If UEFA's singular determination with Euro 2016 was to leave supporters bewildered, they have succeeded. The imbalanced 24-team structure has already contributed to an extremely dull group stage and left us all scratching our heads as to the best results from the group finales as to which the best result is for Ireland. Hell, we ended up cheering for England last night.
Now, the structure - along with the failures of some of the higher-profile nations to top their groups, means that one of the sides of the draw is looking a hell of a lot more difficult than the other. Spain lost 2-1 to Croatia last night, meaning that Spain's first European Championship defeat in twelve years consigned them to second place, and a tie with Italy.
That tie will take place in the second half of the draw. This side of the draw also features Germany (who will face either Albania or Slovakia), France (who will face Northern Ireland, us or potentially Sweden) and England, who will take on the runner-up in Group F, likely to be fellow heavyweight Portugal).
That means, that by tomorrow night, one-half of the draw at the Euros will feature Germany, Spain, France, Italy, England, along with potentially Portugal and fellow footballing heavyweight Republic of Ireland (*gulps*).
Bottom half of the #EURO2016 bracket has won 20 major titles (11 World Cups, 9 EUROs).
Top half will have a total of ZERO major titles.— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) June 21, 2016
By contrast,the other side of the draw looks much kinder, with Belgium and Croatia looking the most threatening sides. Poland and Switzerland is a confirmed tie, with Croatia down to take on one of Slovakia, Ireland/Sweden and whoever the hell ends up third in Group F.
The path also looks relatively clear for Wales, who are in the kinder side of the draw, and will face either Northern Ireland or Turkey.
So if you fancy an outside bet for the final, take your pick from this side of the draw from Wales, Belgium, Croatia, and Poland.
Ireland will end up on the kinder side of the draw if we beat Italy and Hungary beat Portugal.
Here it is in beautifully visual form, courtesy of the oracle of all wisdom, Wikipedia:
