Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

EURO 2016, Copa America Today: Italy, Spain look to advance; Colombia aims for semis

Italy v Sweden - Group E: UEFA Euro 2016

TOULOUSE, FRANCE - JUNE 17: A body painted Sweeden supporter enjoys the pre match atmosphere prior to the UEFA EURO 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden at Stadium Municipal on June 17, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Getty Images

One of two CONMEBOL teams will advance to the semifinals of Copa America Centenario, while two legendary national teams hope to clinch a berth in the next round of EURO 2016 on Friday.

[ LIVE: Follow EURO 2016 ]

Peru and Colombia vie for a berth in the semis on the other side of the bracket from the United States men’s national team when they mix up in New Jersey at 8 p.m. ET.

That’ll come after Italy, Spain and Croatia aim for second round berths with wins in France.

[ LIVE: Follow Copa America 2016 ]


Essential reading: A recap of the United States’ 2-1 win over Ecuador, as well as 3 things we learned from the win and player ratings.

ICYMI: Even Gigi Buffon is scared of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.


EURO 2016, Game 19: Italy vs. Sweden

When: Friday, 9 a.m. ET

Where: Stadium de Toulouse

Live updates: NBCSports.com

Gli Azzurri looked terrific in an opening win over Belgium, while Sweden needed an own goal to get a draw with Ireland. That obviously puts the stress a bit more on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s crew, who has a mighty task in breaking down Antonio Conte’s Italy.


EURO 2016, Game 20: Czech Republic vs. Croatia

When: Friday, Noon ET

Where: Stade Geoffrey Guichard, Saint-Etienne

Live updates: NBCSports.com

Croatia can clinch a second round berth by getting the better of Petr Cech and the Czech Republic, who gave up an 87th minute goal to Gerard Pique in Spain in the group stage opener.


EURO 2016, Game 21: Spain vs. Turkey

When: Friday, 3 p.m. ET

Where: Stade de Nice

Live updates: NBCSports.com

Spain’s possession game worked well against the Czechs, but it would love to get some early goals against desperate Turkey. Winning Group D keeps Spain in the driver’s seat for a third-straight EURO title.


Copa America, Game 26: Peru vs Colombia

When: Friday, 8 p.m. ET

Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Live updates: NBCSports.com

Colombia’s much-weakened lineup stumbled against Costa Rica, costing them Group A, but Los Cafeteros won’t mind too much having avoided Argentina’s side of the bracket while scoring a match with surprising Peru.

Colombia won a 2-0 decision at home in 2018 World Cup qualifying, and the two sides drew 0-0 at last year’s Copa America. The winner of this All-CONMEBOL match-up, one of two in the knockout rounds, gets either Chile or Mexico in the semifinal.

Follow @NicholasMendola