Euro Cup:: Italy and Wales sail into the pre-quarterfinals

Topping the table in Group A, Italy became first team in the tournament to book a place in the knock out stage. Continued with unbeaten records in group matches, Italy beats Wales in the last group matches on Sunday. However, despite the defeat, Wales held on to 2nd place in the table ahead of Switzerland with better goal difference and qualified for pre- quarterfinals. Matteo Pessina netted the only goal of the match in first half for the winning team.

Wales’s task became tough when defender Ethan Amado was shown red card for a foul while tackling with Federico. And they had to face the tough Italians with 10 men on the ground. They made all out efforts to finish the game on level. But skipper Gareth Bale missed the golden chance. A free-kick was headed to him near the goal post but his shot crossed over the bar. With 7 goals in the ongoing tournament, Azzurri’s side matched their best ever tally from the 1998 World Cup after three group stage matches at a major tournament.

In another Group A clash, Switzerland beat Turkey 3-1.  Although Wales and Switzerland finished the table with same 4 points but the Swiss team placed behind Wales on goal difference. Switzerland has still chance to advance to the last 16 as one of the four best 3rd placed teams. Italy will now face runners-up of Group C next on June 26 while Wales will take on the runners-up of Group B on the same day.