Absent from the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004, 2008 and 2012, the dimension of the royal selection increase sharply. Driven by a generation of exceptional players (Hazard, Kompany, De Bruyne, Courtois ...), operating in the biggest clubs, Belgium is placed back on the chessboard of world football. At the point of becoming, in recent weeks, first team in the Fifa rankings. Outsiders to the 2014 World Cup, where they fell with honors against the future Argentine finalist in the quarterfinals (1-0), the "Red Devils" and their coach, the former Bordeaux Marc Wilmots, figures favorite for Euro 2016. "Our goal in the Euro? Win, "does not hesitate to proclaim Eden Hazard.
Quick facts
5th participation at Euro
Best result in the Euro: Final (1980)
Coach: Marc Wilmots
Playoff Record: #1, Group B
Italy
"Italy always answers present in the major events." This refrain, rehashed before every major competition, is no longer valid. Recently, the "Azzurri" is rather roller coaster. Since their fourth planetary coronation (2006), the Transalpine thus alternating quarter-final (2008), two pitiful eliminations (2010, 2014) and final (2012). If they continue on this path, players of Antonio Conte should shine in France this summer ... "We will not be favorites, but I intend to work to create a small war machine," commented the coach at the end of a smoothly conducted qualifying campaign (zero defeat). So yes, this lack of madness Italy (16 small goals). Yes its renewal is painfully, like the case of Andrea Pirlo (retired then recalled). But with his strong stand "made in Juventus" (Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, Marchisio), the Nazionale has the weapons to bounce. Once again.
Quick facts
9th participation in the Euro
Best result in the Euro: winner (1968)
Coach Antonio Conte
Playoff Record: #1, Group H
Sweden
In a CNN interview, Zlatan Ibrahimovic set the scene. It will mark the Euro. It will be "highly acclaimed by the public, more than the France team." The PSG star scored (11 goals in 12 matches, 1 assist, only the Polish Robert Lewandowski, 13 in 10 games, has done better) over half goals from Sweden (19) during the playoffs. A group in which figures Kim Källström. Ibrahimovic, top scorer in the history of the Swedish selection (62 goals in 111 caps, the first dating from 2001), throughout the campaign (author of the double qualification), paid himself not to miss the appointment. In 2012, Sweden was eliminated in the group stage but had dominated France (2-0) in the closing Group D with a goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The reference to the Swedish selection remains the semifinals hanging by Brolin, Dhalin, Ravelli in 1992 before the 3rd place at the 1994 World Cup.
Quick facts
6th participation at Euro
Best result in the Euro: semi-final (1992)
Coach: Erik Hamrén
Playoff Record: #3, Group G
Republic of Ireland
Robbie Keane (35 years, 143 caps, 67 goals; the first green cloak from March 1998), is part of the symbol of the selection. LA Galaxy striker proved indispensable during the playoffs (9 matches, 5 goals and 2 assists). With him, Shay Given (39 years, 133 selections, the first cape in 1996), goalkeeper Stoke City, embodies the story of a team led by Martin O'Neill that Roy Keane as his assistant. Ireland was illustrated in 1988 by starting its first Euro with a victory against England (before a draw against the USSR and a narrow defeat to the Netherlands, the two eventual finalists); two years later, the selection conducted by Jack Charlton lost in the final of the Italian World Cup quarterfinal against the host country. In 2012, at the last Euro, Ireland had spend 3 defeats (Spain, Italy, Croatia) and only one goal scored.
Quick facts
3rd participation at Euro
Best result in the Euro: group stage (1988, 2012)
Coach: Martin O'Neill
Playoff Record: #3, Group D
Our pronostics:
#1: Belgium
#2: Italy
#3: Sweden
#4: Republic of Ireland
