Euro 2016 Daily Five: Wales fairytale goes on; will Conte increase Germany’s ‘Italy trauma’?


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Another day at Euro 2016 saw Wales and Belgium contest their quarter-final and Italy and Germany prepare for their own last eight match. For all the latest news, match reports, analysis, and much more, visit our Euro 2016 microsite.

1 — Wales dream goes on

The Wales Euro 2016 campaign has been one of the feel-good stories of the tournament, and that will not be ending anytime soon after a thrilling, come-from-behind victory against a heavily-fancied Belgium.

Following Radja Nainggolan’s superb opening goal for Belgium, the signs were bleak for Wales, only for captain Ashley Williams to equalise. Wales forward Hal Robson-Kanu, currently without a club, then produced one of the goals of the tournament to earn his side the lead. Substitute Sam Vokes then completed the victory with a fine header late on.

Ian Hawkey provides the analysis as Euro 2016 loses its dark horse in Belgium, but gains a bright underdog in Wales.

2 — Conte’s clever calculus

Two places remain in the semi-finals, and one will got to either Italy or Germany. Little was expected of Italy prior to the tournament, but they have arguably been the most impressive side of the tournament, with victories over Belgium in the group stage and defending champions Spain in the Round of 16.

Manager Antonio Conte has been credited with much of Italy's success, and Ian Hawkey looks at how the soon-to-be Chelsea manager has excelled.

3 — Germany’s time to end Italy jinx?

While Italy have impressed at Euro 2016, they are sure to meet their toughest opponents of the tournament in Germany on Saturday night. However, history remains on the side of Italy, with their recent tournament meetings ending in victory against Germany in 2006 and 2012.

Germany manager Joachim Low insists his side have "no Italy trauma" but as Richard Jolly writes, it is time for Germany to prove it.

4 — Poland can hold their heads high

While there has been joy so far for Portugal and Wales, it has been despair for the likes of Belgium and Poland. Poland could feel especially hard done by after getting knocked out by Portugal on penalties on Thursday night having never trailed in a match for the entire tournament.

Greg Lea explains why, of all the teams to fall so far at Euro 2016, it is Poland that can leave France with their heads held high.

5 — Greg Lea talking points

Belgium were finally undone by a lack of team cohesion as the tournament's dark horses were beaten 3-1 by Wales on Friday night. The reactions from within the team following their exit also seemed to suggest their manager Marc Wilmots should be on his way out as he failed to build a unit out of a collection of individual stars. Click here to read more.

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The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
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