Group E
Sweden v Belgium | Allianz Riviera, Nice
Italy v Ireland | Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d’Ascq
Sweden 0-1 Belgium
Radja Nainggolan (84’)
Italy 0-1 Ireland
Robbie Brady (85’)
When a draw is fine for the favorites, there is a worry that goals will become scarce. Italy were group winners coming into the final match day, and regardless of the outcome, they will be in the same position they started.
Belgium, Sweden, and Rep. Ireland had everything to play for in the final Group E match of the 2016 European Championship.
Italy was on top with 6 points, Belgium was right behind them with 3 points and Sweden and Ireland completed the table with 1 point each. A draw was fine for Belgium, but Sweden and Ireland would only survive with a win. The only way Belgium will be eliminated from the competition will be a loss to Sweden of 2 or more goals and a win for Ireland. Mathematically, all teams in Group E had a chance of making it to the knockout stage.
The match had less importance for the Italians. They could afford to rest their starters and give their reserve players opportunities to get some international caps and experience. This was to Rep. Ireland advantage, as a win would see them into the knockout stage.
Belgium have won back-to-back games at the EUROs for the first time. ? #BEL #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/8B96veG5IS
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 23, 2016
The Republic of Ireland have reached the knockout stages of the EUROs for the first time! #IRL #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/JfIw3E8bkB
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 23, 2016
Both matches ended 1-1. The goals were scored less than a minute apart, and both goals were arguably against the run of play. Radja Nainggolan gave Belgium the lead in the 84th minute with a strike from outside the box, and a few seconds later, Robbie Brady gave the Republic of Ireland the lead against Italy in the 85th minute. It was the first goal the Italians have conceded in this tournament
Sweden is eliminated as the only winless side in Group E. No team was able to stay undefeated in the group.
Italy, Belgium, and Republic of Ireland continue their stay in France.
| Group E | |||||||
| Team | Played | Win | Loss | Draw | GF | GA | Points |
| Italy | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| Belgium | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Rep. Ireland | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Sweden | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
