Football’s big question remains: who’s going to win UEFA Euro 2024? The tournament will be happening in Germany and is set to be a real showdown among Europe’s best teams. England, Spain, Italy, and Germany are in the mix, alongside underdogs like Ukraine and Georgia, all getting ready for some seriously high-stakes games. With such a diverse and strong lineup, it’s harder than ever to predict the outcome, making it a really exciting event on the international football scene.
We are going to get deep into each group’s dynamics, offering insights and predictions for Group A through Group F, focusing on teams like Portugal, France, Switzerland, and newcomers like Albania. Each section evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, and key players that could influence each team’s journey through the tournament. Let’s go!
Euro 2024 fixtures
Group A Insights and Predictions
Historical Performance
Group A, comprising Germany, Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland, presents a diverse historical backdrop. Germany, historically a strong team in European football, has faced Hungary with a balanced record, winning 13 matches, drawing 12, and losing 12. Their last encounter resulted in a 1-0 loss for Germany in the UEFA Nations League in September 2022. Against Scotland, Germany has a favorable record with 8 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses, the most recent being a 3-2 victory in the Euro Qualifiers of 2015.
Switzerland and Hungary have clashed numerous times, with Switzerland leading with 11 wins compared to Hungary’s 30. Their last encounter was a decisive 5-2 victory for Switzerland during the Euro Qualifiers in 2017. Scotland and Switzerland have a more balanced historical record, with Scotland securing 8 wins over Switzerland’s 5 in their meetings.
Current Form and Stats
In the run-up to UEFA EURO 2024, the form of the teams in Group A has shown some variability. Germany, under the new management of Nagelsmann, has shown signs of recovery with significant wins in recent friendlies, suggesting a potential strong performance in the tournament. Scotland, despite a mixed record in recent matches, managed a draw against Switzerland in their latest encounter, indicating resilience.
Hungary’s impressive 14-match unbeaten run leading up to the finals highlights their potential as dark horses in this competition. Switzerland has maintained a consistent performance, qualifying as group runners-up and showing strong potential following their quarter-finals achievement in Euro 2020.
Key Players
Key players in Group A could significantly influence their teams’ outcomes. Germany’s squad, rejuvenated under Nagelsmann, looks to key figures such as Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane to lead the team. Scotland relies on Scott McTominay, whose performance has been pivotal in their qualification campaign. For Hungary, Dominik Szoboszlai, who captains the team, will be crucial, especially in matches against Scotland and Switzerland. Switzerland’s experience is embodied in players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, and Fabian Schar, all likely participating in their final Euros, adding a layer of determination to their campaign.
These insights into Group A’s teams provide a glimpse into the dynamics that could shape the outcomes of the early stages of UEFA EURO 2024.
Group B Insights and Predictions
Historical Performance
Group B of UEFA Euro 2024, taking place from June 15 to June 24, 2024, features a compelling mix of teams including Spain, Croatia, defending champions Italy, and Albania. Historical data reveals a robust track record for Spain against its group opponents, boasting an undefeated record against Albania and favorable outcomes against Croatia. Italy’s historical edge over Croatia and Albania adds to the intrigue, with past encounters suggesting tight contests that often end in draws or narrow victories.
Recent match results further paint a picture of the competitive dynamics within the group. Spain demonstrated its offensive capabilities with a convincing 3-0 win against Croatia, highlighted by goals from Morata, Fabián, and Carvajal. Italy, on the other hand, overcame an early goal from Albania to secure a 2-1 victory, showcasing resilience and tactical acumen. The draw between Croatia and Albania, marked by a late equalizer, underscores the unpredictability and balanced nature of the group.
Current Form and Stats
The current form of the teams suggests a fiercely contested group stage. Spain enters the tournament with an impressive qualification record and a high FIFA World Ranking, positioning them as favorites to top the group. Their recent performance, characterized by a possession-heavy style and tactical sophistication, was evident in their dominant win against Croatia. Italy, while still finding its footing after a transitional phase, remains a formidable opponent with a strong defensive setup and experienced players capable of decisive plays.
Croatia, known for their consistency in major tournaments, continues to leverage their tactical versatility and the brilliance of players like Luka Modrić. Despite a mixed start with a loss to Spain and a draw against Albania, their ability to perform under pressure will be crucial. Albania, as the underdog, has shown tenacity and a solid defensive foundation, which was critical in securing a draw against Croatia and could lead to potential upsets.
Key Players
The success of each team in Group B will hinge significantly on key players who bring individual quality and experience. For Spain, Dani Olmo and Álvaro Morata are pivotal, with Olmo’s technical skills and Morata’s goal-scoring ability critical to Spain’s attack. Italy relies on Alessandro Bastoni, whose defensive prowess and leadership will be vital in their campaign to defend the title.
Croatia’s hopes may rest on the seasoned Luka Modrić, whose playmaking ability can alter the course of a game. Despite his age, Modrić’s strategic thinking and experience make him a valuable asset. For Albania, Rey Manaj stands out as a crucial figure. His ability to score and generate opportunities will be essential for Albania to make an impact in a group filled with seasoned competitors.
The dynamics within Group B promise a blend of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and the potential for unexpected outcomes as each team strives to advance to the knockout stages.
Group C Insights and Predictions
Historical Performance
Group C of UEFA Euro 2024, featuring England, Italy, Malta, North Macedonia, and Ukraine, has showcased a dynamic range of performances leading up to the tournament. England and Italy emerged as the top two teams from the qualifiers, demonstrating their consistent strength in European football. Historically, England has maintained a robust record in European Championship and World Cup qualifiers, with only one loss in their last 65 matches—a 2-1 defeat to Czechia during the EURO 2020 preliminaries. Italy, on the other hand, continues to be a formidable force, having faced England in the final three years ago, with expectations high for another strong performance.
Current Form and Stats
The qualifying rounds for Euro 2024 saw Group C teams scoring a total of 61 goals in 20 matches, averaging 3.05 goals per game. England’s Harry Kane led the scoring with 8 goals, followed by Bukayo Saka with 4. Italy’s attacking prowess was also on display with significant contributions from players like Domenico Berardi and Federico Chiesa, each netting 2 goals. The group’s competitive nature is further highlighted by the performances of North Macedonia and Ukraine, with players like Enis Bardhi and Elif Elmas, each scoring 3 goals, showing that they are not to be underestimated.
Key Players
The outcome of Group C could very well hinge on key performances from standout players. England’s squad boasts talents like Harry Kane, whose scoring ability is crucial, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose versatility in midfield or defense could dictate England’s play style and progression.
Italy will rely on the skills of Federico Chiesa, whose pace and agility pose a significant threat to defenses. For Ukraine, despite the challenges posed by having to play their home matches at neutral venues, Viktor Tsyhankov remains a pivotal figure, capable of making impactful plays. Lastly, the emerging talent of Benjamin Sesko for Slovenia and Rasmus Hojlund for Denmark could provide the spark needed for their respective teams to challenge the traditional powerhouses in this highly competitive group.
Group D Insights and Predictions
Historical Performance
Group D in UEFA Euro 2024 features a compelling lineup of teams, including Poland, the Netherlands, Austria, and France. Historical performances show France’s dominance, with a recent 4-0 victory over the Netherlands highlighting their strength. In the qualifiers, France exhibited superiority by securing 7 wins out of 8 matches, emphasizing their consistent high-level performance. The Netherlands, on the other hand, have shown resilience and tactical flexibility, securing the second spot in their qualifying group. Austria and Poland have had mixed results but have demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure, with Austria notably overcoming Germany in a recent match.
Current Form and Stats
As of the latest updates, France leads Group D with an impressive Elo rating of 2077, marking them as favorites. Their robust defense and potent attack make them a formidable opponent in the group. The Netherlands, with an Elo rating of 1974, follows closely, known for their attacking flair and solid defense. Austria, though lower in ranking with an Elo rating of 1863, has shown significant improvement under coach Ralf Rangnick. Poland, with an Elo rating of 1746, faces a tough challenge but can leverage their key player, Robert Lewandowski, to make impactful plays.
Key Players
The success of the teams in Group D will heavily depend on key players. For France, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe are pivotal, with Mbappe handling penalties and Griezmann taking charge of free kicks and corners. The Netherlands will rely on Virgil Van Dijk for defensive stability and Memphis Depay for offensive creativity. Austria’s hopes may rest on Marcel Sabitzer, known for his versatility and set-piece expertise. Poland’s strategy will heavily involve Lewandowski, whose ability to influence the game will be crucial for Poland’s advancement.
Group E Insights and Predictions
Historical Performance
Group E, featuring Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine, presents a dynamic mix of historical performances. Belgium, traditionally strong in international competitions, has shown consistent form, though they faced a surprising 0-1 defeat to Slovakia in their opening match at Frankfurt. Slovakia, on the other hand, has demonstrated resilience and capability, notably with their historic win over Belgium, which is considered the biggest upset in UEFA European Championship history due to the 45-place difference in FIFA rankings.
Romania’s strong start with a 3-0 victory over Ukraine indicates their potential to repeat history, reminiscent of their impressive run at Euro 2000. Ukraine, despite a tough start with a 0-3 loss to Romania, has a history of reaching the quarter-finals in Euro 2020, showcasing their ability to advance in major tournaments.
No one expect a 3:0 win over Ukraine’s best team in many years.
Current Form and Stats
The current form and statistical analysis reveal significant insights into each team’s capabilities and style of play. Belgium, under the new management of Domenico Tedesco, aims to overcome their World Cup disappointment, with a squad led by key players like Kevin De Bruyne. Slovakia, driven by coach Francesco Calzona, has shown improvement, securing their place in the tournament by finishing as Group J runners-up.
Romania, led by Edward Iordănescu, topped Group I in the qualifiers, demonstrating a solid defensive and attacking balance, with only 5 goals conceded. Ukraine, managed by Serhiy Rebrov, qualified through the playoffs and has shown a mix of results in recent matches, indicating a need for consistency.
Key Players
Each team in Group E boasts individuals who could be pivotal in their Euro 2024 campaigns. For Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne stands out as a critical playmaker, whose performance could significantly influence Belgium’s success. Slovakia relies on Milan Škriniar, a strong defender whose leadership will be key in their defensive strategy.
Romania looks to Nicolae Stanciu, a seasoned midfielder whose experience and skill will be vital for guiding the team through the group stages. Ukraine’s hopes may rest on Mykhailo Mudryk, whose speed and skill on the wing will be crucial for breaking down opposing defenses and creating scoring opportunities.
The combination of historical context, current form, and key players sets the stage for a highly competitive Group E, where each match could dramatically influence the final standings and progression to the knockout stages.
Group F Insights and Predictions
Historical Performance
Group F, consisting of Portugal, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia, presents a diverse set of historical interactions among the teams. Portugal has shown dominance over Turkey with a record of seven wins and just two losses, the most recent being a 3-1 victory in World Cup qualifiers in March 2022. The Czech Republic has a favorable record against Turkey, winning 12 matches compared to Turkey’s six.
Notably, their last encounter ended in a 2-1 victory for the Czech Republic in a November 2022 friendly match. Georgia and Turkey have faced each other five times, with Turkey winning three of these encounters. The historical data suggests a competitive group with Portugal and the Czech Republic appearing as the stronger teams based on past performances.
Current Form and Stats
Portugal enters Euro 2024 as one of the top contenders, not only in Group F but across the tournament, with an impressive Elo rating of 2003. They boast a perfect qualifying campaign under coach Roberto Martínez, who has successfully integrated tactical innovations and fostered a strong team spirit. The Czech Republic, with an Elo rating of 1777, shows promise with a well-balanced team capable of tactical discipline and creating scoring opportunities.
Turkey, with an Elo rating of 1749, demonstrates resilience and a mix of experienced and young talents who can influence the game significantly. Georgia, though the underdog with an Elo rating of 1666, brings determination and a hardworking squad that could pose challenges to their more favored opponents.
Key Players
Portugal’s squad is studded with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, and Bruno Fernandes, with Fernandes playing a crucial role in both scoring and playmaking. For the Czech Republic, Patrik Schick and Tomáš Souček are pivotal, with Schick’s ability to score critical goals and Souček’s control in midfield. Turkey’s key players include Hakan Çalhanoğlu, known for his precise set-pieces, and young talent Arda Güler, who has shown potential in La Liga. Georgia relies on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose performances in Serie A have drawn significant attention, making him a player to watch during the tournament.
The teams in Group F will be a mix of experienced squads and up-and-coming talents, each bringing their own strengths to the table. The performance of key players will be a big factor in determining which teams move on to the knockout stages.
Overall Euro 2024 Predictions
As the anticipation for Euro 2024 builds, this comprehensive preview sets the stage for a tournament that goes beyond mere competition to encapsulate the spirit of unity, rivalry, and the love for football. The implications of these insights and predictions stretch far, suggesting thrilling match-ups and showcasing football’s ability to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. Fans, teams, and nations await with bated breath, ready to witness footballing magic unfold across Germany’s storied stadiums. The true winners, regardless of the outcome, will be the fans and the beautiful game itself, as Euro 2024 promises to enhance the legacy of European football, championing a future where passion, talent, and strategy converge to create unforgettable moments.
