The "group of death" has become synonymous with major international competitions. UEFA Euro 2024 will be no different as it will feature its own unpredictable group in Group B. Three-time winners Spain, holders Italy, 2022 World Cup bronze winners Croatia and Albania, in their second Euros, make up the group. Keeping aside surprises, all the heavyweights can progress to the knockout stage of Euro 2024 as the top two and the four best third-place teams will make it out of the group stage. However, the final rankings in Group B will be the topic of discussion.
The winners of Group B will face the third-placed team from Group A or D in the Round of 16. They could face Scotland, Hungary, or Switzerland from Group A if host Germany doesn’t fall off drastically. Whereas from Group D, Austria or Poland are likely opponents assuming France and Netherlands take the top-two spot in that group. Group B’s second-placed side also faces the same scenario as they take on Group A’s runners-up. However, the team finishing third will have a stiffer challenge in the next round as Group E or F could be their opposition. In that scenario, Belgium or Portugal will knock on their door.
Pos 1: Spain
Spain made it to the semi-finals in the previous Euros hoping for a similar outcome or better this time. They were stopped by eventual winners Italy in the last four while beating Croatia in the 5-3 thriller last-16 stage. Incidentally, both are La Roja’s group-stage opponents in Euro 2024 making it a tough battle for group supremacy. Fuente’s team had a decent qualifying campaign and has maintained impressive form with one loss in the last 12 matches. That includes victories over their Euro opponents in the Nations League last year, a 2-1 win against Italy and defeating Croatia in the final through penalties. Spain will face the pair in back-to-back matches in Germany and their recent winning record against them might just be enough to secure the top spot in Group B. Another important factor is that the team’s core has remained unchanged since Euro 2020. To get a better team understanding, check Spain Euro 2024 Preview
Pos 2: Croatia
The qualifying campaign was not so great for Croatia even though the team qualified for their sixth straight Euros. They finished behind Turkey and four points ahead of Wales. However, Zlatko Dalic’s team thinks about their performance in the finals rather than their way of qualification as proven from time to time. Bronze medalists in the 2022 World Cup, the Croats are willing to go further than the last-16 stage finish in the last two editions resting on the laurels of their experienced midfield trio - Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović and evergreen captain Luka Modrić. They are a good enough side to finish in the second spot with their battle for it will be more against Italy than Spain. It will come down to their final group game against the Azzurri. Croatia could make it possible having defeated Portugal in the pre-Euro friendly. To check more on Croatia Euro 2024, Read Croatia Euro 2024 Preview
Pos 3: Italy
Despite not being among the favourites, Italy lifted the Euro title in 2010 but their euphoria was replaced by the horrors of missing out on another World Cup the next year. The side also went through a transformation on the managerial front at least with Roberto Mancini joining Saudi Arabia to open the door for another Italian, Luciano Spalleti. After his history-making success with Napoli, Spalleti helped the Azzurri eight straight Euros mostly with young faces. Italy faces a similar scenario as last time of not being the favourites to defend the title but carrying the load on their back this time. Despite losing just once in a year, the scoring issue is pertinent for the side which will be an issue facing the other top side in the group. Solidity alone will not help. Spalleti’s side faces a more difficult route than last time if they finish third in Group B. To check how Italy can lineup, visit Italy Euro 2024 Preview
Pos 4: Albania
Albania will require nothing short of a miracle to come out of this tumultuous group giving them almost no chance of progressing to the knockouts. The Red and Blacks are experiencing their second ever Euro Championship having managed just a win in their debut in 2016. Managed by the Brazilian Sylvinho, the team had an impressive qualifying campaign topping the group ahead of competition regulars Czech Republic and Poland. However, those teams do not come near to the challenge that will be thrown upon by the opposition in their group. If Albania are destined to finish bottom, they will wish to do so by giving the giants a run for their money. For more details, Read our Albania Euro 2024 Preview
Group B fixtures
Saturday, 15 June 2024
Spain vs Croatia - Olympiastadion, Berlin (21:30)
Sunday, 16 June 2024
Italy vs Albania - Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund (00:30)
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Croatia vs Albania - Volksparkstadion, Hamburg (18:30)
Friday, 21 June 2024
Spain vs Italy - Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen (00:30)
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
Albania vs Spain - MHPArena, Ludwigsburg (00:30)
Croatia vs Italy - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig (00:30)
