Euro 2016 Qualifying: Live Stream Info, Match Times and Predictions for Sunday
There was a worry that when the qualifying criteria was expanded for the 2016 European Championships, it would dilute the competitive nature of the tournament. But throughout the group matches thus far, the supposed middle-tier nations have upped their game and we consequently have a few fascinating races to sample as teams battle for their spot at the France showpiece.
After some engrossing contests on Friday and Saturday, Sunday’s clashes are arguably the finest of the lot. The standout game will see the Republic of Ireland host Group D leaders Poland in what should be a magnificent occasion, but there are plenty of others to savour if that doesn’t tickle your fancy.
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Here’s a look at the full list of fixtures to take in on Sunday, the teams that look poised to come out on top and a closer examination of a couple of the key games.
| Group D | |||
| 5 p.m. | Georgia vs. Germany | 0-3 | ITV Player (UK) |
| 5 p.m. | Scotland vs. Gibraltar | 6-0 | Sky Go (UK) |
| 7:45 p.m. | Republic of Ireland vs. Poland | 2-2 | Sky Go (UK) |
| Group F | |||
| 5 p.m. | Northern Ireland vs. Finland | 2-1 | Sky Go (UK) |
| 5 p.m. | Romania vs. Faroe Islands | 3-0 | Sky Go (UK) |
| 7:45 p.m. | Hungary vs. Greece | 2-1 | Sky Go (UK) |
| Group I | |||
| 5 p.m. | Albania vs. Armenia | 1-1 | Sky Go (UK) |
| 7:45 p.m. | Portugal vs. Serbia | 2-0 | Sky Go (UK) |
Republic of Ireland vs. Poland
The Aviva Stadium is poised to be a cauldron of noise for this vital encounter between Ireland and Poland, which will be crucial to determining the fates of both teams.
The visitors are currently top of Group D, three points ahead of world champions Germany. The men in green and Scotland are both in hot pursuit; a win for the Republic here would push them right back into contention to qualify.
However, there’s a sense that this is a must-win match for Ireland. They suffered a defeat to Scotland in their most recent encounter, and another loss here would potentially cut them adrift ahead of the Tartan Army's visit to Dublin for what’ll be a massive fixture in June.
Manager Martin O’Neill believes home advantage could be key to his team’s hopes, per BBC Sport:
"Naturally, we are at home and the onus is on us to try to get forward and try to win the game, and that is what we are going to try to do.
But there are a number of games left in the competition. It is a tough old group we are in, but we are going for it.
"
Poland are tough opposition too. Not only are they a cohesive side that seem to have developed an underpinning fortitude during this qualifying campaign, but they also have a sprinkling of attacking class. Their biggest threat undoubtedly comes in the form of Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski.
Here’s a look at the kind of threat he can pose:
Ireland are a tough nut to crack at home, and if they play with the kind of endeavour that saw them nick a point away in Germany, they should avoid defeat here. But Poland are savvy operators, and in Lewandowski, they have a player capable of conjuring a moment of magic out of nothing. As such, expect an entertaining score draw between these two.
Portugal vs. Serbia
After undergoing a spell of seismic transition, Portugal can reclaim top spot in Group I if they beat a very capable Serbia side at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.
The visitors are in desperate need of a win, as they sit five points behind Fernando Santos’ side. They were deducted three points following the controversial scenes that marred their match with Albania, and a loss here would see them potentially left behind in the race to secure an automatic qualifying spot.
They have a host of quality players that could help to a positive result however. As noted by WhoScored.com earlier this season, Chelsea’s imperious holding midfielder Nemanja Matic is the kind of talent who’ll be vital when playing away from home up against illustrious opposition:
Portugal seem to be turning things around slowly under Santos, though. They beat Argentina in a friendly at Old Trafford last time out, showcasing some major improvements from the previous regime. Indeed, the Seleccao have won their last three games ahead of this important qualifier.
They boast one of the best players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo too. But at club level, he’s been suffering something of a lull in form as of late. Santos will be hoping a switch to international colours will allow Ronaldo to shed some of the shackles that have hampered him recently at Real Madrid.
As noted here by Squawka, the 30-year-old’s great rival Lionel Messi has eclipsed him in every facet since the turn of the year:
Portugal should have enough to get the job done in this one. Serbia have some classy individuals but have struggled to accrue any fluency to their play as of late. As such, a rejuvenated Seleccao on home soil will be too strong for them.
