Opinion

Euro 2024 Playoffs Predictions: Our Expert Writers’ Top Picks and Dark Horses

The group stage of Euro 2024 is coming to an end, and the excitement is palpable. Our team of professional football writers has put together their predictions for the tournament’s eventual winners. Each writer has chosen their top 3 teams and one dark horse, providing insights into their selections. Let’s dive into their expert analyses.

Alex Yaremenko’s Predictions

1. France

Winner Odds: 6.5 (22Bet)

France performed quite peculiarly in the group tournament. Didier Deschamps’ team created numerous dangerous chances in each match and could have won all three. Moreover, the French rarely made defensive mistakes, except for Dayot Upamecano’s error at the end of the game against Poland.

However, France is facing significant issues with scoring goals, especially with Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. This could be a major hindrance for the team in the upcoming playoff matches.

Despite this, France boasts a very well-balanced squad with one of the best defensive lines in the tournament. If Upamecano avoids critical errors and the forwards improve their finishing, France certainly has the potential to win Euro 2024.

2. Spain

Winner Odds: 5.5 (22Bet)

Spain has won the toughest group in this tournament and truly deserves their status as super trophy contenders. Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, and Pedri form one of the strongest midfield lines in the tournament, while Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal are capable of creating great chances for their teammates.

However, in the first match against Croatia, the Spaniards encountered significant problems with pressing, allowing the Croatians to easily gain numerical superiority in the center of the field. Additionally, there are concerns about the Spanish defense’s ability to play reliably in crucial matches. 

Additionally, Álvaro Morata’s goal-scoring abilities against top opponents are questioned.

3. England

Winner Odds: 4.5 (22Bet)

Despite their terrible positional attacking play in the group stage, England has one of the strongest squads and a more favorable bracket than other top teams.

In the playoffs, England can succeed through solid defense and quick counterattacks. It’s no surprise that they are the main favorites to win according to 22Bet.

Dark Horse: Austria

To Reach Final Odds: 8 (22Bet)

Austria are one of the most organised teams in this tournament and it compensate players’ lack of class. The Austrians may well repeat the achievement of Borussia Dortmund, who played in the easier net of the Champions League 23-24. The Austrians are capable of reaching at least the semi-finals and even the final of the tournament.

Turkey, Romania and the Netherlands look like opponents that Austria can overcome with their powerful pressing and good realisation of chances.

Read more from Alex Y

Giorgi Natsvlishvili’s Predictions

1. Spain

Winner Odds: 5.5 (22Bet)

So far, Spain have demonstrated impeccable football in the group stage. They are the only team finishing with nine points, scoring five goals and conceding none, strengthening their status as favourites.

While Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz dictate the midfield area, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal create a headache for their opponents on both flanks. Their 4-3-3 formation is difficult to tackle, and Spain have a chance to add the fourth Euro trophy to their tally.  

2. Germany

Winner Odds: 6 (22Bet)

Before the tournament, Germany’s performance in friendlies was under criticism. However, in the first match, they thrashed Scotland 5-1 and convincingly beat Hungary in the second round of the group stage.

Niclas Füllkrug’s late header secured the first place in the third game. With Toni Kroos being the cornerstone of the midfield and Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala harmoniously cooperating in the offence, the EURO 2024 hosts can beat any team. 

3. France

Winner Odds: 6.5 (22Bet)

Despite showing a lacklustre display in the group stage, taking second place and scoring two goals, France have one of the strongest squads in Europe. 

Kylian Mbappé might have broken his nose, affecting his performance, but with his level of individualism, he can create chances out of nothing. Added to that, France have a stellar midfield and attack, featuring Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, N’Golo Kanté, Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram

Dark Horse: Switzerland

To Reach Final Odds: 13 (22Bet)

Switzerland qualified second in their group, which included Germany, Hungary, and Scotland. They are facing Italy and have a relatively easy bracket that can significantly boost their chances. 

The match against Germany illustrated the resilience of Murat Yakin’s side. With a balanced squad, organised defence and strong attackers, Granit Xhaka and co can further advance in the draw. 

Read more from Giorgi

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Joseph Andrew’s Predictions

1. Germany

Winner Odds: 6 (22Bet)

Hosts Germany headed into EURO 2024 as tournament favorites and have yet to shed that tag. Their fluid attacking system saw them easily dispatch Scotland in a comprehensive 5-1 win, and their patient build-up saw them equalize in the 92nd minute against Switzerland. 

Julian Nagelsmann has been experimenting with the formation and player combination and seems to have struck the right formula.

2. Spain

Winner Odds: 5.5 (22Bet)

Spain finished atop the group of death that included Albania, Croatia, and defending champions Italy. They won all their matches while dominating and keeping a clean sheet in each match. 

Their final group match against Albania was a testament to Spain’s capability to win the tournament. Even with key players rested, they still dominated and won the match. Their 4-3-3 formation, packed with impressive midfielders, has been key in dominating possession and creating more chances. 

3. England

Winner Odds: 4.5 (22Bet)

Unlike the other entrances on this list, England haven’t exactly been impressive at the Euros so far. Manager Gareth Southgate has been tinkering with his starting lineup and is yet to figure out his best players. 

However, despite their manager getting in their way, England has plenty of talented players who can make a difference in matches. Heading into the round of 16, Southgate might finally figure out a solution to his starting 11 problem, leading England to put out performances that are level with the squad’s talent. 

Dark Horse: Austria

To Reach Final Odds: 8 (22Bet)

Austria finished first in a group that included France and the Netherlands. They head into the next round confident that their quality can handle any team; with their intelligent movement, speed, one-two passes, and interlinking, they’ve created a team reliant on the system, not individuals. 

They are a team to watch in the EURO 2024 tournament and have the capability to go all the way.  

Read more from Joseph

Kai Iliev’s Predictions

1. Germany

Winner Odds: 6 (22Bet)

Julian Nagelsmann has hit the right formula, and this is best reflected by Germany remaining undefeated in the tournament. 

The hosts brought Kroos back and have Gündogan just next to him, which brings the experience the midfield needed for so long. In addition, Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala are two other stars despite their lack of experience. 

This is topped by the unique profile of Niclas Füllkrug, the classic striker Germany lacked for so long.

2. Spain

Winner Odds: 5.5 (22Bet)

The most important factor in this type of tournament is not the squad depth but whether the starting formula works. Spain won all its matches despite rotating against Albania. With the variety of profiles in the midfield (Merino, Pedri, Rodri, or Fabian), Spain boasts the richest midfield. 

Additionally, no defense has figured out how to stop the duo of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. It’s easy to see that Spain will be one of the teams that makes a deep run in the tournament. 

3. France

Winner Odds: 6.5 (22Bet)

They are not exactly favourites by performance  – if anything, they have been disappointing – but France has shown that its rich abundance in individual quality allows them to bail out from an awful performance.

Kylian Mbappé might be the most popular, but they can also count on Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram. One moment is all it takes for France to win the match. 

Dark Horse: Austria

To Reach Final Odds: 8 (22Bet)

Austria landed in the best end of the bracket, which means they are my favourite as dark horses of the tournament. They have everything that is expected from a dark horse: An excellent pressing system that derailed the Netherlands, they topped their group and only lost to France due to their own goal. 

Baumgartner and Sabitzer are the big stars on the offence, and it seems they can be the best in creative output. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Austria become the tournament’s dark horse, led by the excellent Ralf Rangnick. 

Read more from Kai

Our expert writers have provided their top picks and dark horses for Euro 2024, each bringing their unique perspectives and insights. As the tournament progresses, it will be exciting to see how these predictions unfold. Stay tuned for more expert analysis and updates on Euro 2024.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all UEFA EURO 2024 predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.

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