receiving a two-match ban for using a megaphone to join supporters in nationalist chants after Albania’s draw with Croatia.
Spain XI, based upon Luis de la Fuente’s press conference yesterday, in which his comments suggested that there would not be sweeping changes.
There’s a lot at stake tomorrow – there’s prestige, recognition and we want to keep improving. We’ll approach this game as we have all the others, as if it’s the last. Of course, we have a game plan for the players we feel are apt for this game. We’re only focusing on winning because we want to win every game.
The last thing we want is injuries. We’re only focused on sending out the best players for our game plan. Of course, you might say this player is rested or that one is rested, but this is a tournament with seven games. We can’t worry about injuries or suspensions.
Spain team! A whopping 10 changes from the XI that started in the last match against Italy! Ten!Albania fail to beat Spain, it should be said, England qualify for the last 16, at least as a third-placed team.Albania win and Italy triumph tonight with the right/wrong goal swing.
Here’s how Group B stands going into the final game. As per all final group games Albania v Spain and Italy v Croatia are running concurrently, both a 8pm BST/9pm CET kick-off.
As mentioned, Italy could finish top, they could fail to qualify if Albania and Croatia both win. Italy, Albania or Croatia could still have a chance of qualifying if they fail to finish at least second in becoming one of the four best third-placed teams. As per Uefa, the four best third-placed teams across the six groups are determined, in the order given, by the following criteria:
1) Higher number of points
2) Goal difference
3) Goals scored
4) Higher number of wins
5) Lower disciplinary record
6) Position in the overall European Qualifiers rankings
Confused? Don’t be, I’ll guide you through it as we go. But the basic point to remember, in this group at least, it’s (nearly) all up for grabs.
Kick-off: 8pm BST/9pm CET.
Source: theguardian.com
