Who Wales are likely to play in Euro 2020 knockouts as draw could open up
' WELSH FANS DREAMING '
Thursday 17th June 2021
Euro 2020 is a complicated formula for the knockout stages, but we take a look at what's in store for Gareth Bale and his Wales team
Wales' 2-0 Euro 2020 triumph over Turkey has got fans dreaming of the knockout stages again.
But just how far can Gareth Bale and his team go this time, having marched to the semi-finals in France five years ago?
Back then they had perhaps the kindest last 16 draw of the lot, a clash with Northern Ireland in Paris, before overcoming the daunting Belgians in the quarter-finals in Lille.
Because of the nature of the draw this time, Wales could have the rub of the green once more as a path opens up again - certainly in comparison to England, who are likely to face one of favourites France, holders Portugal or old foe Germany in the last 16.
This is what's in store for Wales.
Last 16
As things stand, Wales look as if they will finish runners-up in Group A behind Italy.
They have a three point advantage over Switzerland, who are third, but significantly a much superior goal difference too.
Even if Wales lose their last group game to the Azzurri in Rome on Sunday night, the Swiss would need to thrash Turkey to overcome a five-goal advantage Wales currently have.
Italy have already qualified and only need a point to finish top, with Roberto Mancini likely to rest a number of his leading players ahead of their own planned march through the knockout stages.
But Italy are close to a record unbeaten run and won't want to give that up.
It's looking like second spot for Wales, which would mean a last 16 clash in Amsterdam with the runners-up from Group B - likely to be one of Finland, Russia or Denmark. Belgium are expected to top that group.
Everything was turned on its head with the Finns beating Denmark in the opening clash, meaning it's still to play for between the three nations.
Any of them could go through in second place. An awful lot will hinge on Russia's final game with Denmark.
If Wales beat Italy at the weekend and top their group, unlikely admittedly, they will take on the runners-up in Group C. This is likely to be either Austria or Ukraine, but significantly the game would take place at Wembley, enabling thousands of Welsh fans to travel across the Bridge to roar on their team.
Should Wales lose heavily to Italy, and the Swiss comfortably account for Turkey, then a third place spot for Rob Page's men could mean a daunting last 16 clash against Belgium in Seville, or one of France, Germany or Portugal in Bucharest.
Alternatively, they could face expected Group E winners Spain at Hampden Park.
However, as things stand, it's looking like a 5pm Amsterdam kick-off on Saturday, June 26 against one of Russia, Denmark or Finland. Wales would be involved in the first knockout match.
What then, if they win...
If Wales can burst through to the last eight in that scenario, they would head back to Baku again.
This is where it gets hard to predict, but they would be facing the winners of the third last 16 tie taking place.
This will feature the winners of Group C, probably the Netherlands, versus one of the best third-placed teams.
Holland have already beaten the Ukraine and can be expected to also overcome North Macedonia. So top spot could come down to their game with Austria, which takes place at 8pm this evening.
The Group C winners opponents will be a third placed side. That could yet be a daunting challenge against one of Germany or Portugal from Group F, presuming France finish in the top two.
Or it could be a much easier task against one of Poland, Sweden or Slovakia from Group E, or Croatia or the Czech Republic from Group D. England are expected to win that group, with Scotland in danger of going out.
Wales wouldn't really want to be facing Germany or Portugal, but they'd fancy their chances against the Netherlands or one of the other teams mentioned.
So then...
Semi-final
We really are in dreamland territory here again. However, as we know, Wales did it once before.
So, if they can overcome the obstacles placed in front of them in the last 16 and quarter-finals, who would it be next?
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