Euro 2024 Preview: Five Epic Group Stage Matches You Can’t Afford to Miss

The eve of the Euro 2024 preview brings with it the promise of a month filled with enthralling international football. The tournament kicks off with the all-important Group Stage this Friday night!

Euro 2024 Preview: Here are five must-watch matches that promise to set the tone for an unforgettable competition in Euro 2024

Germany vs Scotland

The opening match of any tournament is always a spectacle, and this year’s curtain-raiser at the Allianz Arena is no exception. Host nation Germany will face off against Scotland, igniting the tournament with excitement and anticipation.

Germany, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, has shown promising form in recent friendlies. With talents like Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, and Florian Wirtz, Die Mannschaft will look to make a strong start. However, Scotland, who lost only once in their qualifiers (against Spain), will not be easy opponents. Their resilience and determination could pose a significant challenge to Germany and to other teams in Group A, including Hungary and Switzerland.

Can Germany become the first solo tournament hosts to win since France in 1984? The journey begins in Munich.

Serbia vs England

England’s journey in Euro 2024 starts with a fascinating clash against Serbia. Despite coach Gareth Southgate’s attempts to downplay expectations, England’s squad brims with talent and potential.

Last week’s 1-0 friendly loss to Iceland might have tempered the optimism of some fans, but with players like Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane, England is sure to deliver an entertaining performance. This match against Serbia, marking their debut as an independent nation at the European Championships, will test England’s mettle. Serbia’s attacking duo, Dušan Vlahović and Aleksandar Mitrović, will be formidable adversaries.

The outcome of this match could either validate the hype surrounding England or prompt early questions about Southgate’s strategies. It’s a game you won’t want to miss.

Spain vs. Italy

Few group-stage matches generate as much excitement as a showdown between two heavyweights, and Spain vs. Italy is no exception. Scheduled for June 20, this clash promises to be a highlight of the tournament.

Spain, three-time European champions, last tasted international glory in 2012. With only two defeats in their last 22 Euro matches (excluding penalty shootouts), La Roja remains a formidable force. However, they face a challenging Group B that includes Croatia and Albania. For coach Luis de la Fuente, who steps into his first major tournament without having been capped as a player, this is a significant test.

Italy, under Luciano Spalletti, aims to defend their title and become the second nation to retain the European Championship after Spain’s 2008 and 2012 victories. With a strong squad and just one loss in ten matches under Spalletti, Italy is poised for success. This match will be a critical step for both teams in navigating a tough group.

Netherlands vs France

France, often dubbed the tournament favorites, brings a formidable team to Euro 2024. Under Didier Deschamps, Les Bleus breezed through qualifiers, with Kylian Mbappé scoring nine goals and assisting five. The French superstar will aim to shine on the European stage and celebrate his move to Real Madrid with a memorable performance.

Despite France’s dominance in qualifying, tournament football is unpredictable, and the Netherlands, led by Ronald Koeman, have shown sharp form in their warm-up games. Koeman, who was part of the Dutch team that won the Euros in Germany in 1988, will be hoping to repeat history. This match promises high-octane action and is a must-watch for any football fan.

Turkey vs. Portugal

Portugal’s matches at Euro 2024 are bound to be captivating, whether they are seen as favorites or dark horses. Roberto Martínez’s side stormed through qualifiers with a perfect record, scoring 36 goals and conceding just two. With an array of attacking talent including Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix, Portugal is expected to be a powerhouse in the tournament.

Turkey, aiming to make an impact after a disappointing run in the last Euros, is another team to watch. Under the guidance of former Italy striker Vincenzo Montella, Turkey has qualified for three consecutive European Championships for the first time. Their group also includes Georgia and Czechia, making it a fascinating contest.
Will this be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last major international tournament? If so, can he make a significant impact and lead Portugal to glory? This match against Turkey will set the stage for their campaign.

As Euro 2024 unfolds, these five matches promise to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, make sure to catch these games and witness the magic of international football at its finest.