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Three players to look out for in Sunday's Euro 2016 ties

LILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 15:  Marek Hamsik of Slovakia celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between Russia and Slov
Image: Slovakia's Marek Hamsik is one of three players to closely monitor in Sunday's last-16 clashes at Euro 2016

With three more last-16 ties on Sunday at Euro 2016, we pick a trio of players to keep an eye on...

Hosts France kick off the day's schedule against the Republic of Ireland, before Germany meet Slovakia and surprise package Hungary take on Belgium.

Here are three players to keep an eye out for in those crucial games...

Blaise Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi
Image: Blaise Matuidi will line up in central midfield for France when they come up against the Republic of Ireland in Lyon

Midfield is perhaps where France are strongest going into Sunday's last-16 clash with the Republic of Ireland, and none more so than in the centre of park in the form of Paris Saint-Germain's all-action 29-year-old.

Matuidi will be tasked with putting out fires in front of the host nation's back four and then launching attacks from deep in Lyon, skills he has been displaying at the Parc des Princes for the past five years.

The midfielder - voted French Player of the Year in 2015 - contributed five goals and nine assists in 47 matches in all competitions for PSG last season, while he has also scored eight times for Les Bleus since making his international debut six years ago.

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France v Republic of Ireland preview
France v Republic of Ireland preview

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Marek Hamsik 

Marek Hamsik è l'uomo copertina: è stato autore di un fantastico assist e del gol più bello fin qui visto (Getty Image)
Image: Hamsik will be Slovakia's main man against world champions Germany

Slovakia will be looking to the Napoli playmaker to carry on lighting up Euro 2016 in the last 16 when they face a Germany side who may crucially be missing influential centre-back Jerome Boateng with injury in Lille.

Hamsik scored one goal and created another for Vladimir Weiss in Slovakia's 2-1 victory over Russia in the group stage, while all the time running their opponents ragged.

Although England just about managed to restrict the space awarded to Hamsik during their goalless draw with Slovakia on Monday, the 28-year-old certainly looked a threat to the Three Lions' defence.

And with Hamsik having netted when Slovakia beat the world champions 3-1 in a pre-tournament warm-up in Augsburg, all eyes will be on the Mohican-haired Slovak at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Germany v Slovakia preview
Germany v Slovakia preview

Mario Gomez set to lead Joachim Low's attack

Balazs Dzsudzsak 

Balazs Dzsudzsak
Image: Balazs Dzsudzsak will be looking to extend his Hungary goals tally when they come up against Belgium

Hungary's captain paid a crucial role in his team's thrilling 3-3 draw with Portugal on Wednesday night, twice putting them ahead with free-kicks, albeit with the aid of deflections on each occasion.

Dzsudzsak never stopped working up and down the right flank throughout the game at the Stade des Lumieres and if the 29-year-old's performance was anything to go by, then Belgium will need to keep close tabs on the winger in Toulouse on Sunday night.

Hungary v Belgium preview
Hungary v Belgium preview

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