The Copa America takes a short, two-day hiatus before the semifinals, but the EURO 2016 group stage marches on into the final round today.
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Group A gets things started as teams have one more final gasp at making the expanded knockout stage field. With nobody officially eliminated from play just yet thanks to a number of third placed teams set to advance, teams will be playing for their tournament lives, and that always makes for must-watch TV.
With France atop the group and a perfect 2-of-2, the hosts still have not completely convinced their home fans they have the firepower to be true favorites moving forward. Aside from the magical Dimitri Payet, the attack has been spotty at best, as three of their four tournament goals have come in the 89th minute or later.
Switzerland is assured of a top-3 finish in the group and is likely in an advancing position already with four points, but they would clinch a runner-up finish in the group with a draw, and would win the group outright with a win. They’re battling with Romania and Albania who both sit in much more dire positions.
Essential Reading: The AP lays out why Switzerland will be extra motivated to take down the hosts...speaking of hosting the Euros, the French are worried about pitch conditions after heavy rains across the country.
ICYMI: Cristiano Ronaldo had himself one of those days against Austria as the Portuguese limped to a 0-0 draw...Iceland impressed again but was pegged back late in 1-1 draw with Hungary...Setting the stage for Euro 2016 group stage finales.
EURO 2016, Game 25: France vs. Switzerland
When: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
Where: Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille
Live updates: NBCSports.com
These two teams were also in the same group in the 2014 World Cup, and Switzerland will be looking to exact revenge for a humbling 5-2 defeat in that competition at the hands of the French. Both teams advanced from that group two years ago, and they are in a similar situation here. France is already moving on to the knockout stage for sure, and the Swiss can also guarantee themselves a place with a draw, while they could snatch the top spot in the group with a win. Switzerland will still almost certainly move on despite a loss, but it might affect where they end up in the bracket.
EURO 2016, Game 25: Romania vs. Albania
When: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
Where: Parc Olympic Lyonnais in Lyon
Live updates: NBCSports.com
Much more is on the line in this match as Romania and Albania fight for their lives. A win for either team would clinch third place in the group, but there are no guarantees that come along with that - although Romania would almost certainly advance should they pull out all three points. With Romania sitting on just a single point and Albania still looking for its first result, a draw does neither team any good, so expect them both to go for it. The Albanians have impressed so far, and an upset most certainly could be on the cards here.