Updated Jul. 9, 2024 2:12 p.m. ET
The final draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany has concluded, and with the playoff teams decided, the stage is set. Let’s dive into a comprehensive breakdown of each of the Euro Groups, analyzing the contenders and predicting potential outcomes.
Alexi Lalas gives his Copa America & Euros Favorites | SOTU
Alexi Lalas gives his Copa America & Euros Favorites | SOTU
Here’s a detailed look at how the six Euro groups of four nations each are shaping up for the highly anticipated tournament:
Euro Groups Analysis: Group A – Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group A presents an intriguing mix, headlined by the host nation, Germany. Despite recent inconsistent performances, Germany, playing on home turf, cannot be discounted as serious contenders for the Euro 2024 title. They will be eager to leverage home advantage and prove their mettle in front of their passionate fans. Scotland enters this group with high hopes after a strong qualifying campaign. The Scottish national team will be aiming to advance beyond the group stage, but faces tough competition. Hungary, making their third consecutive Euro appearance, are a team to watch. Their consistent presence in major tournaments indicates a solid and well-organized squad capable of causing upsets. Switzerland, consistently ranked higher than both Scotland and Hungary by FIFA, adds further complexity to Group A. Known for their tactical discipline and experienced players, the Swiss are expected to be strong contenders for qualification from this group. This Euro groups is poised for tight matches and potentially surprising results as each team brings a unique blend of strengths and ambitions to the tournament.
Euro Groups Analysis: Group B – Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Widely regarded as the “Group of Death,” Euro groups B is undoubtedly the most challenging of the tournament. It features three European powerhouses, all ranked within FIFA’s top 10. Spain and Croatia recently clashed in the UEFA Nations League final, where Spain emerged victorious after a penalty shootout. This history adds extra spice to their group stage encounter. Italy, the reigning European champions, are always a formidable force in major tournaments. Their tactical prowess and tournament experience make them a strong contender to top this group, despite the stiff competition. Albania, while perhaps considered the underdog in this group, should not be underestimated. They impressively won their qualifying group, overcoming teams like Poland, led by Robert Lewandowski, and Czechia, a former Euro finalist. Albania’s solid defense and counter-attacking style could pose problems for their higher-ranked opponents in this Euro groups. Group B promises high-stakes, thrilling matches, where every point will be crucial for progression.
Euro Groups Analysis: Group C – England, Denmark, Serbia, Slovenia
England, considered by many bookmakers as a favorite to win their first European Championship title, landed in what appears to be one of the less daunting Euro groups. This draw has only reinforced expectations for the Three Lions. Denmark is likely to be England’s primary challenger in Group C. The Danes are a well-organized and experienced side, capable of competing with the best. However, England’s superior squad depth and attacking talent, spearheaded by Harry Kane, should give them the edge. The battle for second place in this Euro groups is likely to be a tight contest between Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia. Serbia boasts formidable attacking options, including Aleksandar Mitrović, their all-time leading scorer, and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. However, their past performances in major tournaments have been inconsistent. Slovenia, the second-lowest ranked team to qualify directly after Albania, will be aiming to prove their worth on the big stage. While they may be considered outsiders to progress, their underdog status might allow them to play with less pressure and potentially surprise some of the more fancied teams in this Euro groups.
Euro Groups Analysis: Group D – France, Netherlands, Austria, Poland
Group D features another set of heavyweights, with France, another top favorite for the Euro 2024 title, leading the pack. A significant early test awaits Les Bleus in the form of the Netherlands. France defeated the Dutch twice during Euro 2024 qualifying, including a close 2-1 victory, indicating a competitive rivalry. These encounters suggest that their group stage match will be a highlight. The Netherlands, with their attacking flair and solid structure, will be determined to challenge France for the top spot in this Euro groups. Austria could emerge as a dark horse in Group D. While directly challenging France or the Netherlands for the top two spots might be a tall order, Austria has the potential to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Their organized defense and tactical flexibility could make them a difficult opponent. Poland, securing their place through the playoffs, adds further intrigue to Group D. With recent experience in major tournaments and the star power of players like Robert Lewandowski, Poland cannot be overlooked. They will be aiming to disrupt the expected hierarchy and compete for qualification from this competitive Euro groups.
Euro Groups Analysis: Group E – Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Belgium enters Euro groups E as the clear favorite to top the group. With considerable respect for Slovakia and Romania, both of whom were eliminated in the group stage of the previous Euros, Belgium is expected to face relatively less resistance in progressing to the knockout stages. Belgium’s golden generation, despite some changes, still possesses immense quality and experience. Ukraine completes Group E, having qualified through the playoffs. Ukraine proved their resilience and competitiveness during qualifying, notably pushing Italy very close in their final match. The Ukrainian team’s spirit and tactical organization make them a potentially tricky opponent for Belgium and the other teams in this Euro groups. While Belgium is heavily favored, the other nations will be vying to secure second place and a spot in the next round.
Euro Groups Analysis: Group F – Portugal, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
Portugal headlines Euro groups F and is considered a strong contender to win their second European title since 2016. This tournament is widely anticipated to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s international swansong, adding extra motivation for Portugal to perform exceptionally. Portugal dominated their qualifying campaign, achieving a perfect record of 10 wins, scoring an impressive 36 goals and conceding only two. This dominant form makes them a team to fear in the tournament. Czechia, who reached the quarter-finals in the last Euro, brings tournament experience and a solid team structure to Group F. Turkey aims to progress further in this Euro groups after participating in the last two Euros but failing to advance from the group stage in either. There’s a sense that Turkey is ready to take the next step and make a deeper run in the competition. Georgia, making their debut in a major international tournament, completes Group F. While considered the underdogs, Georgia’s qualification is a historic achievement, and they will be eager to make a positive impression on their first Euro appearance. Portugal’s strength makes them group favorites, but Czechia and Turkey will be competitive for the other qualification spots in this Euro groups.
Doug McIntyre is a soccer writer for FOX Sports. Before joining FOX Sports in 2021, he was a staff writer with ESPN and Yahoo Sports and he has covered United States men’s and women’s national teams at multiple FIFA World Cups. Follow him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.
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