The stage is set, the teams are drawn, and the excitement is building. The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany is on the horizon, and after the final draw and playoff completion, we now have a clear picture of the Euro Cup 2024 Groups. Fans worldwide are eager to analyze the matchups and predict which nations will emerge victorious from each group. Let’s dive into a detailed, group-by-group breakdown to assess the prospects of each team and identify potential dark horses in this highly anticipated European Championship.
Alexi Lalas discusses Euro 2024 favorites
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group A presents an intriguing mix, headlined by the host nation, Germany. Despite recent fluctuations in form, Germany, playing on home turf, cannot be discounted. They possess the pedigree and potential to be serious contenders for the Euro 2024 title. Scotland, after a strong qualifying campaign, will fancy their chances of progressing from this group. Their disciplined approach and team spirit make them a tough opponent. Hungary, participating in their third consecutive Euros, are a team on the rise. They are well-organized and capable of causing upsets. Switzerland, consistently ranked higher than both Scotland and Hungary by FIFA, brings experience and stability to Group A. This group is far from straightforward, and while Germany are favorites, the battle for the second spot and best third-place finishers will be intense.
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Undoubtedly the “Group of Death,” Group B is a powerhouse quartet featuring three European giants and the resilient underdogs, Albania. Spain and Croatia, who recently contested the UEFA Nations League final, are familiar foes with high-quality squads. Spain, with their possession-based style, and Croatia, with their midfield maestros, will be vying for the top spot. Italy, the reigning European champions, are always a force to be reckoned with in major tournaments. Their tactical prowess and defensive solidity make them a threat to any team. Albania, after surprisingly topping their qualifying group, will enter this group with nothing to lose. While they are the clear underdogs, their organized defense and counter-attacking ability could pose challenges for their more fancied opponents. Group B promises high-stakes encounters and potential for upsets.
Group C: England, Denmark, Serbia, Slovenia
England, consistently among the bookmakers’ favorites to win Euro 2024, find themselves in a relatively favorable Group C. The Three Lions, boasting a wealth of attacking talent led by Harry Kane, are expected to dominate this group. Denmark is likely to be England’s main challenger in Group C. The Danes are a well-drilled and experienced side capable of competing with the best. The battle for third place, and potentially a spot in the knockout stages, will likely be between Serbia and Slovenia. Serbia possesses potent attacking options in Aleksandar Mitrović and Dušan Vlahović, but their past tournament performances have been inconsistent. Slovenia, while being one of the lowest-ranked qualified teams, will be aiming to prove their worth and potentially surprise some opponents in this group.
Group D: France, Netherlands, Austria, Poland
Group D features another pair of heavyweights in France and the Netherlands. France, the other strong favorite for the tournament, will be tested early by a resurgent Dutch side. Their qualifying campaign already saw France overcome the Netherlands twice, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry. Austria will be aiming to disrupt the established order in Group D and potentially secure a place in the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams. They are a well-organized and tactically astute team. Poland, emerging as the playoff winner, adds further intrigue to Group D. With Robert Lewandowski leading their attack, Poland has the firepower to cause problems. Group D is poised to be fiercely contested, with France and the Netherlands expected to lead the way, but Austria and Poland ready to capitalize on any slip-ups.
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Belgium, similar to England in Group C, are the clear frontrunners in Group E. The Red Devils, despite some changes in personnel, still possess significant quality and experience to navigate this group successfully. Slovakia and Romania, both having been eliminated in the group stage of the previous Euros, will aim to improve their performances this time around. They will be competing for the second spot and valuable points. Ukraine, qualifying through the playoffs, complete Group E. Their resilient spirit and competitive performances in qualifying, including a close match against Italy, suggest they will be no pushovers. Group E is expected to be led by Belgium, but the race for the subsequent spots promises to be competitive and engaging.
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. Portugal’s dominant qualifying campaign, with a perfect record and impressive goal difference, underscores their status as genuine contenders for Euro 2024. Czechia, who reached the quarterfinals in the last Euro, bring tournament experience and a solid team structure to Group F. Turkey will be aiming to finally progress beyond the group stage after participating in the last two Euros without advancing. They have the potential to be a dark horse in this tournament. Georgia, the relative minnows of Group F, will be making their debut in a major international tournament. While they are the underdogs, they will relish the opportunity to test themselves against established European nations. Group F presents a blend of experience and ambition, with Portugal expected to lead the charge, but the other teams vying for qualification.
The Euro cup 2024 groups have set the stage for a thrilling tournament. Each group offers unique narratives and potential for drama. From the “Group of Death” in Group B to the intriguing matchups in every section, Euro 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable summer of football. Fans around the globe are eagerly anticipating the kickoff, ready to witness which teams will rise to the occasion and etch their names into European Championship history.
