Belgium v Republic of Ireland preview

John Chapman: Everything. Prior to the Italy game, people were asking if Belgium could reach the semi-finals. Now they are asking if Belgium can simply beat Ireland? Coach Marc Wilmots remains confident and has said he won't change his philosophy. It's not a happy camp though, with players and pundits criticising tactics and selections. Against Ireland, Belgium will have a creative player in the centre, either Kevin De Bruyne or Eden Hazard. Who plays centre forward is anyone's guess, but Michy Batshuayi looks to have the skills to find holes in a packed Irish defence. If Belgium fail to win, it could mean the end for Wilmots.

Ewan MacKenna: Ireland's continued presence at the tournament. Fifty minutes into the opening game and the side looked as good as through to the next round with a 1-0 lead over Sweden, but as the days have ticked by since Monday's 1-1 draw, the realisation has grown that they'll probably need to win to advance. With Italy looking so, well, Italian, this is Ireland's Hail Mary. The fact that Belgium coach Marc Wilmots abides by a policy of "if it's broken, why fix it" will help his counterpart, but Ireland coach Martin O'Neill will require more from players like Robbie Brady, Glenn Whelan, Jeff Hendrick, Shane Long and Seamus Coleman, and for both James McClean and Shane Duffy to step up if they become the two changes to the teamsheet.