown format, I will mention that up-to-date group standings and qualification scenarios are readily available on sports news websites like Sky Sports.
Key Stats to Know
- Spain has drawn both of their Euro 2020 matches so far, mirroring Portugal’s Euro 2016 campaign where they drew all three group games and went on to win the tournament.
- Sweden has a strong historical record against Poland, winning nine of their last 11 encounters.
- Matches between Sweden and Poland are known for goals – none of the previous 26 have ended goalless.
- Portugal has struggled against France historically, winning only one of their last 13 matches, the Euro 2016 final.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored against France in his international career, despite playing them six times.
- Germany is aiming to avoid consecutive group stage exits in major tournaments after their World Cup 2018 disappointment.
Wojciech Szczesny Poland Euro 2020
Poland’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny focused during Euro 2020, highlighting Poland’s must-win situation against Sweden to advance in the tournament.
Other Euro 2020 News
Away from the pitch, Euro 2020 has seen its share of controversies. UEFA rejected a request to light up the Munich stadium in rainbow colors for the Germany vs Hungary match, a gesture intended to protest a new law in Hungary concerning LGBTQ+ content in schools. UEFA offered alternative dates for the illumination but cited the political context of the request as the reason for refusal on match day.
However, UEFA did drop an investigation into Germany captain Manuel Neuer’s rainbow armband, worn in support of the LGBT+ community, acknowledging it as a symbol of diversity and not a political statement. UEFA is also investigating potential discriminatory incidents during Hungary’s matches in Budapest.
Conclusion
Today’s Euro 2020 matches are pivotal, promising drama, excitement, and potentially some surprises. Who is playing in the Euros today? The answer is some of the biggest names in European football, in matches that will decide who progresses to the knockout stages and who goes home. Football fans around the world will be glued to their screens to witness these crucial encounters. Stay tuned for live updates and results as the drama unfolds!
