One of the worlds best sports tournaments starts Friday. UEFA Euro 2024 takes place in Germany from June 14th to July 14th. Six groups of four teams each will compete for as many points as possible to advance to the second round. A win results in three points, ties earn one, and zero for losses. Only two teams in each group move on to the round of 12. Here are the predictions for which teams in groups A through F have the best chances to make round two.
Group A: Germany, Switzerland
Host nation Germany hasn’t looked this strong in qualifying matches for over a decade. The DFB won three of their last four matches before Friday under new manager Julian Nagelsmann. Nagelsmann consistently gets the best out of the club since taking over autumn 2023. The roster retooling is another reason the Germans are considered favorites to at least make the semi-finals. Scotland stands little chance in the opening match while Hungary should worry about retribution from the last UEFA performance.
Hungary would be an attractive option if there wasn’t another veteran team in the first group. Switzerland’s experience presents multiple problems for the Hungarians. They also play each other first on Saturday. The Swiss understand this stage is played for points more than wins, so don’t be surprised if they’re more conservative depending on their opponent.
Group B: Italy, Spain
The reigning UEFA champions return with new manager Luciano Spalletti on the sidelines. Roberto Mancini’s resignation and hiring to Saudi Arabia presents some challenges for the team. While Spain’s offensive playing style will be the biggest test for the Italian team in round one, Albania will struggle and Croatia might crumble due to defensive holes and the number of older players on the roster. Italy not advancing to the second round would both shock and upend the round of 12 picture.
Spain’s the best choice after Italy, if not the presumed favorite of group B. As mentioned above, Croatia’s aging stars and questions on defense will be exposed against a Spanish team that dominates offensive time of possession (around 80%) each match. Last but not least, the former Yugoslav nation struggles in UEFA tournaments. It’s possible we know which two teams advance to the second round before anyone plays their third game.
Group C: England, Denmark
England’s brutal championship match loss in 2021 creates more pressure to pick up where they left off and try to surpass expectations. The Serbian and Slovenian teams are easy for casual fans to look past, but the British cannot with how hard both teams play. Coach Gareth Southgate has to keep the Lions sharp while forward Bukayo Saka and defenders Luke Shaw and John Stones ease back onto the roster. At least the players will be off social media (for as long as they’re not eliminated).
While the two former Yugoslav republics compete hard, Denmark has the best chance of advancing to round two. The Danes don’t play the physical Serbs until last and have England second. Depending how well England does against Serbia, Denmark could have the upper hand most of group play. Since most of team’s defenders and forwards hitting their prime, it would be a disappointment if Denmark doesn’t perform well. This might also be midfielder Christian Eriksen’s last UEFA tournament.
Group D: France, Netherlands
The most loaded group of the six. All four teams have a good chance of not just getting out of round one, but also getting out of round two with their high scoring offenses. Two teams stand out and get the nod here. French coach Didier Deschamps returns to the sideline, and that’s bad news for the other three. Even if France doesn’t win the group, the Austrians, Dutch and Polish will play their best against them in round one.
Poland’s on the short end as forward and team leading scorer Robert Lewandowski will miss the first match against the Dutch. The Netherlands could start slow, but this is their best opportunity to leap up the standings. Austria’s on a roll with four wins and a draw in their last five matches. However the draw came against an improved Swiss team many expect to see in the second round. Playing France first and the Orange last is brutal timing unless both west European powers stumble through group play. That would be harder to say about the Netherlands since Ronald Koeman is the new coach and the offense has undergone drastic changes (even though midfielder Teun Koopmeiners is out for the tournament with a groin injury).
Group E: Belgium, Ukraine
Easily the weakest group, the Belgians should coast to the second round. A healthy Romelu Lukaku ensures Belgium takes first place.
It’s hard to pick which of the remaining trio advances. Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine have holes everywhere on offense and defense. Ukraine surprisingly stands out as the most competent of the three. They’ve performed well against better teams like Germany and Poland. Ukraine also gets Belgium last in group play while Slovakia plays them first. The Blue and Yellow could have the advantage of playing a Belgian team that has first place locked up by match three. This puts more pressure on Slovakia and Romania to be perfect every game.
Group F: Portugal, Czechia
The last and one of the funnest groups. Portugal’s led by ageless forward Cristiano Ronaldo and midfielder Bruno Fernandes. They are coincidently the best players in group F. The Portuguese defense is stout and shouldn’t allow many goals this round.
If they let in any goals, it might be against Czechia. The Czechs are undefeated this year in the friendlies and even scored seven in one match. While their first, true test of 2024 is against Portugal, group play eases up with an unknown Georgia and lackluster Turkiye the last two matches. Don’t be surprised if Czechia goes on a run similar to Switzerland’s in 2021.
JD's Sportscorner 