Group D has the two-time defending European champions from Spain, who are third in line at +500 to win the tournament (behind France and Germany). They’ll have to get out of Group D first though, and it won’t be easy with competitors from Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey.
Spain (-250) vs Czech Republic (+700) – Monday, June 13, 9 AM ET
Spain has won the last two European Championships, but they made an early exit from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Despite the World Cup let-down, the team has a ridiculous amount of talent – especially in midfield where Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets continue to rule. The big question comes between the pipes, where Iker Casillas, Spain’s No. 1 goaltender since 2002, is vying for the starting spot with David de Gea. The coach will select a starter on June 13.
The Czechs made it to the quarterfinals in 2012 and their defense is strong. They attack from the wings with their fullbacks and that could trouble Spain. Out of the last four meetings between Czech and Spain, Spain has won three times and drawn once. The tie is +330 for their game on June 13.
Croatia vs Spain – Tuesday, June 21, 3 PM ET
Spain, a -185 favourite to win the group, will be hoping to have secured a spot by the time they go up against Croatia. The Croatians went out in the group stage in 2012; however, they have an interesting midfield duo in Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, who play for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. This means they know the Spanish style of play very well and could be a problem for their opposition. But Croatia needs to find another midfield to shield the defense, so that Modric and Rakitic can get forward.
Spain has three wins and a draw in their five meetings with Croatia, including a 1-0 win in the group stage at Euro 2012.
Czech Republic (+175) vs Turkey (+160) – Tuesday, June 21, 3 PM ET
Turkey made it to the semifinals in Euro 2008, but they didn't qualify at Euro 2012. Their top offensive player is Arda Turan; the 29-year-old midfielder doesn’t play very often for Barcelona, so he’ll be eager to show everyone what he can do. He’ll have to be physical and strong, along with the rest of the team, because Turkey has problems at the back and up front.
At this point, the Czechs should be fighting to stay in the third-place race and depending on how their matchup with Croatia goes, second place could be on their agenda. The last five times these squads have met, Turkey won three games, and Czech won two.
*Odds as of June 7, 2016