On Friday June 14, the 2024 edition of the UEFA European Football Championship gets underway with host nation Germany facing Scotland.
Guaranteed to be a lively and exciting affair, it seems like a wide-open tournament. Most bookmakers have England and France as the two favourites considering their superstar-packed squad with Germany a close third, aided by the home advantage.
However, Portugal, Spain, current champions Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands also have very strong squads and can realistically hope to win the trophy. Croatia have continuously performed well in recent international tournaments and could be a dark horse.
Could an underdog team like Georgia or Albania even pull off a shocking upset like Greece in 2004? Only time will tell…
In any case, those with a sharp eye and the ability to see value in the bookmaker’s odds are sure to make some money at online betting Singapore sites.
Key Factors Influencing Group Stage Outcomes
International football tournaments are very difficult to predict for a number of reasons. Having the eyes of Europe and the hopes of a nation on their shoulders, players are under more pressure than when playing for their clubs.
Secondly, the players play less games together and squad cohesion is a massively important factor, more so than having a few superstars. A team of average players with a great match plan and clearly defined roles will almost always beat a team of better players with a lack of organisation. On top of that, in a knock-out tournament, the tactical approach is incredibly important.
Another important factor is squad depth, although its importance purely depends on injuries. For example, at the 2014 World Cup, hosts Brazil lost their talisman Neymar in the quarters and were annihilated 7-1 in the next round because they had no one to replace him. However, if Neymar had not been injured, the result would likely have been very different.
Team form is of course another factor, and England’s loss to Iceland for example is not a good sign. However, it can also act as a wake-up call and kick the squad into action.
The best thing to do for predicting results is looking at the team’s tactical approaches and their squad, looking for balance and consistency in previous games. So, let’s do that!
Remember, four of the third placed finishers will also qualify for the knock-out stages.
Group A Analysis
Germany, Scotland, Switzerland, Hungary
This group is probably the tightest of all, with no clearly weaker team.
Of course, Germany are favourites: they are the host country and have the strongest squad, at least on paper. Neuer, Rudiger, Kimmich, Musiala, Kroos (last tournament before his retirement) and Havertz are just a few examples of their quality (although new manager Naglesmann did confusingly leave out Hummels). That being said, Germany has not won a single knock-out game in an international tournament since the Euros in 2016 and have performed poorly, both in defence and attack. They will be raring to rectify their recent results but find themselves in the most difficult group. If they top this group, it is fairly likely that they will go all the way.
On paper, there is very little separating the other three teams in the group. At the last Euros, Hungary was knocked out in another group of death but still managed to draw against both France and Germany and led in both games. There is a lot of hope in this team in Hungary and they play attractive football, and beat England both home and away in the Nations League. They are certainly one of the dark horses in this tournament.
Draw-specialists Switzerland are one of the more predictable teams in this group, simply because they have set up a tried and tested way of playing in international tournaments: solid, difficult to break down and well-organised. That is usually a good recipe and they have been known for bits of magic here and there, from talismans Shaqiri or Xhaka. In 2021, they sensationally knocked out France in an incredible game, scoring two late goals and eliminating the favourites.
Finally, Scotland. Only Ronaldo, Lukaku, Kane and Mbappe scored more goals than a certain McTominay in qualifying and they actually have a good squad. They will fancy their chances on the opening night and could cause some damage to teams that underestimate them.
Group B Analysis
Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Another group stacked with talent, Spain are emerging as the group favourites, with Croatia next and Italy in third.
Albania are not really being given a chance, which is understandable considering their opponents. However, they will not be easy to beat and Jasir Asani and Rey Manaj could make a name for themselves on the European stage.
Spain is a footballing nation who always seem to have a plethora of technical wizards, and that is no different this time. They reached the semi-finals last edition, losing to eventual champions Italy. They do have incredible midfielders such as Rodri, Zubimendi and Pedri but they will need to be firing on all cylinders to break down their opponents.
Italy’s squad is weaker than it was last Euro, due mostly to retirements and injuries, but it is still full of talent. Their defensive heritage is always helpful in a knock-out tournament but it will not necessarily be easy for them to make a mark on this group.
Croatia are one of the best performing teams in recent international tournaments, with a final and a semi-final in the most recent World Cups. They are gaining valuable experience on an international stage and always seem to have something up the sleeve to pip their opponents. Gvardiol and Modric are the two standout players but they will be confident they can make it out of the group.
Group C Analysis
England, Denmark, Serbia, Slovenia
England will be confident going to this group and should be topping it considering the difference in quality. With players like Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Foden and Palmer, the England attack is brimming with creativity and quality, but that has not always translated to results for England. At their best, not many teams can stop it from coming home, but will they be at their best?
The other three teams are quite close in theory. Denmark reached the semis in 2021, losing to England, and have some good players, such as Manchester United’s Hojlund. They will be tricky customers.
Serbia played very well in qualifying, scoring in every single game. A constant aerial threat and with Mitrovic and Vlahovic in attack, if they can be solid in defence and get the ball in the box, they will have lots of chances.
Finishing behind Denmark on goal difference in qualifying, this is Slovenia’s second ever Euro participation, having never won a game in the competition. However, striker Sesko is sure to cause problems and they could be a real headache.
Group D Analysis
France, Netherlands, Poland, Austria
In all honesty, France could enter three teams into this Euros and all of them could be considered favourites. They have the biggest squad depth and should probably be considered the actual favourites over England. They will almost undoubtedly top the group.
The Netherlands are a team that have often been disappointing on the international stage, especially since their World Cup final in 2010. Despite obvious qualities and players like Van Dijk, they do not always perform the best. However, the last time the tournament was held in Germany, they won the whole thing and they have a great side.
Austria would have been a serious threat with their full-strength team but are unfortunately plagued with injuries. Alaba and the two Schlager (midfielder Xavier and keeper Alexander) will be missing. They still have Sabitzer in midfield and a clear pressing style well-implemented by manager Ragnick, but it will be difficult.
Poland will also struggle in what is likely Lewandowski’s last international tournament. They are not an exciting team and often perform badly, so expect them to drop out of this group.
Group E Analysis
Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Belgium, a team constantly filled with great players, should finish top of this group. While they have underperformed recently with their golden generation, experience gained should steer them towards more balance and they will hope to run deep in this tournament.
Romania may surprise people at this tournament. Despite their low international ranking, they did not lose a game during qualifying and are very solid defensively. It is a case of wondering where the goals will come from.
Ukraine are predicted to be the second best team in this group, but they might find it hard to break down the other teams. Slovakia are the lowest rated team in the group and will struggle to make it out. However, the position of plucky underdog has helped teams out in the past.
Group F Analysis
Portugal, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
Portugal are clear favourites for this group with their very packed squad and Cristiano Ronaldo hoping to lead his country to victory in the Euros again. Leao, Bernardo Silva, Neto, Jota are some of their other attacking options, all exciting players who have different profiles and qualities that should mean they consistently find the net.
Turkey are the second-favourites to qualify, but the Euros have not been kind to Turkey in the past. They have lost six of their last seven Euro games and will have to heavily rely on the creativity of Çalhanoğlu to progress.
Czechia are appearing for the 11th time in the Euros. Striker Schick will hope to score goals for his team like he did at the last edition and they have a favourable group to try and qualify from.
Georgia are appearing at an international tournament for the first time in their history as an independent nation. Their star player is of course Kvaratskhelia but they did well to knock out Greece in the qualifying. As total newbies, it is difficult to know what is in store, although it is quite the mountain they must climb.
Predictions for Teams Advancing to Knockout Stage
So, here are the predictions from 96ACE for teams advancing to the knockout stage, with lucky losers in bold.
Group A: Germany, Switzerland, Scotland
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy
Group C: England, Serbia
Group D: France, Netherlands, Austria
Group E: Belgium, Romania
Group F: Portugal, Turkey, Georgia
Conclusion
The Euros are likely to be stacked with excitement this year, even if there might not be the most goals. Teams are very similarly balanced and it is difficult to predict but there are a few different bets that are looking better than others. Croatia finishing in the top two of Group B is a good pick and if you want to back an underdog, Georgia are the best choice. England and France will most likely go far in the tournament, and Kane and Mbappe are the most likely top scorers. However, it is exciting to see Germany and Portugal in this tournament too and the Netherlands could go all the way. Hope the above information and predictions could help your online betting experience. Let’s bet and win together with 96ACE Singapore!
