Sweden vs Belgium Euro 2016 preview: What time does it start, where can I watch it live?
A look ahead to the crucial Group E fixture
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Belgium only need a draw to guarantee second place. If they lose and the Republic of Ireland beat Italy, Belgium are out.
Sweden will go through with a win and will secure second, unless Ireland beat Italy by three goals or more. Sweden are out if they lose. A Sweden draw combined with an Irish win would also see the Scandinavians go out.
It’s a big game for…
Eden Hazard
The Chelsea man was much improved in Belgium’s 3-0 win over Ireland, laying on a goal for Romelu Lukaku. Yet, for a man who has pretensions of joining the ranks of the elite few players in the sport, Hazard needs to shine at a major tournament.
A disappointing 2014 World Cup was followed by an inexplicably listless season last year at Stamford Bridge. Hazard suddenly looked the best player in the Premier League again for the last few games of the season – can he reproduce that form here?
Best stat…
Kevin De Bruyne is enjoying a rich vein of form for his country, contributing a goal or an assist in each of his last ten games.
Player to watch…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
Who else? On Tuesday, the mercurial Swede announced he will retire from international football after Euro 2016. In truth, Ibrahimovic has only sparkled occasionally at major tournaments over the years. It would be a shame if he went out with a whimper here, after two quiet displays so far. Something similar to the 20 yard bicycle kick he scored against France in Sweden’s closing group game four years ago would do nicely.
Premier League interest…
Sweden (1): Sebastian Larsson
Belgium (11) Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Simon Mignolet, Divock Origi, Mousa Dembélé, Christian Benteke
Past meetings…
Sweden 0 Belgium 2 (Lukaku, Hazard) Friendly, 2014
Belgium 2 (Goor, Mpenza) Sweden 1 (Mjallby) Euro 2000
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: 8pm
TV: Live on ITV4
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