UEFA Euro 2024: Group A – Preview, predictions and Key players to watch

Preview

The UEFA Euro 2024 is just a month away and we couldn’t wait for the tournament to begin already as Europe’s strongest nations compete in Germany over a five-week period for the coveted Henri Delaunay trophy. It’s all set to begin on June 14, 2024, with hosts Germany taking on Scotland in Group A. Hungary and Switzerland are the other sides in what seems like a straight-forward draw for Die Mannschaft.

Teams

Germany – Arguably the strongest side in the group, Germany are the favorites to win the group and canter into the knockout rounds, although stranger things have happened lately. Die Mannschaft are not the formidable side they used to be, making early exits from major tournaments since winning the World Cup in 2014. Nonetheless, they remain a talented unit, with stellar names in every position, and hence can’t be counted out from the race, especially since it’s on their home turf. What better occasion to win their fourth Euro title, then?

Scotland – The Tartan Army are perhaps the weakest side in the group, given their lowly stature and lack of experience – this is only their fourth appearance at the Euros, but the second in a row. At Euro 2020, they were knocked out in the first round after failing to win a single game, and face another tough path to the last-16. However, manager Steve Clarke has some quality options to call upon, such as Liverpool star Andrew Robertson, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, Bologna forward Lewis Ferguson, former Arsenal man Kieran Tierney, and Southampton ace Che Adams.

Hungary – Having dramatically fallen off from their dizzying heights of 50s, 60s, and 70s, Hungary had not qualified for any major tournament for several decades. That was until Euro 2016 when the Magyars made a comeback, and in resounding fashion. This time around, the central European side will aim to reach the knockout stages again and have the form on their side too, going unbeaten since September 2022, a run that currently stands at 14 games.

Switzerland – Last but never the least, Switzerland, the perennial underdogs who manage to pull off a big result or two. At the last Euros, the Rossocrociati caused the biggest upset by knocking out then-world champions France 5-4 on penalties in the round of 16. They also held Spain to a 1-1 draw in the quarter-finals, before losing out in the shootouts. It was their best ever result at the Euros, and the Swiss will be looking to emulate the same here.

Key Players To Watch Out in UEFA EURO 2024 Group A

Toni Kroos (Germany)

His final swansong with Die Mannschaft, Toni Kroos will be looking to bow out with the one trophy that’s missing from his cabinet. The Real Madrid star wrapped up his club career by winning the Champions League earlier this month, wherein he bagged an assist in the finals too. An immaculate passer with an eye for goal, creators don’t get any better than Kroos.

Andrew Robertson (Scotland)

He is yet to replicate his Liverpool heroics with Scotland on the international stage, but Andrew Robertson remains one of the best full-backs in the world. His proclivity to drive forward has added a new dimension to the Reds’ attack, and the same will be expected of him for the Tartar Army at the Euros too.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary)

Hungary’s captain and talismanic midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai played a key role in their qualification with four goals and assists each. He will naturally be relied upon to conjure goalscoring opportunities. The Liverpool star possesses predatory instincts, capable of finding sensing a chance and going for it. Last month, he scored in both their friendly games, against Turkey and Kosovo, to make a fine start to the year.

Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland)

Switzerland are a talented side, but Xherdan Shaqiri is the cream of the crop. The 31-year-old veteran of the Rossocrociati always delivers for his side at the major tournaments. He has scored and assisted in both his previous appearances at the Euros, in 2016 and 2020 editions. No matter what the Swiss do, everything flows through him as Shaqiri is key to dictating their tempo, creating chances, as well as scoring.

Key Games To Watch In Group A – Germany vs Hungary

It may seem like a straightforward game between David and Goliath, but Hungary are no pushovers. In the last edition of the Euros, they held Germany to a 2-2 draw in the group stages. With heavyweights like France and Portugal also in their group, they were not fortunate to progress into the knockouts. But in an easier group this time around, expect the Magyars to give them, and the other sides, a tough run.

UEFA EURO 2024 Group A Matches

UEFA Euro 2024 Predictions

• Germany to win the group
• Switzerland to finish second
• Hungary to come third
• Scotland to finish last

Also Read: UEFA EURO 2024 GROUP A: Teams, Matches, Standings and Live Telecast Details