Group D of UEFA EURO 2024 is set to be a fascinating and competitive pool, featuring France, Netherlands, Austria, and Poland. This group promises high-stakes encounters and is definitely one to watch in the tournament. Let’s delve into a comprehensive preview of Group D, exploring each team, their fixtures, and what to expect.
Group D Fixtures
Here’s the full schedule of Group D matches at EURO 2024:
June 16: Poland vs Netherlands (Hamburg, 15:00 CEST)
June 17: Austria vs France (Düsseldorf, 21:00 CEST)
June 21: Poland vs Austria (Berlin, 18:00 CEST)
June 21: Netherlands vs France (Leipzig, 21:00 CEST)
June 25: Netherlands vs Austria (Berlin, 18:00 CEST)
June 25: France vs Poland (Dortmund, 18:00 CEST)
Team Profiles: EURO 2024 Group D
Poland
EURO Pedigree: Poland has participated in the EURO finals four times prior to 2024, with their best performance being a quarter-final finish at EURO 2016. At EURO 2020, they were unfortunately eliminated in the group stage. They are looking to make a stronger impact this time around and progress further in the tournament.
Qualification Journey: Poland’s road to EURO 2024 was through the play-offs after finishing third in Group D of the qualifiers behind Albania and Czechia. They demonstrated resilience in the play-offs, defeating Estonia 5-1 in the semi-final and then securing their spot in Germany with a penalty shoot-out victory against Wales after a goalless draw. This path highlights their fighting spirit and determination to compete on the European stage.
Key Players: Robert Lewandowski remains the talisman and captain of the Polish team. His goal-scoring prowess and experience are crucial for Poland’s chances. Wojciech Szczęsny is a dependable goalkeeper, and players like Piotr Zieliński in midfield provide creativity and control.
Strengths & Weaknesses: Poland’s strength lies in their experienced core and attacking talent, particularly Lewandowski. However, they can be inconsistent defensively, and their over-reliance on Lewandowski for goals might be a point of vulnerability against stronger teams in Group D.
Prediction for Group D: Poland will aim to be competitive and potentially secure a third-place spot to hope for progression to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams. Their matches against Austria will be crucial in this regard.
Netherlands
EURO Pedigree: The Netherlands boasts a rich history in the EUROs, having appeared in 10 previous tournaments and famously winning EURO 1988. At EURO 2020, they reached the round of 16, and they are eager to replicate past glories and make a deep run in EURO 2024.
Qualification Journey: The Dutch team secured their qualification as runners-up in Group B, finishing behind France. Their qualification campaign included 6 wins and 2 losses, showcasing their ability to perform consistently. Under the guidance of Ronald Koeman, in his second stint as national coach, the Netherlands are aiming to build on their strong qualifying form.
Key Players: The Netherlands squad is filled with quality, including Virgil van Dijk, one of the world’s best defenders, anchoring the defense. Frenkie de Jong provides dynamism and creativity in midfield, while players like Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay offer attacking threats.
Strengths & Weaknesses: The Netherlands’ strengths are in their solid defense, creative midfield, and attacking options. However, they can sometimes be prone to defensive lapses and inconsistency in attack, especially against high-caliber opposition like France.
Prediction for Group D: The Netherlands are expected to compete for the top spot in Group D alongside France. Their head-to-head match against France will likely be pivotal in determining the group winner. They are strong contenders to advance to the knockout stages.
Austria
EURO Pedigree: Austria has qualified for the EUROs three times before 2024, with their best achievement being reaching the round of 16 at EURO 2020. Co-hosting EURO 2008 with Switzerland, they are now aiming to surpass their previous best and establish themselves as a consistent force in European football.
Qualification Journey: Austria qualified for EURO 2024 as runners-up in Group F, behind Belgium. They had a strong qualifying campaign with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, demonstrating significant improvement under coach Ralf Rangnick. Their qualification was secured with a victory against Azerbaijan in October.
Key Players: David Alaba, despite recent injury concerns, is the inspirational captain and leader of the Austrian team. Marcel Sabitzer brings energy and creativity to midfield, and Marko Arnautović offers experience and physicality upfront.
Strengths & Weaknesses: Austria’s strengths lie in their tactical discipline, high-pressing style under Rangnick, and team spirit. Their potential weakness could be a lack of depth in certain positions and experience at the highest level compared to teams like France and the Netherlands.
Prediction for Group D: Austria will be aiming to challenge for qualification to the knockout stages. Their matches against Poland and the Netherlands will be crucial. They are capable of causing upsets and could potentially vie for second place in the group.
France
EURO Pedigree: France is one of the powerhouses of European football, with 10 previous EURO appearances and two EURO titles (1984, 2000). They were runners-up at EURO 2016 and reached the round of 16 at EURO 2020. Les Bleus are consistently among the favorites in major tournaments and are aiming for EURO glory once again in 2024.
Qualification Journey: France qualified for EURO 2024 in dominant fashion, winning Group B with an unbeaten record of 7 wins and 1 draw. They were the first team to qualify for the tournament, highlighting their strength and consistency throughout the qualifying campaign.
Key Players: France boasts a star-studded squad led by Kylian Mbappé, one of the best players in the world. Antoine Griezmann provides creativity and versatility, and the midfield duo of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga offers both defensive solidity and attacking flair.
Strengths & Weaknesses: France’s strengths are immense, with world-class talent in every position, exceptional depth, and tactical flexibility under Didier Deschamps. Their only potential weakness might be complacency or internal team dynamics given the high expectations and star power within the squad.
Prediction for Group D: France is the clear favorite to win Group D and is considered one of the top contenders to win EURO 2024 overall. Their quality, experience, and winning mentality make them a formidable force in this tournament.
Conclusion
UEFA EURO 2024 Group D is packed with intrigue and potential for thrilling matches. France and the Netherlands are the frontrunners to advance, but Austria and Poland are capable of causing surprises and making this group highly competitive. Football fans can look forward to exciting encounters and quality football from Group D throughout the tournament.
