Netherlands and Austria should be full of confidence following entertaining wins in the first round of Group C games at Euro 2020. Both managers seem keen to play in a positive manner and it will be slightly surprising if this does not end up another action-packed contest.
Colombia thrashed Venezuela 3-0 in an October World Cup qualifier and can record another victory when the teams meet at the Copa America. Duvan Zapata opened the scoring in October and a Luis Muriel brace meant the contest was effectively over before half-time.
Wales got off to a solid start at Euro 2020 when drawing with Switzerland and will now be looking to kick on by beating Turkey. However, despite struggling against Italy, the Crescent Stars are a decent outfit and will benefit from a strong support in Baku.
Russia were disappointing against Belgium in their Euro 2020 Group B opener but are given another chance when entertaining Finland. The Eagle-owls will be looking to build on their victory over Denmark but obviously that result was achieved under a very dark cloud.
Italy made an ultra-impressive start to Euro 2020 when dominating Turkey and are now hard to oppose against Switzerland on home turf. That was a ninth straight clean-sheet victory for the Azzurri, who are unbeaten in 28 matches and really flourishing under Roberto Mancini.
France versus Germany is the pick of the opening round of Euro 2020 fixtures and we can’t split these perennial powerhouses in Munich. Current world champions Les Bleus have a more settled side playing with great self-belief but home advantage will obviously help Die Mannschaft.
Holders Portugal head into Euro 2020 as a team at the top of their game and can make light of facing Hungary on their home turf in Budapest. The Magyars have never beaten the Navigators in 13 attempts and the balance of power is very much in favour of the visiting team at present.
Argentina beat Chile in the third-place play-off at the 2019 Copa America and can pick up where they left off to start of this summer’s tournament. La Albiceleste have not had much luck when it comes to lifting this trophy but invariably make it through to the latter stages.
Paraguay will see their Copa America opener against Bolivia as crucial to their chances of advancing through a tough group. Los Guaranies La Albirroja also have Argentina, Uruguay and Chile for company, with the top four qualifying for the quarter-finals.
With England and Croatia favourites to advance from Group D, Scotland and Czech Republic know a solid start is imperative. These teams are evenly matched on FIFA rankings, with Steve Clarke’s side four spots lower at 44, despite winning both Nations League meetings last term.
Poland reached the European Championship quarter-finals five years ago and can begin their Euro 2020 campaign by seeing off Slovakia. After a strong performance in qualifying for this tournament and a solid Nations League effort, the Eagles should be ready to soar this summer.
Colombia will head into their Copa America North Zone opener with Ecuador gunning for revenge and we’re hoping for an open contest. Los Cafeteros were on the receiving end of a 6-1 hammering by the same opponents in a World Cup qualifier last November.
All the evidence suggests Spain should be too strong for Sweden on home turf in Seville in the opening round of Euro 2020 Group E games. La Roja finished five points ahead of their opponents when they met in qualifying and enjoyed a more impressive Nations League campaign.
England’s youthful exuberance is expected to help them edge out an ageing Croatia outfit in the opening round of Euro 2020 Group D fixtures. The Blazers famously prevailed when these teams met in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, but the Three Lions have made better progress since.