The first match of the day sees Sweden, fresh from their 2-0 walk in the park against the ultra-negative Greece side, take on the Spanish who will still be bouncing after the 4-1 victory against the Russians. The match may well be hard-fought in midfield, and the defences may be worked hard, but it’ll be up front where this one is won and lost (or drawn).

Henrik Larsson has twice (that’s twice) retired from international football, only to come back when his country calls and still appear as fresh and alert as he did when he was a much, much younger man. His body is still willing, too, as his stats against the Greek team showed last time out. He was the second busiest player in the side, and also second fastest, a remarkable achievement given his advancing years. It wasn’t a quick burst either, as he ran as far in the final 15 minutes as he did in the first. Let’s see if his body has recovered enough to give the Spanish defence a work out.

David Villa in the match against the fancied Russians managed to achieve a feat never before attained by a Spanish player in the tournament and completed a hat trick. He joins an elite band of players including Kluivert, van Basten and Platini (twice). Whether Villa will emulate the Frenchman and deliver two ‘tricks in the tournament (Platini scored three against Belgium and Yugoslavia in 1984) is yet to be seen, but he has plenty of time in this championship.

Tom thinks this will be a close-fought affair, but is backing the Spanish to triumph 2-1.

Jack reckons it will be closer, and finish 1-1

Stats, as ever, powered by http://www.castrolindex.com