Updated Jul. 9, 2024 2:12 p.m. ET
The highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany is drawing closer, and with the final draw and playoff paths now complete, the landscape of the Euro Group Stage is set. Football fans worldwide are eager to analyze the groups and predict which teams will advance to the knockout rounds. This comprehensive guide breaks down each of the six groups, offering insights into the contenders, dark horses, and potential matchups to watch in the Euro group stage.
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Let’s delve into a detailed examination of each group in the Euro 2024 group stage:
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group A presents an intriguing mix of experience and ambition. Hosts Germany, despite recent inconsistent form, are always a force to be reckoned with, especially on home turf. They are the clear favorites to top this group and are considered strong contenders for the overall Euro 2024 title. Scotland, after a strong qualifying campaign, will be aiming to progress from the Euro group stage for the first time in their history. However, they face tough competition from Hungary, who are making their third consecutive Euros appearance and have proven to be a resilient and well-organized side. Switzerland, consistently ranked higher than both Scotland and Hungary by FIFA, adds another layer of complexity to this group, making Group A one of the more balanced and potentially unpredictable groups in the Euro group stage.
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Dubbed the “Group of Death,” Group B of the Euro group stage is a true powerhouse collection, featuring three teams ranked within FIFA’s top 10. Spain and Croatia, fresh off contesting the UEFA Nations League final where Spain emerged victorious, are familiar foes with high expectations. Defending champions Italy cannot be underestimated; their pedigree in major tournaments speaks for itself. Albania, while seemingly the underdog, earned their place by topping their qualifying group, overcoming challenges from Poland and Czechia. This Euro group stage group promises high-stakes matches and intense competition for every point, with any of the top three teams capable of topping the group and going deep into the tournament.
Group C: England, Denmark, Serbia, Slovenia
England entered the Euro 2024 draw as one of the bookmakers’ favorites to finally clinch a major international title, and the Group C draw hasn’t dampened those expectations. This Euro group stage group appears to be one of the less daunting for the Three Lions. Denmark is likely to be their strongest challenger, a team with a history of strong Euro performances. The battle for second place, however, could be fiercely contested. Serbia boasts formidable attacking talent in Aleksandar Mitrović and Dušan Vlahović, but their inconsistent tournament record raises questions. Slovenia, the second-lowest ranked team to qualify directly, will be looking to cause an upset, making Group C an interesting blend of clear favorites and hungry underdogs in the Euro group stage.
Group D: France, Netherlands, Austria, Poland
Another highly competitive group in the Euro group stage is Group D, headlined by World Cup finalists France. France is widely considered one of the top two favorites to win Euro 2024, and their qualifying campaign and recent form support this claim. The Netherlands, who France defeated twice during qualifying, will be eager to challenge Les Bleus and prove their own credentials. Austria, while perhaps less fancied, has the potential to be a dark horse and could certainly contend for a spot as one of the best third-placed teams to advance from the Euro group stage. Poland, emerging from the playoffs, adds further intrigue, bringing tournament experience and the star power of Robert Lewandowski to this challenging group.
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Belgium, similar to England in Group C, is the overwhelming favorite to dominate Group E in the Euro group stage. While respecting Slovakia and Romania, both of whom exited at the group stage in the previous Euros, Belgium is expected to encounter minimal resistance in securing passage to the knockout rounds. Ukraine, having navigated the playoffs, completes Group E and will be looking to build on their strong qualifying performance where they pushed Italy hard. While Belgium is expected to lead, the race for second place and potential third-place qualification will be closely fought within this Euro group stage group.
Group F: Portugal, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
Group F sees Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo in what is likely his final international tournament, as strong favorites to secure top spot in this Euro group stage group. Portugal’s qualifying campaign was near-perfect, showcasing their strength and depth. Czechia, who reached the quarter-finals in the last Euro, brings tournament experience, while Turkey is aiming to finally progress beyond the group stage after recent disappointments. Georgia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, completes the group and will be looking to make a memorable debut on the European stage. While Portugal is expected to lead, the competition for the other qualification spots in this Euro group stage group remains open and interesting.
Doug McIntyre is a soccer writer for FOX Sports.
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