EURO 2024: THE JAW-DROPPERS! (PART 1)

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Europe’s premium football competition is set to take off in next to no time on the 14th of June with Germany as hosts for the next four weeks. The continent’s best will take on a long, gritty and unprecedented journey towards bringing glory back to their home nations. A glance at the countries set to feature in the championships this summer indicates that throughout the competition, we are assured of great, mouth-watering games to keep our eyes on the screen for one full month. My article will provide a scope in to the games of the first three groups in the competition and what they have in store for us.

GROUP A

GAME: GERMANY VS HUNGARY DATE: 19th June 2024 TIME: 17:00 BST

This will be the second game of the tournament for both sides. It has the potential to be a do-or-die for either side depending on their first results. Germany being the home side are hoping to put aside their weak performances from the previous three tournaments (World Cup 2018, Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022). They carry a relatively young squad which also has a mix of experience from the likes of Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich. Their midfield will be the make or break of their progress in the tournament, let’s see how they will handle their first real challenge in the form of Hungary. Nemzeti Tizenegy emerged as a side to watch in the last Euros due to their passionate performances that saw them manage to steal a point against Germany in Munich and a point from France in Budapest. They play a flawless style of football and are capable of stringing passes high up the pitch that can pull quick goals, if underestimated, the Hungarians can sting you. Plus, they don’t need much motivation as their passionate fans travel in great numbers, ready to rally their team forward.

GAME: GERMANY VS SWITZERLAND DATE: 23rd June 2024 TIME: 20:00 BST

Germany’s rocky record in the past three tournaments have tarnished the fear factor that they used to carry like the teams of the past. In addition, with this being head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s first major tournament with the Germans, it brings one to question whether he is capable of bringing back Die Mannschaft the respect they once had on the European stage? This is not a worry though for the Switzerland squad. An experienced squad that have stayed together in many tournaments and are aware of what needs to be done to get out of the group stage. They are looking to break the barrier that stops them from getting past the round of 16 and (at times) the quarter-finals, the task of playing Germany as their last group game is difficult and whatever the situation will be at the time, the Germans must be aware that the Swiss will come out guns blazing in hope of getting a result that will lead to them qualifying for the next round.

GROUP B GAME: SPAIN VS CROATIA DATE: 15th June 2024 TIME: 17:00 BST

Age is just a number for this Croatian squad that keeps on giving fairytale performances in major tournaments. The Chequered Ones carry a fighting spirit that sees them fight to the final whistle when they are down and when they are up- well you don’t want that to happen to your country as they will run the ball around their midfield and tire out their opponents within twenty minutes. They are a well rounded and balanced squad.This game is going to be a revenge game as they were knocked out of Euro 2020 by the Spanish in a thrilling round of 16 game that ended 5-3. Can they do it? Well the Spanish would like to have a word about that. This young Spanish squad is aiming to bring something the last few Spanish sides have failed to bring into tournaments- hunger. The expectation upon the young shoulders of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri and the rest of the young group is to bring a hustle and hunger against all sides while the experienced figures of Rodri, Morata and Jesus Navas are there to adjust and lead the Spaniards through any rocky situations. This game against the Croats is an interesting test for them as both sides like to control the game. A must watch!

GAME: SPAIN VS ITALY DATE: 20th June 2024 TIME: 20:00 BST

The Azzurri enter the tournament as defending champions but do not look likely to retain it- they are out to prove people wrong. This Italian squad are defensively stacked with the likes of Bastoni, Caliafori and Dimarco. It is clear that this squad is set on stopping the goals from going in and allowing their offense to flow- particularly off of counter-attacks. However this is their first tournament since Euro 2008 without either of their defensive pillars; Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, which teams- such as Spain- are looking to capitalize on. The Spanish midfielders will be looking for long passes to their offensive players that will break the Italian wall, great passers such as Pedri and Rodri are critical for this game. This is also a repeat of their classic Euro 2020 semi-final that went in the Italians favor, if we are going to get a repeat of even half of that game, then we are in for a treat!

GAME: ALBANIA VS SPAIN DATE: 24th June 2024 TIME: 20:00 BST

Albania are determined to prove that they are not here to make up the numbers and their qualifying campaign was not a fluke. The Shqipet have been placed in a difficult group that puts them in the unfortunate position as the underdog for every game of the group stages, they will look to capture points in any possible situation. They will look at the aggressive forward- Armando Broja to provide the goals throughout the competition, with his abrasive style of play, goals may come his way. But, La Furia Roja are determined to prove a point from the outset of the tournament and will most likely play a style of football that aims to torture all opponents(most likely by retaining possession of the ball). The problem with this is that one quick counter can hurt Spain- hopefully Albania have done their homework on that.

GAME: CROATIA VS ITALY DATE: 24th June 2024 TIME: 20:00 BST

This game is happening in the last match day and can carry out an importance in deciding how the group pans out. Italy and Croatia is bound to be a jam packed fixture that is likely to be seperated by a goal. Both sides like to possess the game and are most potent with the ball as well as the tempo of the game in their control- this will likely cause for tactical changes from either(or both) of the managers on how to approach the game and their opponents. Ultimately, this game is bound to be a great tactical battle!

GROUP C GAME: DENMARK VS ENGLAND DATE: 20th June 2024 TIME: 17:00 BST

The Danish Dynamite look to get revenge for their heartbreaking and controversial loss to England in the semifinals of Euro 2020. Denmark are squad that have now moved away from the “dark horse” ranking of European football and now pose themselves as a side that can cause a threat to all participating nations, no matter the gap in star power.Denmark are well rounded and composed, which can secure wins thanks to their solid defense. On the other hand, the Three Lions have come to Germany with a star studded squad that can go all the way. Gareth Southgate has moved away from his traditional squad and has added fresh, youthful faces such as Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo to the squad. This creates a pacey and skillful attacking unit for England, that can be a problem for the rather unhurried Danish defense.