Weekend sport preview

SBS World News Radio: With Wimbledon tennis underway and the Euro football championships approaching their climax, there is plenty going on in the world of sport this weekend.

Weekend sport previewWeekend sport preview

Weekend sport preview

The Euro football championships are down to the last eight teams, with three more matches over the weekend to see which nations can join Portugal/Poland in the semifinals.

On paper, Wales appears to have little chance of stopping Belgium in their Euro 2016 clash in Lille on Saturday morning.

The world's second-ranked team, Belgium demolished Hungary 4-nil in the round of 16, while Wales needed an own goal to get on top of Northern Ireland.

But the clash between Wales' Gareth Bale and Belgium's Eden Hazard will go a long way to deciding the issue.

Bale, the Real Madrid star, says the chance to reach the semifinal of a major tournament for the first time in his country's history is a golden opportunity.

But he says he hopes his teammates do not get overawed by the occasion.

"It's definitely the biggest game in Welsh football, for sure, and one we're looking forward to. We're eager to get started and (we're) excited. We just want to enjoy the occasion. We want to take it all in. Hopefully, we can get into the semis."

The marquee fixture of the weekend sees reigning world champion Germany going up against Italy in Bordeux.

Germany has traditionally struggled in that match-up, with Italy coming out on top in three previous Euro and World Cup semifinals and the World Cup final itself in 1982.

Then on Monday morning, at 5am AEST, Iceland will look to turn the football world on its head once more when it takes on host France in Paris.

Iceland is on a high after dispatching England in the round of 16, while France will look to take another step towards its astonishing record of winning major finals as host.

It won the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 1984 tournament on home soil.

But Iceland believes it can keep the shocks coming.

Co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says the exploits of surprising Leicester City in winning this year's English Premier League is an example his team can follow.

"I really would like things to end like it ended with Leicester City. They played on their strengths, and we are trying to do the same. We are trying to play our strengths in the national team. I think there's the same team spirit in both teams, our team and Leicester City."

Meanwhile, Wimbledon continues over the weekend, with organisers hopeful the forecast showers and high winds do not cause many more delays after an already wet start.

Across the English Channel, Tour de France cycling organisers are putting the finishing touches on race preparations.

The opening time trial gets underway from Mont Saint Michel on Saturday night, with SBS's comprehensive coverage beginning at 8.30 in the East.

The race will end in Paris on Monday, July 25.

It is shaping as one of the closest races for the yellow jersey for many years, with Britain's Chris Froome hoping to defend his title.

Strong contenders include Colombian climber Nairo Quintana and two-time winner Alberto Contador of Spain.

The leading Australian hope is Richie Porte of BMC Racing.

And there is a full round of action this weekend in Super Rugby, AFL and netball, while, in the NRL, the resurgent Cronulla Sharks aim for a franchise-record 12th win in a row.

The Sharks have never won the NRL trophy.

But for the current players, including veteran Luke Lewis, the most important thing going into Saturday night's home match with Parramatta is not to think too far ahead.

"We've won 11 games in a row, and there's a lot of excitement out there. But you can get all the way to the finals and play your best footy and you get knocked out. We just need to focus on what works for us and just keep trying to get better at that."

Cronulla sits at the top of the league table and has not lost since Round 3.

 






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