The genuine hype for UEFA Euro 2020 rescheduled in 2021 is building up. The tournament is special this time out with it being a pan-European competition, venues spread over 11 cities in 11 countries. In addition, full house attendance will be allowed in the stadium for the first time since the pandemic began.
Quite rightly, the 24 nations will be eyeing the prize to be a part of this historical contest. The groups they are in are indeed exciting and challenging. But all eyes will be set on Group F or 'the group of death'. For spectacle or otherwise, this group is the most talked-about one heading into the Euros. Here we bring out the prediction for Group F.
Group F consists of defending champions Portugal, world champions France paired with 2014 World Cup winners Germany and Hungary. Undoubtedly, predictions and speculations for this group are head and shoulders above the rest.
Group F participants :
Hungary
France
Portugal
Germany
Fixtures :
Jun 15: Hungary vs Portugal (Puskas Arena, Budapest)
Jun 15: France vs Germany (Allianz Arena, Munich)
Jun 19: Hungary vs France (Puskas Arena, Budapest)
Jun 19: Portugal vs Germany (Allianz Arena, Munich)
Jun 23: Portugal vs France (Olympic Stadium, Baku)
Jun 23: Germany vs Hungary (Allianz Arena, Munich)
Also Read | Top 5 goalkeepers to watch in Euro 2020
Predicted standings :
1st Place: France
The noise for France winning the tournament is even louder than that of Euro 2016 which they hosted. The footballing world has called them favorites even though a stingy group of death may derail everything. Quite rightly, France boasts one of the best squads in the competition's history. Les Blues are capable of doing a second international trophy double since the turn of the century. One thing that can play a part in France having no home advantage in the group, facing Germany and Hungary successively in front of roaring opposition supporters. France won't be happy to go down to the Portugal game, a rematch of the previous edition final, to decide their fate or the position of their group. Still, they are most likely to top the group backed by the experience, winning mentality, quality squad, and depth. The only thing that can cause a jinx is the self-assertiveness of their abilities.
Also Check here France UEFA Euro 2020 Squad and Team Profile
2nd place: Portugal :
The reigning champions, Portugal have an extremely talented squad and are way better than the one that claimed the prize last time out. Add the world-beater Cristiano Ronaldo to the team and he won't have to score a brace against Hungary, or at least not being in an alarming state, to save the faith of his side in a classic Euro game. There are plenty of other qualified individuals to do so this time. The problem for Fernando Santos is that there are a lot of players who are starmen for their clubs and will be eager to get a shot in the starting eleven. Another case is the defensive-minded strategy used by the manager. Santos found success in Euro 2016 by implementing his thoughts for the same but for the current squad, it isn't a recommendable method to play. The 66-year-old is willing to do the same in this jam-packed group despite the surgeon for more open-minded football.
Also Check here Portugal Euro 2020 squad
3rd Place: Germany :
Most probably France will top the group followed by Portugal in the second. That brings us to Germany. As known to everyone by now, Euro 2020 is Joachim Low's last tournament as a manager before he makes way for Hansi Flick. After the disappointment of the World Cup and failure of the so-called renaissance period, Low was forced to bring back senior pros to provide leadership and strengthen up the team. Low's plan of blending youth and experience may work but they have a lot to resolve. The three-man defense system is a flop for the Germans with no prominent central striker still causing issues. Germany's magic wand is that all of the fixtures are scheduled at Allianz Arena in front of the home crowd. Fan's introduction back in the stadium is a source of motivation that will sow the seed of revival. But they face France and Portugal back to back which will certainly pose a lot of questions than answers.
Also Check here Germany UEFA Euro 2020 Squad and Team Profile
4th Place: Hungary :
Hungary could have been the side causing major upsets to these giants in the group if they didn't miss key personnel through injury. They can possibly spring a surprise or two aided by their compactness and strength in counter-attacks. RB Leipzig's Peter Gulasci is a great goalkeeper and he along with club mate Willi Orban monitors the defense. Both are leaders in their roles too. Adam Szalai is the experienced one of the lot. However, there is a lack of a playmaker, a creator that makes difference in tournaments like these. Dominik Szoboszlai's unfortunate injury back in December still needs time to recover and it won't happen before or during the Euros. So he is a massive loss to the team. Hungary have the Puskas Arena to savor at least as they face Portugal and France in Budapest. All is not bad after all.
Here is Hungary UEFA Euro 2020 Squad
Also Read | Top 5 midfielders to watch in Euro 2020
