Sunday: Germany v Czechs, Denmark v Italy
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Article summary
Germany have started "raising the tension" ahead of their opener against Czech Republic, with Denmark "absolutely confident" of a fast start against Italy in Krakow.
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How can I follow the games on UEFA.com?
UEFA.com reporters will be at both of Sunday's Group C fixtures, with live analysis, photos, minute-by-minute commentary and reaction in the build-up right through to and even after the full-time whistle. Also, check out the extensive coverage on Twitter (@UEFAUnder21) and Facebook (@under21).
Follow here: Germany v Czech Republic (kick-off: 18:00CET)
Follow here: Denmark v Italy (kick-off: 20:45CET)
GERMANY V CZECH REPUBLIC
When and where?
After drawing in the group stage in 2015, Germany and the Czech Republic meet again two years later, kicking off Group C in Tychy on Sunday.
Knowledge to impress your friends
Germany found the net a stunning 35 times in qualifying, more than any other side, and were the only team to progress to the final tournament with a 100% record.
Who said what?
Stefan Kuntz, Germany coach: "Tonight we'll finish our opposition analysis and then it's about raising the tension and getting the players into concentration mode. The way this tournament's format works, there's no time for starting slowly. If you have that attitude, you'll lose ground. All our players are fit and ready to play. I have the starting line-up made up in my mind. Max Meyer and Niklas Stark are both able to play, so we don't need to reshuffle."
Vítězslav Lavička, Czech Republic coach: "Everyone is beatable. We respect our opponents of course, but we're going to keep same spirit and unity as we had in qualifying, and go out to get the best result we can, whether we're playing Germany or not."
How did the teams qualify?
Germany: Group 7 winners (P10 W10 D0 L0 F35 A8)
Czech Republic:Group 1 winners (P10 W7 D2 L1 F29 A10)
How can I watch the game?
In Germany: ARD, ZDF, Sport1
In Czech Republic: Czech TV
The full list of broadcast partners is available here. Games will also be streamed live on UEFA.com and UEFA.tv in some territories.
DENMARK V ITALY
When and where?
Denmark face a stiff test in their opening encounter against Italy in historic Krakow as they start their quest to surpass their run to the semi-finals in 2015.
Knowledge to impress your friends
Denmark and Italy were the meanest sides in qualifying, conceding just three goals each in ten group fixtures played, while registering seven clean sheets apiece. England's goals-against tally was also three but from eight matches.
Who said what?
Niels Frederiksen, Denmark coach: "We're aware that Italy are a strong team, but we've prepared as best we can for this game. We've studied all of their players, but this isn't a guarantee of victory. We'll try to do our best and I'm absolutely confident. Italy have great quality in attack. We expect all the players to be available, though two have had a stomach problem."
Luigi Di Biagio, Italy coach: "All the players are focused on what they have to do and the are very motivated. The game against Denmark is the most important because it's crucial to start well with this tournament formula."
How did the teams qualify?
Denmark: Group 5 winners (P10 W9 D1 L0 F24 A3)
Italy: Group 2 winners (P10 W7 D3 L0 F17 A3)
How can I watch the game?
In Denmark: Discovery
In Italy: RAI
The full list of broadcast partners is available here. Games will also be streamed live on UEFA.com and UEFA.tv in some territories.