If Group B of Euro 2024 is difficult to predict with Spain, Italy and Croatia paired against each other, Group D will bring its own excitement level with the fight for the top spot and third place in focus. Two-time champions France, 1998 winners Netherlands, spirited Austria and Poland will make up the group. Without a doubt, Les Bleus and the Dutch will be battling to be group winners while the rest fight for the final possible qualification spot for the knockouts. However, in the Euro Championship, any straightforward calculations could get altered. The second matchday of the group will prove crucial in deciding the faith of each team.
Group D’s winner will compete against the runners-up from Group F who could be anyone between the Czech Republic, Georgia and Turkey in the last 16. Even the team finishing second in the group could be assured of a less threatening opposition on paper as they will face the second-placed team from Group E. Ukraine, Slovakia or Romania could cross their path in that case. However, the third-place side will encounter a massive challenge with the chance to meet against the group winners of Group B, Spain, Croatia or Italy, in the next round.
Pos 1: France
France reached the final in consecutive World Cups but failed to retain their trophy. Didier Deschamps’s team will aim for another showpiece appearance, this time in the Euros having failed to win the trophy in 2016 on home soil and suffering a humiliating quarterfinal exit against Switzerland in the previous edition. Les Bleus has received a likeable group in Group D with the Netherlands their prime obstacle for the top spot. They will face the Dutch in the second group game for the possible decider as Austria and Poland are expected not to disturb a strong French team yet again. France tore apart their qualifying group having not lost a game and unbeaten in 12 of the last 14 matches, a form to boast about ahead of the tournament. With Kylian Mbappé determined to showcase his class in another mega event, anything less than being group winners will be a surprise. Check out France Squad for Euro 2024
Pos 2: Netherlands
Manager Ronald Koeman successfully led the Netherlands to consecutive Euro Championship, this time in the hot seat for the finals. The Dutch could only reach the last-16 stage in the previous edition suffering a surprise loss to the Czech Republic. The team hopes to perform better this time albeit drawn into a more challenging group. The Netherlands faced France in the qualifiers of this Euro as well but lost in both games. Hence, a third meet in a year might go in the same direction although finishing second will be good enough for Koeman’s side. Their recent form in big games has been questionable, losing in the last five such matches. However, the Oranje shirts have enough talent to tackle the other opponents so progressing to the knockouts should not be an issue. See here Netherlands Squad for Euro 2024
Pos 3: Austria
Austria’s rise has been promising under Ralf Rangnick with their qualification to Euro 2024 showing that they will make more than just numbers this time. Despite missing some key stars due to injury, the Burschen remains a solid unit and will want to make the knockouts for consecutive competitions. Austria will face the big guns in their group, France and the Netherlands, to take at least a point from one of them or not comprise their goal difference. The optimum spot Rangnick’s team could take is the third spot which puts them into a direct conflict with Poland. Austria has lost just once since September 2022 and carries a seven-game unbeaten run, of which six are wins, to the tournament which should make them favourites to progress to the next round. For more details on Austria, check Austria Squad for Euro 2024
Pos 4: Poland
Finishing third in their qualifying group behind the Czech Republic and even Albania, Poland entered the playoffs only due to the Nations League performance. The Eagles made it to the finals by thrashing Estonia and beating Wales on penalties, carrying an eight-game unbeaten run. The team has been able to blend in a lot of talent but remains entirely dependent on the old heads to deliver in the competition. Relinecy on Robert Lewandowski has not been reduced. Poland finished bottom of their group in Euro 2020 and a similar thing could play out here although their 2022 World Cup exploits were much better. Nevertheless, Michał Probierz’s team is expected to give a decent fight and cause a few nervy moments. Find out more about Poland here Poland Squad for Euro 2024
Group D fixtures
Sunday, 16 June 2024
Poland vs Netherlands - Volksparkstadion, Hamburg (18:30)
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Austria vs France - Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf (00:30)
Friday, 21 June 2024
Poland vs Austria - Olympiastadion, Berlin (21:30)
Saturday, 22 June 2024
Netherlands vs France - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig (00:30)
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
France vs Poland - Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund (21:30)
Netherlands vs Austria - Olympiastadion Berlin (21:30)
