Preview of today’s Euro 2016 matches

France vs Republic of Ireland

In Lyon, France will need to overcome the Republic of Ireland if they are to go deeper in this competition. With players who can make the difference at any moment, the hosts will start as favourites. However, they will have to guard against complacency after Ireland showed many times that they can cause an upset. The last one was their victory against the Italians.

These two teams met in sixteen previous encounters. France won six of such matches, while the Irish won four. The remaining six matches ended up in a draw.

The referee of this match will be Nicola Rizzoli from Italy

Germany vs Slovakia

At 6 p.m., the world champions will have what many are considering as an easy test against the Slovakians who qualified as one of the best 3rd place teams. Yet, with player such as Hamsik, Slovakia can cause an upset against a German team who is yet to show its full potential.

­Both sides played against each in not less than twenty eight matches. The Germans won seventeen of these matches, whereas Slovakia won six . The other five matches ended up in a draw.

This match will be controlled by Szymon Marciniak from the Polish federation.

Hungary vs Belgium

The last match will involve Hungary and Belgium. Belgium started with a 2-0 setback against Italy, but gained momentum with two back to back wins against Sweden and Ireland. On the other hand, Hungary are showing that they are a side that can challenge every team after making it through to this phase without losing a match.

History favours Belgium after managing to beat Hungary eight times, while the Hungarians won three matches. Two other matches ended up in a draw.

The referee of this match will be Milorad Mažić from Serbia.