Italy v Portugal, Austria v Germany: Group A preview
Saturday, July 16, 2016
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Italy and Portugal could both progress with a score draw but each will go for victory on Sunday while Austria's Xaver Schlager knows only a win will do against eliminated Germany.
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- Standings: Portugal 4pts, Italy 4, Austria 2, Germany 0
- How ties are broken (Article 17)
- Win would take Portugal or Italy through in first place
- A score draw other than 1-1 would take Portugal and Italy through (Portugal in first place)
- Portugal are through with any draw
- Austria must win to have any chance and would finish first ahead of Portugal if the other game ends 0-0
- If Austria win by any score other than 1-0 and the other game ends 1-1, Portugal and Austria go through
- If Austria win 1-0 and the other game ends 1-1, Austria and Italy are split for second place by disciplinary record then drawing of lots
- Austria would go into Thursday's FIFA U-20 World Cup play-off with a draw
- Germany are out but a win would take them into the FIFA U-20 World Cup play-off
Italy v Portugal (Stadion auf der Waldau, Stuttgart, 19:30CEST)
Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli believes his side's resilient display to secure a draw against Austria on Thursday is "a great sign" ahead of meeting Portugal. "We did well to claw it back which shows that we have character and team spirit," he said. "We managed to create a lot more chances than against Germany, which is a great sign for the rest of this European Championship."
Portugal face "a very difficult game against Italy" according to coach Emilio Peixe, who masterminded the dramatic 4-3 win to knock out hosts Germany on Thursday. "Italy work hard and will try to wear us down. We know them well and are prepared to approach the game in the same way: to win."
- Will miss semi-final/World Cup play-off with booking: Francesco Cassata, Patrick Cutrone, Manuel Locatelli (Italy); Asumah Ankrah, João Carvalho, Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Rodrigues, Buta (Portugal)
Austria v Germany (Stadion an der Kreuzeiche, Reutlingen, 19:30CEST)
It is a "simple situation" for Austria on Sunday, midfielder Xaver Schlager told UEFA.com. "We have to win to stay in the tournament. I think we're capable of that and that we'll do it. Germany are a huge nation with fantastic players so it'll be tough for us, but we need to keep our shape and then score."
Germany midfielder Benjamin Henrichs, meanwhile, is expecting a tough test against neighbours Austria. "I definitely think you could describe it as a derby," he said. "We need to give it our all and make sure we win. Austria have taken points against teams that we haven't, so they're a really good side. It'll be a tight game."
- Suspended: Stefan Petic (Austria)
- Will miss semi-final/World Cup play-off with booking: Xaver Schlager, Maximilian Wöber, Benjamin Kaufmann, Marco Krainz (Austria); Gino Fechner, Benjamin Henrichs, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Philipp Ochs, Suat Serdar (Germany)