International Football: Games to look forward to this week

After an exciting weekend that saw Italy and Belgium knockout Austria and Portugal from the round-of-16 stage of the Euros, respectively, football fans are still in for a treat as international football continues.

We’re taking a quick look at the top games fans should look out for this week, so you can go to your favourite betting website and make predictions of what you feel the outcome would be.

Croatia vs Spain

Spain will be looking to build on their impressive performance in their last match at the Euro 2020 when they take on Croatia in the last-16 stage of the competition on Monday night.

Croatia had a rollercoaster ride qualifying out of the group stages, having managed just one point after their first two games.

However, a 3-1 win over Scotland coupled with England’s 1-0 triumph against the Czech Republic meant Vatreni clinched second spot in Group D behind the Three Lions.

Spain, like Croatia, were also in a tight spot after their opening two fixtures in the group stage. With each of those games ending in a stalemate, the Spaniards needed all three points to guarantee their place in the Round of 16. And Luis Enrique’s charges did exactly that, with a 5-0 trumping of Slovakia confirming their spot at Group E runners-up.

France vs Switzerland

Switzerland will aim to pull off the performance of a lifetime as they prepare to face reigning world champions France at the National Arena in Bucharest.

France came into the tournament as one of the favourites to clinch the trophy. And the hard-fought 1-0 win over Germany in the Group F opener made their intentions known.

But Les Bleus haven’t been at their best since and were held to back-to-back draws by Hungary (1-1) and Portugal (2-2), even though they ended up topping their group.

Switzerland, on the other hand, were off to a lukewarm start in Group A, playing a 1-1 draw with Wales before they were trashed 3-0 by Italy, leaving them with all to do in their final game against Turkey.

They managed to progress to the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams after winning 3-1 against Turkey.

England vs Germany

Old rivals England and Germany renew hostilities at Wembley Stadium in the Round of 16 stage of Euro 2020 on Tuesday evening.

The Three Lions suffered severe criticism after drawing at home with Scotland, but spirits were lifted among Three Lions fans with a more encouraging display against the Czechs in their last group game.

For Germany, it’s not been too impressive either. Apart from their trashing of Portugal in a thrilling 4-2 win, they’ve not really been the team they used to be.

Sweden vs Ukraine

Both sides followed a contrasting route to the last-16 stage, with Sweden finishing first in their group while Ukraine managed to qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.

The Swedes defeated Poland in their final group stage match with a scoreline of 3-2. A win that saw Janne Andersson’s side to top Group E ahead of Spain.

Meanwhile, Ukraine lost their last group game 1-0 to Austria. They ended up qualifying for the knockout stages with just a win, two losses and a negative goal difference.

Bolivia vs Argentina

The international break has been dominated by the Euros, but here’s a Copa America game you should look out for.

Argentina will be looking to secure first position in Group A when they complete their 2021 Copa America group stage campaign against Bolivia.

Cesar Farias’ side have lost all three games in the Copa America so far and are out of contention to progress into the knockout stages.

Argentina, on the other hand, lead Group B with seven points from three games after picking their second consecutive win in the tournament as they beat Paraguay 1-0 last Tuesday.

The result will determine their final standing in the group as Paraguay and Uruguay will also be playing simultaneously.