Euro 2024 Group B: Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Albania – The “Group of Death” Preview

UEFA Euro 2024’s Group B is already being dubbed the “group of death,” and for good reason. It features three footballing powerhouses in Spain, Italy, and Croatia, alongside the spirited underdogs, Albania. This group promises high-stakes encounters, tactical battles, and potentially some major upsets. Let’s delve into a detailed preview of each team, their strengths, weaknesses, and what to expect from this enthralling group.

Spain: Aiming for a Fourth European Crown

Spain, with their rich history in the Euros, are heading to Germany with the ambition of securing a record fourth European Championship title. Having already participated in 11 previous EUROs, and winning it three times (1964, 2008, 2012), La Roja are a constant threat on the international stage. Their qualifying campaign was impressive, topping Group A with 7 wins out of 8 matches, showcasing a dominant attacking force with 25 goals scored and a solid defense conceding only 5.

Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain continues to evolve their tiki-taka style, blending possession-based football with a more direct attacking approach. Key players to watch include young talents like Pedri and Gavi in midfield, and experienced campaigners like Álvaro Morata leading the line. Their previous encounters within Group B are a mixed bag. Historically, they dominate Albania, have a competitive record against Croatia, but face a tougher challenge against Italy, with whom they have a closely contested history.

Croatia: The Ever-Resilient Dark Horses

Croatia, led by the evergreen Luka Modrić, are perennial dark horses in major tournaments. This will be their 6th consecutive EURO appearance, a testament to their consistent quality. Qualifying as runners-up in Group D, Croatia displayed resilience and tactical discipline, securing their spot with a 1-0 victory over Armenia. While their EURO best remains the quarter-finals (1996, 2008), they consistently punch above their weight, often exceeding expectations.

Zlatko Dalić, their long-term coach, has instilled a strong team spirit and tactical flexibility in the Vatreni. Their midfield, anchored by Modrić, Marcelo Brozović, and Mateo Kovačić, is arguably their biggest strength, capable of controlling games against any opposition. Historically, Croatia has a competitive but slightly negative record against Spain and a more favorable one against Italy. Their matches against Albania will be their first competitive meetings, adding an element of unpredictability.

Italy: Defending Champions with a Point to Prove

Italy arrives at Euro 2024 as the defending champions, but their qualification journey was far from smooth. Navigating through Group C as runners-up, under first Roberto Mancini and then Luciano Spalletti, the Azzurri had to overcome challenges and doubts. Their EURO pedigree is undeniable, with 10 previous appearances and two titles (1968, 2020).

Under Spalletti, Italy is expected to maintain a balanced approach, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair. While they may not be the outright favorites this time around, underestimating the Italians in a major tournament is always a mistake. Their head-to-head records within Group B are varied. They have a dominant record against Albania, a balanced history with Croatia, and a more challenging one against Spain. Their encounter with Spain is particularly anticipated as a clash of European giants.

Albania: The Determined Underdogs Ready to Surprise

Albania, often underestimated, secured their place in only their second EURO finals appearance, topping Group E in qualifying. This achievement itself is a major victory for Albanian football. EURO 2016 was their debut, where they managed a memorable win against Romania. Now, they return with ambitions to cause upsets in a formidable Group B.

While considered the underdogs, Albania’s qualification as group winners demonstrates their capability and determination. Their strength lies in their organized defense and team unity. Facing three European heavyweights will be a daunting task, but they will relish the opportunity to prove their mettle. Their historical records against Spain and Italy are heavily skewed against them, and they have no previous meetings with Croatia, making every match in Group B a new chapter in their footballing journey.

Group B Fixtures: Dates and Key Matchups

The Euro 2024 Group B schedule is packed with exciting fixtures right from the start:

Matchday 1:

• 15/06: Spain vs Croatia (Berlin, 18:00 CET) – A heavyweight clash to kick off the group.
• 15/06: Italy vs Albania (Dortmund, 21:00 CET) – Italy starts as favorites but Albania will be eager to make a statement.

Matchday 2:

• 19/06: Croatia vs Albania (Hamburg, 15:00 CET) – Croatia will look to secure a win against Albania.
• 20/06: Spain vs Italy (Gelsenkirchen, 21:00 CET) – Potentially the group decider, a classic European rivalry.

Matchday 3:

• 24/06: Croatia vs Italy (Leipzig, 21:00 CET) – Another crucial match with potential knockout implications.
• 24/06: Albania vs Spain (Düsseldorf, 21:00 CET) – Albania aims to end their campaign on a high note against Spain.

Predictions and Group Dynamics

Group B is incredibly tight, and predicting the outcome is challenging. Spain and Italy are likely favorites to advance, but Croatia’s experience and quality cannot be discounted. Albania, while the underdogs, have the potential to snatch points and influence the group dynamics.

Key factors that will decide the fate of Group B teams include:

• Early Match Results: The Spain vs Croatia and Italy vs Albania matches on the first matchday will set the tone for the group.
• Head-to-Head Clashes: The direct encounters between Spain, Italy, and Croatia will be crucial in determining the group standings.
• Albania’s Performance: Whether Albania can secure draws or even a surprise win could significantly impact the group’s outcome.
• Team Form and Injuries: Player fitness and form leading up to and during the tournament will play a vital role.

Euro 2024 Group B is set to be a rollercoaster of emotions, tactical masterclasses, and dramatic moments. Football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama in this “group of death.”