Opinion

Euro 2024: Group A Predictions – Germany, Hungary, Scotland, and Switzerland

On paper, Group A may lack the glamour of some of the other pools at Euro 2024. However, it features no less than the reigning champions and one of international football’s heavyweights – Germany. The host will play their opener against Scotland, at the mighty Allianz Arena.

While Group A might have a clear favourite with Germany, the second spot will be up for grabs – Scotland, Switzerland and Hungary are all all vying for it. The biggest talking point is how each manager will approach the game, as clear identities can be found in all four participants.

Germany

Group Winner Odds: 1.35 (22bet)

Germany is undoubtedly the favourite. They host the tournament and boast one of the most innovative managers in the world with Julian Nagelsmann. The squad is far from thin and, along with England and France, is considered a favorite for the entire tournament.

Die Mannschaft will bring high expectations, especially after Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos decided to return to the national team. The team can also rely on stars like Ilkay Gündogan (Barcelona), Jamal Musiala (Bayern), Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Pascal Groß (Brighton), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) and Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich). Adding to this already impressive lineup, Nagelsmann can also count on Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich) and Niclas Füllkrug (Borussia Dortmund).

However, Germany’s team also serves as a reminder to football fans that a good squad doesn’t automatically translate to world-class performance. The DFB learned this the hard way in the last World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stages.

Germany’s recent performances don’t help either, with a dull 0-0 draw against Ukraine last week (0-0), though they did secure wins against the Netherlands and France. Friendlies at the end of last year saw Germany bow down to Turkey (3-2) and draw with Mexico (2-2).

Tomorrow, the Germans will have one last chance to test their setup against Greece before the start of the Euros. This year, Germany has no excuse not to win.

Scotland

Group Qualification Odds: 1.72 (22bet)

Scotland’s squad could be a surprise package in the tournament. Despite the tough group, Scotland has shown they can compete. Scotland finished second in their group, only behind Spain, and even managed a surprising 2-0 victory against the Spaniards.

Known for their counter-attacking style with clear principles, they will be led by Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson, Scott McTominay, and John McGinn. Tierney and Gilmour are two other key players who can step up in major events.

Unfortunately for Scotland, they will play the opener against Germany in a boiling Allianz Arena. Starting off against the tournament hosts is a daunting task, but if the Scots remain composed, they will have a good chance against Hungary and Switzerland.

It’s worth noting that Germany’s form has been inconsistent, and Hungary and Switzerland have also not impressed in recent tournaments.

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Hungary

Group Qualification Odds: 1.66 (22bet)

Hungary might not be considered a favourite on paper. Besides Dominik Szoboszlai and Willy Orban, they lack big-name outfield players. However, this will not stop Hungary from being a feared team, having constructed a clear and distinctive identity under Marco Rossi.

Marco Rossi’s relational approach, which contrasts with the more popular positional play, emphasizes player proximity on the big stage. This method allows players to be free and operate in close areas – intentionally vacating other parts of the pitch. This approach is part of a wider trend that critiques coaches’ over-control of players, aiming for the opposite effect.

Hungary’s group in the Euros was not much of a problem, with Serbia as the most serious opponent. Their last encounter against Bulgaria was marred by protests and police violence. Hungary passed through the group without much trouble but was never truly tested – which could be problematic.

A wake-up call came this week when Hungary suffered a 2-1 defeat against Ireland. A controversial encounter against Israel is planned for Saturday. The last big team Hungary faced was Italy in the Nations League in September 2022, resulting in a 2-0 defeat.

While Hungary has an interesting team, their relational ideas have not been tested at the highest level – which could be an issue against faster-paced teams like Switzerland, Germany, and Scotland.

Switzerland

Group Qualification Odds: 1.49 (22bet)

Switzerland is a team rich in talent but with few notable achievements in its history. This tournament might be the last opportunity for long-time servant Granit Xhaka, who recently won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. The Swiss will be able to count on Yann Sommer (Inter Milan), Manuel Akanji (Manchester City) and Denis Zakaria (Monaco).

Where it will hurt for the Nati is the lack of proven forwards who can lead the team in challenging situations. Historically, this team has lacked stability, often being too passive when they should be more dynamic. They have fast players but need better coordination among them. In Yann Sommer, Switzerland has a formidable goalkeeper, someone who has proven his experience at the top level.

Many will still remember how Switzerland eliminated France in the last edition of the Euros. However, it is tough to see them pull off something similar, given the lack of talent up front.

The Swiss failed to win against Denmark (0-0) while easily dismantling smaller teams (4-0 vs Estonia, 1-0 vs Ireland). However, their campaign was also disappointing, with a 1-0 loss against Romania and a 1-1 draw against Kosovo.

Although Switzerland qualified, it is clear that the team is not mentally prepared. They will first play Hungary and later Scotland, saving the toughest match against Germany for last. This means that the Nati has no room for error – a draw could jeopardize their qualification chances.

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