The Euro 2024 tournament kicks off in Germany with a few teams favoured to win based on recent performances and a strong squad. However, past tournaments have proven that underdogs can rise to the occasion. Check out these bold predictions that may defy expectations.
Favourites & Contenders
England
While England sits atop the favourites list, their path to glory won’t be a cakewalk. Young guns like Jude Bellingham are firing on all cylinders, evidenced by his impressive 23 goals and 11 assists in all competitions with Real Madrid last season.
Bellingham’s attacking prowess, coupled with a solid defence marshalled by the ever-reliable John Stones, could make Gareth Southgate’s team a formidable force.
France
France boasts the electrifying Kylian Mbappe, whose blistering pace and ruthless finishing (a staggering 44 goals across all competitions for PSG in 2023/24) pose a constant threat.
Alongside him, the experience of Olivier Giroud adds a potent blend of youthful exuberance and veteran composure to the French attack.
Germany
Germany, playing on home soil, has a unique advantage, giving fans to bet live on all Euro 2024 matches on 10CRIC for the team. The passionate German crowd could be the twelfth player on the pitch, pushing them further.
The wonderkids of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, spearhead their attack, while the ever-reliable Joshua Kimmich, instrumental in Bayern Munich’s midfield for so long, brings invaluable leadership and tactical brilliance to the team.
The squads of these three European giants are strong and the talent they have is undeniable. But football is a game of glorious uncertainties. Will England be able to lift the trophy at last, having failed to win a major international tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
Can France’s lethal duo of Giroud and Mbappe overpower any team that comes their way Or perhaps Germany can capitalize on playing at home to win back the European crown once again? These questions will be settled in thrilling battles during Euro 2024.
Potential Upsets
Although attention may be mainly focused on the top three teams, some other sides could still cause chaos. Hungary finished second in their qualifying group behind Germany, meaning they will not be an easy nut to crack defensively thanks to a solid backline.
The creative spark of Dominik Szoboszlai. The former RB Leipzig star enjoyed a solid debut campaign at Liverpool last season should also help them pull through midfield.
Turkey should never be written off given their history filled with unpredictability and shock results against bigger names. Inter’s experienced midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu could provide the balance and creativitity in the middle of the pair alongside the younger Orkun Kokcu.
Albania might spring some surprises here and there provided that they are able to maintain high levels of performance throughout the event due to having a youthful exciting team. With much potential waiting outside the world’s awareness, this chance might unveil itself for them at any point over the summer.
However, everything remains uncertain when it comes down to defending champions. Italy is surrounded by doubt following various factors such as injuries or potential personnel changes which could affect their chances significantly.
Knowing that no one has ever been successful in retaining title under these circumstances during transition periods will this trend continue forever.
Predictions
Think outside the box! Teams from outside the “big 5” (Germany, England, Spain, Italy, France) could get to the final match. For example, Hungary’s strong defense with Szoboszlai’s magical midfield play may frustrate the favorites leading them into making history.
Mbappe may be a goal machine but there will be a young player who becomes the tournament’s top scorer. For instance, Florian Wirtz of Germany could emulate his fantastic club form last season where he helped Bayer Leverkusen to win their maiden Bundesliga title.
Not all favourites deliver according to expectations sometimes they fall short too. Belgium possess a “golden generation” filled with talent but if things go wrong they might be eliminated in group stages due to internal wrangles and crucial injuries which could disrupt their flow hence causing an early exit for them.
Conclusion
Euro 2024 is shaping up to be quite the tournament. The usual suspects such as France, England or even Germany will want to win this competition more than ever before. But don’t rule out Hungary, who could also perform well along with other teams.
Young stars like Florian Wirtz need some recognition in these kinds of events because you never know what could happen next when it comes to football matches being played among different countries around Europe, where each nation has got its own unique style if I may add so myself.
