The Group Stage concludes with the final day of matches in Group D. Three quarters of the quarter-final bracket is set, with Germany the only team to roll through the state with a perfect record. Today, England faces Ukraine while France takes on Sweden.
England looked solid in their comeback win vs. Sweden. They get a boost through the return of Wayne Rooney today, though there might be something to be said for starting the same group that finished the match last time out. Ukraine needs a win – even a draw would send them crashing out (as they lose the tie-breaker vs. France). So look for Ukraine to be aggressive from the opening whistle.
The other match doesn’t have as much on the line, as France is already through and Sweden is already eliminated. But the French would love to seal first place in Group D and avoid facing Spain in the next round, which is possible (though not assured) if they win.
Back tonight with highlights and a recap of the Blogger Bracket Challenge. Ribery and Tymoschuk are the Bayern boys in action today.