The knockout rounds bracket for EURO 2016 will be set after Wednesday’s play concludes, as will Argentina’s opponent for the Copa America Centenario final (as well as the USMNT’s enemy in the third place game).
[ LIVE: Follow Copa America 2016 ]
Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic could say goodbye to the tournament with losing performances on Wednesday, and for Ibra it would be the final international of his career.
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Essential reading: The morning after: Boiling down the U.S. loss to Argentina. … The Yanks admitted they were blown away by Argentina’s game. …
ICYMI: Ronaldo threw a reporter’s microphone into a lake. … Here are nine different angles of Messi’s goal. … Three things we learned from USMNT-Argentina & player ratings.
EURO 2016, Game 33: Iceland vs. Austria
When: Wednesday, Noon ET
Where: Stade de France in Saint-Denis
Live updates: NBCSports.com
Historic draws could be undone if Iceland loses to Austria on Wednesday, but the latter side could be reeling after cruising through qualifying and earning the dark horse label only to pick up a lone point through two games. A draw would be enough to ensure at least third place for Iceland. Austria needs to win.
EURO 2016, Game 34: Hungary vs. Portugal
When: Wednesday, Noon ET
Where: Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon
Live updates: NBCSports.com
Hungary is onto the knockout rounds, while Portugal’s fate is far from settled heading into the match against its stubborn opponents. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side has been flustered with just two points, and he’ll face the Leicester-like tactics and efficiency of Hungary.
EURO 2016, Game 35: Italy vs. Ireland
When: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET
Where: Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq
Live updates: NBCSports.com
Italy is through after beating Belgium and Sweden, while Ireland is still seeking the win that would lift them above the other two teams in the group. Irish assistant manager Roy Keane has cautioned that his side will do anything to get by, and Italy knows a thing or two about chippy play, too. Expect fireworks.
EURO 2016, Game 36: Sweden vs. Belgium
When: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET
Where: Allianz Riviera in Nice
Live updates: NBCSports.com
A draw won’t be enough to put Sweden in the top third-place teams, so Zlatan and company will need to go for it against a Belgium side that would do well to close up shop (but probably won’t).
Copa America, Game 30: Chile vs. Colombia
When: Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Soldier Field in Chicago
Live updates: NBCSports.com
The reigning champs are coming off a 7-0 thumping of Mexico while Colombia needed kicks to get past Peru. We’d still expect an electric atmosphere and equally charged run of play between these two. Must watch status = close to achieved.
