Who Wales could play in last 16 as "absolutely mad" ties are possible

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Wales’ back-to-back Euro dream

Wales were able to overcome some late pressure after a Gareth Bale penalty miss to secure a 2-0 victory over Turkey and effectively guarantee their place in the last 16 of the European Championships.

Channelling their inner 2016 selves, Wales have been impressive so far in the tournament earning a draw against a tough Switzerland side before unleashing their full potential against Turkey with both Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey combining throughout.

Ramsey spoke of his relief to score after missing a couple of big chances early on in the game.

“I felt a bit of relief. I had two chances before to score but that first half today was superb, we really dominated,” he said.

The “absolutely mad” opponents that Wales could face even by finishing second in their Euro group

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 12: Kieffer Moore of Wales (L) celebrates with Bale (R) after drawing with Switzerland during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Wales and Switzerland on June 12, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Getty Images)

“In the second half we showed great character and I think we thoroughly deserved the win.

“We’ve given ourselves a brilliant opportunity now, we’ve got another big game to go, we are in a good position now.

“I’ve got a few [Juventus] team-mates playing for Italy so it will be nice for me out there, but I’m representing my country now and we will do everything to win that game.”

Should Wales overcome the odds and manage a win over Italy, they would top the group. Should they lose, they could face an anxious wait for Switzerland’s result against Turkey.

Turkey will have the incentive of trying to come 3rd by beating Switzerland.

Who could Wales face

Interestingly, should Wales manage to finish in either first or second, their possible opponents are very favourable.

With 4 third place teams are progressing to the last 16 of the tournament, Wales’ group face the prospect of playing both a runner-up and a third place side.

Meaning that should either Italy or Wales win their group they will likely play one of Ukraine or Austria in London.

Yet, even if they finish second, they would likely play one of Denmark, Russia or Finland.

Daniel Storey described the process, which will see England face the runner up of France, Germany and Portugal’s group if they win their group, as ‘absolutely mad.

Not only are Wales almost certainly in the group stages, the vagaries of this tournament means that they will get a runner-up in the last-16 (likely Denmark, Finland or Russia) even if they finish second themselves. Which is absolutely mad imo.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) June 16, 2021

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Premier League table

#	Team	MP	D	P
1	Leeds United FC	0	0	0
2	Manchester City FC	0	0	0
3	Manchester United FC	0	0	0
4	West Ham United London FC	0	0	0
5	Everton Liverpool FC	0	0	0
6	Southampton FC	0	0	0
7	Chelsea London FC	0	0	0
8	Arsenal London FC	0	0	0
9	Newcastle United FC	0	0	0
10	Leicester City FC	0	0	0
11	Liverpool FC	0	0	0
12	Aston Villa Birmingham FC	0	0	0
13	Tottenham Hotspur London FC	0	0	0
14	Wolverhampton Wanderers FC	0	0	0
15	Crystal Palace London FC	0	0	0
16	Norwich City FC	0	0	0
17	Watford FC	0	0	0
18	Burnley FC	0	0	0
19	Brighton & Hove Albion FC	0	0	0
20	Brentford London FC	0	0	0