Euro 2024 Groups: A Comprehensive Look at the Euro Groups
The Euro 2024 groups are set, promising a thrilling tournament. Germany, as the host nation, headlines Group A, alongside Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland. While Germany has faced recent challenges, their home advantage makes them a strong contender. Scotland’s impressive qualifying campaign positions them well, but they’ll face tough competition from Hungary, participating in its third consecutive Euros, and a highly-ranked Swiss team.
Group B is the undeniable “Group of Death,” featuring three of FIFA’s top 10 teams: Spain, Croatia, and Italy. Spain and Croatia recently clashed in the UEFA Nations League final, with Spain winning on penalties. Italy, the defending champion, remains a formidable force. Albania, having topped their qualifying group, which included Poland and Czechia, should not be underestimated.
Group C sees England, a pre-tournament favorite, pitted against Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia. Denmark poses the biggest threat to England’s ambitions. Serbia boasts a potent attack with Aleksandar Mitrović and Dusan Vlahovic, but their recent tournament history is concerning. Slovenia, one of the lowest-ranked teams to qualify, faces an uphill battle.
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France, another tournament favorite, leads Group D, which includes the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland. France’s early test against a resurgent Dutch side, who they defeated twice in qualifying, will be crucial. Austria faces a tough challenge to advance, while Poland, having emerged from the playoffs, adds another layer of intrigue to the group.
Group E features Belgium as the clear favorite, alongside Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine. Belgium’s path to the knockout stages seems relatively clear, with Slovakia and Romania having struggled in previous Euros. Ukraine, playoff winners who narrowly missed upsetting Italy in qualifying, will aim to make an impact.
Group F is headlined by Portugal, aiming for their second Euro title since 2016. With a perfect qualifying record, Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo in what is likely his final international tournament, is a force to be reckoned with. Czechia, quarterfinalists in the last Euro, and Turkey, aiming to progress beyond the group stage, will provide stiff competition. Georgia, the lowest-ranked team in the group, rounds out the Euro Groups.