Day Three in France

Three days in and we're getting through the games now. Although we have seen some impressive performances, no one side has really stood out yet so it will be interesting to see if that caginess continues, or whether one nation will really shine over the next few days.

Yesterday's games saw one of the favourites and one many people's dark horses ultimately both get their expected three points. Neither Germany nor Croatia were completely convincing in their victories but a win is a win and it will be very surprising if either side don't progress to the next round.

I was probably expecting too much from the Croatia v Turkey match although it was in no way an uninteresting game. Luka Modric's wonderful volleyed goal separated the sides in the end but if Rakitic had coolly slotted home instead of falling over after a mazey dribble that took him from the halfway line to the Turkish penalty box, then we really would have had one for the highlight package.

Northern Ireland were steamrolled by Poland but still only lost 1-0 which will give them a bit of confidence going into their second match against Ukraine. Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik scored the goal but with 18 shots compared to Northern Ireland's two they will feel they should have boosted their goal difference a little more.

It was dress down Sunday for Joachim Low and his team as they watched Germany buck the trend of the day and win by two clear goals. But we had to wait until injury time for Schweinsteiger to add to Mustafi's first half header. Ukraine played well in patches, although it is fair to say that they will be looking at the other two games for points in this group.

Other things I noticed yesterday...

• Taking the practise to the extreme, Turkey's Arda Turan covered his mouth to talk to the Croatian captain as they walked out onto the pitch. Not exactly sure why footballers think they're minor Goodfellas characters but this is the first time I've witnessed it between opposing players
• Jerome Boateng's goal line clearance was even better than Ben Davies' for Wales the other day. The way he re-arranged his feet to get the ball away at the same time as falling backwards was simply outstanding
• Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans looks like an angry player and spent most of the match kicking the over-acting Robert Lewandowski. He plays like English players did abefore they worked out the nuances of the European game - and I'm all for it!
• I was surprised to see that Verdan Corluka is still playing for Croatia. And I was even more surprised when I checked and saw that he is only 30. Nice to see he is planning for life after football by introducing his new range of hats during yesterday's match though

We have some really interesting matches today. First up is Spain v Czech Republic. I don't think Spain are anywhere near where they were a few years ago, although the exclusion of Costa from the squad will benefit them. I fancy a 'shock' 1-0 win for the Czechs though.

Ireland kick off their campaign against Sweden in the early evening match and although I'm sure Paris will be a sea of green I think Zlatan will power Sweden to victory. I'm going for 2-0.

The final game of the day should be a feast of football with Belgium taking on Italy. Will the much vaunted Belgian side show why they are many people's favourites? Or will the Juventus Italy defence keep them out? I expect both of these sides to ultimately go through but Belgium to have too much for Italy today - 1-0.

As you will no doubt be aware yesterday saw my first correct score prediction come true with Germany winning 2-0 against Ukraine. I, of course, fully expect all today's predictions to follow suit.