Five games is the perfect way to brighten up your Monday, right?
[ LIVE: Follow EURO 2016 ]
Reigning European champs Spain kick things off against the Czech Republic, while a clash between the Republic of Ireland and Sweden is followed by the heavyweight encounter of Belgium versus Italy.
[ LIVE: Follow Copa America 2016 ]
In Copa America play Mexico and Venezuela scrap for top spot in Group C, while Uruguay and Jamaica square off with nothing on the line as both have already been eliminated.
Essential reading: Brazil knocked out of Copa America after late handball goal from Peru… England and Russia threatened with disqualification due to violence
ICYMI: Germany beat Ukraine 2-0 to start their EURO 2016 campaign… Poland and Croatia record narrow wins to win EURO openers
EURO 2016, Game 8: Spain vs. Czech Republic
When: Monday, 9 a.m. ET
Where: Stade Municipal, Toulouse
Live updates: NBCSports.com
The two-time reigning champs get their campaign off and running with a tricky test against the Czechs. Vicente del Bosque left the likes of Diego Costa and Fernando Torres at home, while the controversy surrounding David De Gea rumbles on. Hardly idea preparations. Spain should beat the Czech Republic but they came through a tough group to reach EURO 2016. Plus, with Petr Cech in goal they’ll always have a chance of shutting the opponent out and grabbing a goal on the break.
EURO 2016, Game 9: Republic of Ireland vs. Sweden
When: Monday, 12 p.m. ET
Where: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Live updates: NBCSports.com
The Irish have arrived and have high hopes despite being drawn in a ridiculous tough Group D with Germany, Ukraine and Sweden. Shane Long will be Martin O’Neill’s main attacking threat and they will look to keep things tight and feed balls in-behind for Long to latch onto. Sweden will take a very similar approach, staying solid and getting the ball to talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic as much as possible.
EURO 2016, Game 10: Belgium vs. Italy
When: Monday, 3 p.m. ET
Where: Parc Olympique Lyonnias, Lyon
Live updates: NBCSports.com
A mouth-watering clash awaits in Lyon as many people’s dark horses collide. Belgium have been world No. 1 up until recently and have a squad packed with talent. Overcoming Vincent Kompany‘s injury will be key but in attack the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku et al. will be tough to stop for opponents. Italy will be tough to break down under Antonio Conte and their stingy defense is led by 38-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Copa America, Game 21: Mexico vs. Venezuela
When: Monday, 8 p.m. ET
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
Live updates: NBCSports.com
With both Mexico and Venezuela already qualified for the quarterfinals, this is a straight-shot for the Group C crown. With their superior goal-difference, a draw will see Mexico finish top and set up an counter with either Chile or Panama in the last eight.
Copa America, Game 22: Uruguay vs. Jamaica
When: Monday, 10 p.m. ET
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Live updates: NBCSports.com
To call this game a dead-rubber is a bit of an understatement. Uruguay and Jamaica have already been dumped out after two defeats to open up Copa America play and Luis Suarez is out injured for Uruguay once again.
