UEFA EURO 2024: Preview, Prediction, Key Player, and Key Matches To Watch | GROUP D

Preview

UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off this weekend in Germany, and all eyes will be on Group D, arguably the group of death. France, Netherlands, Poland, and Austria will all battle it out for a place in the knockout stages. Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus are considered one of the favorites but face tricky clashes against Ronald Koeman’s Oranje, Michal Probierz’s Eagles, and Ralf Rangnick’s Wunderteam.

We take a look at what fans can expect from an enthralling group of four nations, who many expect to shine this summer. They boast superstar talent and proven trophy success that could be vital for their chances of progressing to the latter stages of Euro 2024.

Teams

France—The two-time European Champions are one of the hot favorites to reign supreme in Germany, as they’re constantly challenging for trophies under Didier Deschamps. They will be out to avenge their 2022 FIFA World Cup heartbreak when they lost to Argentina on penalties in the final in Qatar. Les Bleus have remained strong, particularly in qualifying, where they won Group B with seven wins and one draw from eight games. Kylian Mbappe will be eager to catch the eye after finally sealing a long-awaited Real Madrid move.

Netherlands – Oranje head to Euro 2024 in somewhat of a crisis after Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners withdrew from Ronald Koeman’s squad due to injuries. Those two are big names for the Dutch to miss, and they’d already struggled to impress in the build-up to the tournament. Inconsistent performances during qualifying meant they waited until their penultimate game to finish second behind France in Group B.

Poland – Michal Probierz’s men could be dark horses in this group, as they are being written off as the most likely nation to finish bottom. They have been given a nightmare start with their talisman, Robert Lewandowski, set to miss their opening game due to injury. The Barcelona superstar will be key if the Eagles progress further than the group stages.

Austria – The Austrians have shown vast improvement under Ralf Rangnick, with the former Manchester United interim manager’s experience proving beneficial. They could spring a surprise and go extremely far in the tournament, as they impressed during qualifying with wins against Sweden and a friendly win against hosts Germany. David Alaba will be a glaring miss, as the Real Madrid star has been unable to recover from an ACL injury, but they have depth and strength.

Also Read: UEFA Euro 2024 Preview, predictions, key players and key matches to watch | Group C

Key Players To Watch Out in UEFA EURO 2024 Group D

Kylian Mbappe (France)

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner has been sensational for Les Bleus since making his international debut in March 2017, aged 18. He’s posted 47 goals and 33 assists in 79 caps, winning the 2018 World Cup. The 25-year-old will want to shine now that he’s officially a Madrid player and will be eyeing another Golden Boot trophy and the European Championship.

Virgil van Dijk (The Netherlands)

The Dutch captain was at his impeccable best throughout last season for club and country. He’s taken on the role of Oranje’s skipper in fine fashion, using his years of experience at the top of European football. He’ll be tasked with ensuring the Netherlands stay resolute in defense and keep the likes of Kylian Mbappe at bay in Group D. The 32-year-old has yet to taste trophy success on the international stage and is running out of time.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

The Barca striker is Poland’s undisputed talisman, and he’ll need to be firing on all cylinders if his nation wants to progress further than the group stages. The veteran frontman enjoyed a fruitful qualifying campaign but wasn’t at his prolific best at club level, despite scoring 26 goals for the Blaugrana. This could be the 35-year-old’s last major international tournament so he’ll be raring to go.

Marcel Sabitzer (Austria)

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was a standout performer at Signal Iduna Park last season as his club made it to the Champions League final. His energy and creativity in the middle of the park are vital for Ralf Rangnick’s side. He impressed during the qualifying campaign and will be one to watch in Germany, where he’s familiar with his surroundings. He’ll look to dictate play for Austria at Euro 2024, and he has a fine record of 17 goals and 13 assists in 78 caps.

Key Games To Watch In UEFA Euro 2024 Group D

France vs Netherlands | June 21, 2024

Matchday two will likely be crucial in determining who finishes behind France in Group D because the Netherlands could fall behind in the race with a defeat. Les Bleus will likely be too strong for all three of their opponents, leaving second spot for the taking. Given the talent on display, Didier Deschamp’s side’s encounter with Oranje could be a stellar offering for fans.

Poland vs Austria| June 21, 2024

Austria and Poland will also battle on matchday two, and the potential winner of that game could eye that second spot. They have similar squads with a blend of experience and youth, and their clash should be a good watch. It could be an enthralling Friday evening of football in Group D on June 21.

UEFA EURO 2024 Group D Matches

UEFA Euro 2024 Group D Predictions

• France to win the group
• Austria to finish second
• Netherlands to come third
• Poland to finish last

Also Read: UEFA Euro 2024: Preview, predictions, key players and key matches to watch | Group B