The French team have been able to shrug-off pressure as tournament hosts by getting better with every game and Dimitri Payet could emerge as the player of tournament.
Payet celebrates a goal for France
With history on the side of the French national team which is hosting to win, Didier Deschamp’s men will be looking forward to bringing back the glory days of success by winning Euro 2016 on home soil.
Recall they won the FIFA World Cup which they hosted in 1998 as well as the European Championships of year 2000 which was also played in the country.
2. Germany – The Germans have not really gotten their rhythm in the tournament so far but have showed flashed in all the matches they have played.
The prowess in the attack of the German team has not been able to produce more than three goals, yet the organisation in the midfield and defence have been formidable and the team is yet to concede a goal since the tournament started.
Germany celebrates a goal against Ukraine in Euro 2016
Once the German Machine gets into goal scoring form, they will be unstoppable and can go all the way to winning the prestigious trophy.
3. Croatia – After their famous 2-1 victory over defending champions Spain, making them look beatable, Croatia now seem like the team to beat in Euro 2016.
Despite not playing four key players in their last group game against the defending champions, the side made scintillating efforts to soak the pressure from the La Roja midfield which is where their strength lies.
Apart from classy displays by Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic along with Darigo Srna form the fulcrum of the Croatian team and whoever thinks they can not go all the way should have a re-think.
4. Italy – Antonio Conte was heavily criticized for team selection coming into Euro 2016, but after devouring almighty Belgium in their opening game, a match which ended 2-0, they are major contenders for the trophy.
Italy national team celebrate a goal
The Buffon-led Azzuri squad are confident going into the fixture against Spain and from all indications, many have argued that the winner of that match will mostly be crowned Champions of Europe.
5. Spain – The sloppiness of the La Rojacan never be underestimated by the quality of their squad and the passion to win.
The entire team is loaded with an array of talents worthy of winning any tournament and are still prime suspects in retaining the much coveted Euro 2016.
Spanish players celebrate their against Czech in Euro 2016
Spain will definitely go into the match against Italy as favourites although the encounter poses a stern test to their Championship hopes.
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