UEFA EURO 2024 is set to deliver thrilling football action, and Group C is shaping up to be a particularly captivating pool. Featuring a blend of seasoned contenders and ambitious underdogs, Group C of the Euro promises intense matches and unpredictable outcomes. This group consists of Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, and England, each bringing its own unique strengths and aspirations to the tournament. Let’s delve deeper into Group C of the Euro 2024, exploring the fixtures, team profiles, and what to expect from this intriguing quartet.
Group C EURO 2024 Fixtures: Mark Your Calendars
The Group C schedule is packed with exciting clashes right from the start. Here are the key match dates and times (CET):
Matchday 1
- 16/06: Slovenia vs Denmark (Stuttgart, 18:00)
- 16/06: Serbia vs England (Gelsenkirchen, 21:00)
Matchday 2
- 20/06: Slovenia vs Serbia (Munich, 15:00)
- 20/06: Denmark vs England (Frankfurt, 18:00)
Matchday 3
- 25/06: England vs Slovenia (Cologne, 21:00)
- 25/06: Denmark vs Serbia (Munich, 21:00)
These fixtures are strategically scheduled to maximize viewer excitement and competitive balance, ensuring each matchday offers crucial encounters that will shape the final standings of Group C Euro.
Team Profiles: Analyzing the Group C EURO Contenders
Each team in Group C brings a distinct flavor to the tournament. Let’s analyze each nation’s EURO pedigree, qualifying journey, and key attributes.
Slovenia: The Determined Underdogs
Slovenia enters EURO 2024 with a hunger to prove their mettle on the continental stage.
EURO Pedigree: Slovenia has only appeared in one previous EURO tournament, back in 2000, where they exited in the group stage. They did not qualify for EURO 2020.
Qualifying Journey: Slovenia showcased remarkable resilience in their qualifying campaign, finishing as Group H runners-up. They secured 7 wins, 1 draw, and only 2 losses in 10 matches, highlighting their improved consistency and tactical discipline under coach Matjaž Kek. Their qualification was confirmed with a decisive 2-1 victory against Kazakhstan.
Key Strengths: Slovenia’s strength lies in their organized defense and collective team spirit. They are a team that is hard to break down and can be dangerous on counter-attacks.
Previous Meetings:
- vs Denmark: 0 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses (Last meeting: L 1-2, 17/11/2023, EURO Qualifiers)
- vs England: 0 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses (Last meeting: L 0-1, 5/10/2017, World Cup Qualifiers)
- vs Serbia: 1 win, 6 draws, 1 loss (Last meeting: D 2-2, 22/6/2022, UEFA Nations League)
Slovenia will be aiming to make a strong impression and potentially advance beyond the group stage for the first time.
Denmark: The EURO 1992 Champions with High Hopes
Denmark, famously known for their EURO 1992 triumph, are a team with a rich European Championship history and a squad capable of deep runs in major tournaments.
EURO Pedigree: Denmark boasts a strong EURO history, participating in 9 previous editions, most recently reaching the semi-finals of EURO 2020. Their pinnacle remains winning the EURO 1992 title.
Qualifying Journey: Denmark topped Group H in qualifying, recovering impressively from an early setback against Kazakhstan. Under the guidance of Kasper Hjulmand, they secured 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in 10 games, demonstrating their quality and experience.
Key Strengths: Denmark’s experienced squad, blended with tactical flexibility and creativity in midfield, makes them a formidable opponent. Their team chemistry and EURO 2020 semi-final experience are valuable assets.
Previous Meetings:
- vs England: 4 wins, 5 draws, 13 losses (Last meeting: L 1-2, 7/7/2021, EURO 2020)
- vs Serbia: 5 wins, 0 draws, 5 losses (Last meeting: W 3-0, 29/3/2022, Friendly)
- vs Slovenia: 5 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses (Last meeting: W 2-1, 17/11/2023, EURO Qualifiers)
Denmark will be looking to replicate or surpass their EURO 2020 performance and are considered strong contenders to advance from Group C Euro.
Serbia: Returning to the EURO Stage with Ambition
Serbia is set to make their EURO finals return after a long absence, carrying the legacy of Yugoslavia’s past successes in the tournament.
EURO Pedigree: Serbia has participated in 5 previous EUROs as Yugoslavia, with their best results being runners-up in 1960 and 1968. They did not qualify for EURO 2020.
Qualifying Journey: Serbia secured their EURO 2024 spot by finishing as Group G runners-up. Their qualifying campaign included 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in 8 matches. A crucial 2-2 draw against Bulgaria sealed their qualification.
Key Strengths: Serbia’s squad is packed with talent, particularly in attack, featuring stars like Dušan Vlahović, Dušan Tadić, and Luka Jović. Their offensive firepower and individual brilliance can unlock any defense.
Previous Meetings:
- vs Denmark: 5 wins, 0 draws, 5 losses (Last meeting: L 0-3, 29/3/2022, Friendly)
- vs England: 4 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses (Last meeting: L 1-2, 3/6/2003, Friendly)
- vs Slovenia: 1 win, 6 draws, 1 loss (Last meeting: D 2-2, 22/6/2022, UEFA Nations League)
Serbia aims to make a significant impact on their return to the EUROs and advance beyond the group stage, leveraging their potent attacking lineup.
England: Favorites with a Point to Prove in Group C Euro
England, as EURO 2020 runners-up, enter EURO 2024 as strong favorites, eager to finally clinch the coveted European Championship title.
EURO Pedigree: England has a consistent EURO presence, qualifying for 10 previous tournaments, including the EURO 2020 where they finished as runners-up. Their best achievement remains the runner-up position in EURO 2020.
Qualifying Journey: England dominated Group C qualifying, securing the top spot with an unbeaten record of 6 wins and 2 draws in 8 matches. Their qualification was highlighted by a 3-1 victory against Italy at Wembley.
Key Strengths: England boasts a star-studded squad with depth in every position. Their attacking prowess, combined with improved defensive stability under Gareth Southgate, makes them a top contender.
Previous Meetings:
- vs Denmark: 13 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses (Last meeting: W 2-1, 7/7/2021, EURO 2020)
- vs Serbia: 6 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses (Last meeting: W 2-1, 3/6/2003, Friendly)
- vs Slovenia: 5 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses (Last meeting: W 1-0, 5/10/2017, World Cup Qualifiers)
England is under pressure to perform and is widely expected to not only advance from Group C Euro but also contend for the overall EURO 2024 title.
Group C EURO Predictions and Expectations
Group C is poised to be a tightly contested group. England is the clear favorite to top the group, but Denmark will provide stiff competition for the top spot and are highly likely to advance. The battle for the third spot, which could potentially lead to qualification for the knockout stages, will likely be between Serbia and Slovenia. Serbia’s attacking talent might give them a slight edge, but Slovenia’s defensive organization can make them a tough opponent for any team in the group.
Overall, Group C of the EURO 2024 promises a blend of tactical battles, exciting matches, and potential upsets, making it one of the must-watch groups in the tournament. Football fans should eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama in Group C Euro.
