AFP
Paris, France
Marcel Koller's Austria have one "uncomfortable" last chance to salvage their Euro 2016 campaign in their final group game against Iceland at the Stade de France on Wednesday.
Touted as dark horses before the tournament, Austria have struggled to reproduce their impressive qualifying form and are bottom of Group F with just one point. But after a 2-0 defeat to Hungary and goalless stalement against Portugal, a victory over European Championship newcomers Iceland could still send Austria through to the last 16.
Iceland also have ambitions of reaching the knockout phase and Koller, who faces mounting pressure despite signing a two-year extension in March, knows Austria face a real scrap to avoid elimination.
"We certainly can't presume that the game against Iceland will be easier," he said. "It will be a very uncomfortable game. They’re very disciplined, strong in the tackle and compact defensively as they’ve proved in their two games here."
Ireland face Italy
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill remains confident his side can snatch a place in the second round of Euro 2016 by beating Italy on Wednesday. Having drawn 1-1 with Sweden on matchday one, Ireland were dispatched 3-0 by Belgium in Bordeaux to leave them bottom of Group E on goal difference, meaning they require a win and the Swedes to drop points if they are to have a realistic shot at the last 16.
The omens do not favour O'Neill: Ireland are now seven games without a win in European Championship finals, a run stretching back to 1988, and they have never managed to score more than once in a single match at the tournament.
