The final draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament has concluded, and the stage is set for an exciting summer of football in Germany. With the playoff paths now complete, we have the definitive lineup of teams and their respective Euro Cup Groups. Let’s delve into a detailed group-by-group breakdown, analyzing each quartet and assessing the prospects of the competing nations as they embark on their journey to European Championship glory.
Alexi Lalas, soccer analyst, discusses Euro Cup groups and Copa America favorites on State of the Union.
Euro Cup Groups Breakdown: A Detailed Look
The Euro 2024 groups promise a mix of intense rivalries, potential upsets, and captivating storylines. From the anticipated Group of Death to groups with clear favorites, every section offers unique challenges and opportunities.
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Host nation Germany enters Euro 2024 with significant pressure to perform on home soil. Despite recent inconsistent form, the German national team, historically a powerhouse in international football, cannot be discounted as a serious contender for the title. Scotland, after a strong qualifying campaign, will be eager to prove their mettle in this group. Hungary, participating in their third consecutive Euros, brings continuity and a cohesive team spirit. Switzerland, consistently ranked higher than both Scotland and Hungary by FIFA, adds another layer of complexity to Group A, making it a tightly contested section where every match will be crucial for progression.
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania – The Group of Death
Group B undoubtedly earns the moniker “Group of Death,” featuring three European powerhouses all ranked within FIFA’s top 10. Spain and Croatia, fresh from contesting the UEFA Nations League final, are familiar foes with high-quality squads. Italy, the reigning European Champion, possesses the pedigree and tactical acumen to triumph in any major tournament. Albania, often underestimated, surprised many by winning their qualifying group, overcoming challenges from Poland, led by Robert Lewandowski, and Czechia, a former Euro finalist. Group B promises high-stakes encounters and potential early exits for established teams.
Group C: England, Denmark, Serbia, Slovenia
England, consistently among the bookmakers’ favorites, received a favorable draw in Group C, positioning them well for a deep tournament run. The Three Lions aim to finally secure their first European Championship title. Denmark emerges as the primary challenger to England’s dominance in this group, bringing a strong and experienced squad. The battle for second place will likely be fiercely contested. Serbia boasts formidable attacking talent, including Aleksandar Mitrović, their all-time leading scorer, and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. However, their past disappointments in major tournaments cast a shadow of uncertainty. Slovenia, the second lowest-ranked team to qualify directly, will look to cause upsets and capitalize on any vulnerabilities within the group.
Group D: France, Netherlands, Austria, Poland
France, another top favorite for the Euro 2024 title, faces a stern test in Group D against a resurgent Netherlands side. Their qualifying encounters, including a narrow 2-0 victory for France in October, suggest a competitive rivalry. This early high-caliber match-up should sharpen Les Bleus for the knockout stages. Austria, while considered an underdog to advance from the top two, possesses the potential to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Poland, securing their place through the playoffs, adds further intrigue and major tournament experience to this competitive group.
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Belgium, similar to England in Group C, is heavily favored to top Group E. Despite facing Slovakia and Romania, both of whom were eliminated in the group stage of the previous Euros, Belgium’s “Golden Generation,” albeit aging, still holds significant quality. Ukraine, qualifying through the playoffs, completes Group E after a strong qualifying campaign where they pushed Italy to the limit. They will be looking to build momentum and potentially challenge for a knockout stage spot.
Group F: Portugal, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
Portugal enters Euro 2024 with a squad brimming with talent, aiming for their second European title since 2016. This tournament is widely anticipated to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final international appearance, adding emotional weight to their campaign. Portugal dominated their qualifying group, achieving a perfect record with an impressive goal difference. Czechia, a quarter-finalist in the last Euro, brings tournament experience. Turkey aims to progress beyond the group stage after failing to do so in their recent major tournament appearances. Georgia, considered the underdogs in this group, will be looking to make a memorable debut on the Euro stage and potentially cause surprises.
Each of these Euro cup groups promises drama, excitement, and high-quality football. As Euro 2024 approaches, anticipation builds for the unfolding narratives within each group and the eventual crowning of the European champions.
