Soccer/Football
Related: About this forumEuro 2024
Last time I posted was to discuss the last World Cup 2022, which you can see if you scroll down this forum. Ill be following a similar format as then giving a brief rundown of the sides, the groups, and some analysis on the upcoming games with results after the individual contests end.
The contest begins this coming Friday and ends a month later. Euro 2024 takes place in Germany. The last winner was Italy in 2020.
Feel free to join in and comment.
I generally find this tournament to be more exciting than the WC simply because the competition in Europe is at such a high level. The only countries outside Europe that come close to this level of play is Argentina and Brazil. This is a tough tournament to win and can be very unpredictable. It used to be just 8 teams, it got expanded to 16, and now its 24. Theres really only maybe 8 elite sides in Europe so you will get some games that are of a lesser level, but overall it tends to produce interesting games.
Enjoy!
France are favorite.
Following are the Groups and how I have ranked them to finish in each group. Those who have the (x-) next to them are the countries I predict will go through to the knockout rounds.
Group A
x-Germany
x-Scotland
x-Hungary
Switzerland
Group B
x-Spain
x-Croatia
x-Italy
Albania
Group C
x-England
x-Denmark
x-Serbia
Slovenia
Group D
x-France
x-Netherlands
x-Austria
Poland
Group E
x-Belgium
x-Ukraine
Slovakia
Romania
Group F
x-Portugal
x-Turkey
Czech Rep
Georgia
Response to Baggies (Reply #2)
Baggies This message was self-deleted by its author.
The tournament opens up with Germany v Scotland.
Germany is one of a handful of countries that could make the final. It remains to be seen since they have fallen off their normal world class performances in past competitions, but it seems they have regained their form. Scotland happy to be back in the Euros. Should be a German win.
The game starts at 3p EST which is 9p in Germany, so the one thing that is certain is both the German and Scottish fans will be drunk, drunk, drunk. The atmosphere in the stadium should be electric!
Germany smokes them. Scotland needs to regroup.
Hungary v Switzerland
Chance for the Swiss to prove me wrong and win or draw. Still think Hungary will finish ahead of them.
Spain v Croatia
Two teams that, with the right breaks, could make the final game. But this is two teams going opposite directions. Spain is young but getting better. Croatia is aging but still able to play at a high level. Best game of the day.
Italy v Albania
Italy has no superstars, but theyre solid. Albania sucks. Italy wins.
The Swiss prove me wrong and had an outstanding showing easily defeating Hungary.
Spain jumped off to a fast start putting away Croatia in the first half. Will be interesting to see if Spain can maintain and if Croatia can bounce back.
Italy starts shaky but quickly recovers for the win.
Poland v Netherlands
Netherlands is a top side and could go deep into the tournament. Poland has Lewandowski, but thats not enough. Holland wins.
Slovenia v Denmark
Slovenia isnt very good. Denmark should win.
Serbia v England
England has probably the best side on paper in the Euros, but they can never seem to string it together for the trophy. Still, this side should easily handle their group. England win.
Unsurprisingly, Holland beats Poland.
The Danes controlled the game, but the Slovenians get a goal towards the close and Draw.
England score a win, but with what they have up front, more goals should have happened.
Romania v Ukraine
They both suck. Ukraine slightly better
Belgium v Slovakia
Belgium has aging talent. Should win.
Austria v France
Austria has potential to put up a fight, but France loaded with talent. France wins.
Surprise!! Romania sucks less than Ukraine.
Belgium is in trouble. The golden age players just dont have it anymore. Even if they make the knockout stage, they are ripe for the picking.
France slips by on an Austrian own goal.
Turkey v Georgia
Georgia sucks. Turkey will win.
Portugal v Czech Republic
Portugal has a team that could make the final game. The Czech Rep just isnt very good.
Turkey overcomes a slow start and gets the win.
Portugal scores in a.e.t. to gain 3 pts.
Last edited Tue Jun 18, 2024, 08:30 PM - Edit history (1)
Croatia v Albania
Croatia gets a chance to rebound off their poor opening game. Chances are they will. Croatia wins.
Germany v Hungary
In an intriguing game, the host country takes on a surprising Hungarian side which showed some life in a 3-1 defeat in their first game. Germany should win.
Scotland v Switzerland
Given their opening games, the Swiss should decimate the Scots. And thats probably gonna be the case.
Croatia is in trouble. They had a draw against the one team everyone in the group should beat, and really were quite fortunate to get that. Even if they go through to the knockout stage, they wont scare anyone the way theyve played in the last two games.
Germany secures their place in the knockout rounds. Theyre looking like the real deal again. Hungary is out.
The Scots woke up and played much better this time out. The Swiss looked solid and the goal by Shaqiri was brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Great game played to a Draw. Swiss have likely secured a place in the knockouts. Scots still have some work to do.
Slovenia v Serbia
I view Serbia as being slightly better than Slovenia, but this game could go either way.
Denmark v England
Matchup of two sides that should advance. England has the better talent and should win.
Spain v Italy
The game of the day. Early matchup of two powerhouse sides where neither want to lose, but they still want to keep building momentum and would be happy with a draw. Spain should posses the ball more, but Italy can kill you on the quick counter. Ill say a Draw.
In a game that was better than I anticipated, Slovenia and Serbia play to a Draw with Serbia nipping a goal at the very end. Slovenia is in a slightly better position to advance.
A very inept looking England get a Draw with Denmark which keeps their hopes alive. England, with 4 pts., should advance, but with their front line they should be scoring 3+ goals a game. They need to get on the front foot.
Spain advances on an Italian own goal in a sometimes tight, sometimes sloppy match. Italy still in good shape with 3 pts., but they really need a win to recapture the momentum.
Slovakia v Ukraine
If Ukraine is going to advance, they badly need a win here. Slovakia was surprising in their first game. Really depends on who shows up and who doesnt.
Poland v Austria
Both need to get the win. Loser can forget about it. Draw keeps them both alive, but barely. Ill pick Austria.
Netherlands v France
Another early matchup that should be electric made slightly less so by a missing Mbappe. This one is a tough call, so Ill flake out and call it a Draw.
Ukraine decides to wake up and gets a win over Slovakia. Both teams stay in the running to go to the next round.
Austria keeps their hopes alive with a win. Minus a win and a lot of help, Poland is out.
France and Holland play to a tie, which is just fine with both of them as theyll make the knockout stage.
Georgia v Czech Rep
Two teams that arent very good with the Czechs being slightly better.
Turkey v Portugal
Top teams in their group in which both will probably advance. Portugal has more talent and should be better.
Belgium v Romania
An aging Belgium team that looked flat in their opener against a surprisingly good Romanian team. Depends on which Belgium teams shows up, but a loss or Draw will severely hamper their chances.
Georgia and the Czech Rep play to a Draw which is a result neither team needed. Not looking promising for either to advance.
Portugal looks like a real threat as they manhandle Turkey.
Belgium wakes up and beats Romania. All 4 teams in the group sitting on 3 pts.
Two games down for each team in the Euros with one to go in Group. The only sure way to advance is to place in the top 2 spots. Otherwise, four 3rd place teams will go through.
Scotland - Hungary
Scotland needs a win to have a chance of advancing. Hungary has a very slim chance with a win. A Draw likely ends both sides in this Euro.
Germany - Switzerland
Germany has advanced as well as the Swiss. Question is will they rest players or do they want to keep momentum going.
Germany finishes top of the Group with a Draw vs Switzerland. Both teams advance.
Hungary nips a goal in extra time to beat Scotland. Hungary, with 3 pts and (-3) goal difference is hanging by a thread and would need lots of help to advance. Scotland is out.
Last edited Mon Jun 24, 2024, 06:15 PM - Edit history (1)
Albania v Spain
Spain looks to top the Group. Albania needs a win to have any hope of advancing. Spain should easily win, but they may choose to rest some players.
Croatia v Italy
Croatia is playing like time has passed them by, but you never know with this veteran team. Croatia must win to advance. Italy would advance with a win or draw. Neither can choose to rest players.
As expected, Spain takes care of business and comes in top of the Group.
In a tight game, Italy gets a goal with the last possession of the game and finishes second.
Albania is out and, minus a miracle, Croatia is out.
France v Poland
France is through the Group, its just a matter of where they place. Poland needs a big win and a lot of help from other teams to advance. Dont see that happening.
Netherlands v Austria
Both teams should advance, but again its just a matter of where they place.
Denmark v Serbia
A must win game for Serbia to advance. Denmark could Draw and advance, but thats taking a risk. They really need to win, too.
England v Slovenia
England will advance, its just a matter of where they place. This is a side that should be terrorizing other teams, but theyre playing rather uninspired football. Slovenia could slip in with a Draw, but they would also be taking a risk. They need the win.
In a boring game, France and Poland Draw. France places 2nd in the group. Poland is out.
Netherlands and Austria play a goal filled game with Austria getting the win and topping the Group. Holland places 3rd and moves to the next round.
In a game that excited no one, Denmark and Serbia play to a goalless Draw. Denmark places 2nd. Serbia is out.
Not wanting to be outdone, England and Slovenia also play to a goalless Draw. England finishes top of the Group and Slovenia finishes 3rd with 3 pts and 0 goal difference, so theyre hanging on by a thread. Tomorrows results will clear things up.
The one thing that is clear is that the English press and supporters will be crucifying the team for their play. Stay away unless you enjoy listening to them cry.
Enoki33
(1,605 posts)euro24 is of a higher standard, as is evident even at the club level, l view the WC through a slightly different lens. If the world can come together in 90 min increments to forget our geopolitical threats, our petty differences, skin color and religion, then surely there might still be some hope that mankind will intellectually mature and planet Earth may have a better chance of survival. Such is the power of the WC.
Note: l think Pele once said much the same.
Slovakia v Romania
This group is wide open with everyone sitting on 3 pts. Winners advance, losers roll the dice, and Draws might sneak through. Romania is +1 on goal difference so a Draw will advance them. Slovakia is at 0 goal difference so they really need a win, but if they Draw they still could advance.
Ukraine v Belgium
Ukraine is -2 goal difference which means they really need a win. A Draw and chances are theyre out. Belgium is +1 so a Draw will likely advance them, but a win is certain advancement.
Georgia v Portugal
Portugal is through to the next round. Georgia is a must win or theyre out. Portugal could rest players, but even then theyre loaded with talent.
Czech Rep v Turkey
Czech Rep needs a win or theyre out. Turkey advances with a Draw. Turkey has a slightly better team.
In a somewhat exciting game, Romain and Slovakia Draw. Romania wins the group and Slovakia gets 3rd and goes to the next round.
Belgium and Ukraine play to a Draw. Belgium gets 2nd, Ukraine is out.
Portugal takes the day off and rests 8 starters allowing Georgia to win and place 3rd with enough pts to continue on. Portugal places 1st.
In a good game with some controversial calls, Turkey wins and places 2nd, and the Czechs are out.
Baggies
(666 posts)Following are the matches for the Round of 16 Knockout Stage
Switzerland v Italy
Germany v Denmark
England v Slovakia
Spain v Georgia
France v Belgium
Portugal v Slovenia
Romania v Netherlands
Austria v Turkey
I guessed 11 of the 16 finalist which is fair. These games are so hard to predict, but its fun to try. Some of these games seem to have obvious winners, but you never know.
The tournament really gets interesting when we get to the final 8.
Baggies
(666 posts)Last edited Fri Jun 28, 2024, 10:01 PM - Edit history (1)
The Swiss performed beautifully during the group stage. Theres a lot of football lovers who hope they can go deep into the tournament. They are very solid from front to back.
Italy squeezed in on a last second goal in their last game. But Italy is a traditional slow starting team who has the reputation of turning it up when it matters. Will they this time? Thats the question. Their weakness this time, compared to other times, is they dont really have a #9. In times past, they had two or more. This time, they really dont. And that could be the difference.
Too close to predict.
Swiss make easy work of an Italy that has no attack.
Baggies
(666 posts)Germany performed well during Group play. And theyre the home team.
Denmark went through on 3 Draws. That doesnt spell confidence.
Expect a Germany win.
After a rain delay in the first half, Germany comes out in the second and takes the game.
Baggies
(666 posts)Oh England, are you going to show up or not? This is normally an easy pick, but this England side is unpredictable. Still, they have the talent. England win, but given how theyve been playing, not by much.
England eeks out a win in extra time.
Baggies
(666 posts)Spain is looking strong. Georgia is here because Portugal took the day off. Spain win and should be routine.
Spain turns up the heat in the 2nd half and wins big against a hapless Georgia.
Baggies
(666 posts)France has looked less than stellar so far, but that shouldnt matter against a Belgium side that has played poorly and is showing its age. France wins.
France, who is not looking particularly threatening, win late on a deflected mis-hit.
Baggies
(666 posts)Portugal is hitting on all cylinders while Slovenia muddled through on 3 Draws against weak and/or underachieving opponents. Portugal wins.
A very stubborn Slovenia takes the game to PKs, but it ends there. Portugal wins.
Baggies
(666 posts)Odds makers have this going to Holland pretty easily, but Im not so sure. Romania topped their group while the Netherlands skipped in with a 3rd place group finish and not looking terrific. Im going with this game being a toss up only because the Netherlands have the stronger talent.
Holland gets a goal at 20 then gets busy at the end to send Romania out of the tournament.
Baggies
(666 posts)Both teams are coming in looking good. Slight edge to Austria, but could go either way.
Turkey gets a goal in the first minute and Austria is never able to catch up. Turkey advances.
Baggies
(666 posts)This is when things really start to heat up as the top countries have advanced. Theres no more easy games, theyre all tough, and theyre all unpredictable. Its either go strong or go home.
Spain v Germany
Portugal v France
England v Switzerland
Netherlands v Turkey
If you love international football at its highest level, this is your time to be alive. Sit back and enjoy what should be terrific games!
Baggies
(666 posts)This will be a great game! The host country, Germany, is looking to reestablish itself after the last few tournaments of being mediocre. Spain has come in and really surprised everyone with their upbeat style of play. A real dont miss event. Germany is slightly favored.
What a contest! The game goes down to the wire in extra time with Spain pulling out the W. They are everything they appeared to be throughout this tournament.
Baggies
(666 posts)The favorite to win it all, France, has not been playing very well. But this is crunch time and they know how to turn it up at the right time. Portugal has as solid of a side as any of the top countries and have played well to this point. Another game that could go either way with France being slightly favored.
In another exciting game that goes to PKs, France gets the victory.
Baggies
(666 posts)The question remains: Which England team will show up? So far, it been a very underwhelming side that is still getting the job done. For all the negatives, they are in the Quarterfinals. Will they play to their potential? Will they squeak by? Will they get beat? Stay tuned.
The Swiss side is very impressive. There is every reason to believe they can win this game. But traditionally this is about the time the Swiss choke.
Should be a good game. Slight edge to England
In what is becoming the normal occurrence, this game goes to PKs. England comes out on top.
Baggies
(666 posts)Of all the games, this is the ones the bookies are laying odds for a big win for Holland. On paper, they are the much better side. And they have improved as the tourney has advanced.
However, Turkey is playing tough and are solid from front to back. They remind me of how Morocco played in the WC and surprised everyone.
Once again, should be a close game. Slight edge to Holland.
What an exciting game with plenty of attacking football! Holland gets the win.
3catwoman3
(25,464 posts)...which is most of them.
Also watching Copa America. Lots of pushing and shoving in tonight's Argentina vs Ecuador match.
And, we recently binge-watched all 3 seasons of Welcome To Wrexham - delightful!
3catwoman3
(25,464 posts)...right in the last minutes of the second OT period - WOW!
Baggies
(666 posts)What a great Quarterfinal!! All the games were great which sets up the semi-finals which should be equally or more explosive. These are cant miss games.
Spain v France
Netherlands v England
Games are on Tuesday and Wednesday at 3p EST.
Baggies
(666 posts)This game should be incredible!! Spain has played great and everyone is still waiting for France to play to their potential. France cant sit back and absorb the attack and try to counter. Theyre going to have to get on the front foot. Spain just needs to keep doing what got them here. This game is a toss-up.
Outstanding game!! France takes the lead early only to have Spain score twice in rapid succession. Following was a second half of attacks and counter attacks with both sides playing some beautiful football. Spain hangs on to win and move on to the final.
If you get a chance, check out Spains first goal made by 16 year old phenom Lamine Yamal. Terrific! El Classico will have several years that should be truly wonderful with him and Mbappe facing off for their respective clubs.
Baggies
(666 posts)Both of these teams have me scratching my head. England has the personnel to dominate any team, but they still arent playing well, yet theyre in the semi-finals. Holland is no slouch, either. And truth be told they havent really lived up to how good they could be. Ill give a slight edge to England, but I could almost as easily say the same for Holland. Should be a good game.
England are the new cardiac kids. Holland played very good, but it wasnt enough. This game was not as exciting as yesterdays, but it had its moments. After being down, England nips one at the end to advance. Second year in a row they have made it to the final.
Baggies
(666 posts)The team that has been playing the best, Spain, meets the team the bookies gave odds on winning, England. These sides are much the same, yet very different. Spain has been on the front foot this whole tournament with a multitude of good players who take calculated chances and create some outstanding chances. England has the talent from top to bottom over virtually everyone, but their play hasnt been great, and yet here they are.
Its a final so who can say what will happen. Given their performances up until this point, Spain needs to take an early lead and then keep the pressure on an England side who has convinced themselves they can and will win, even in the closing seconds of the game.
Im really looking forward to this one!!
After an exciting, but scoreless, first half, Spain opens the second half with an early goal. Spain continues to have the better chances, but England ties it up again with 18 minutes left. But 14 minutes later, Spain finishes again to take the lead and then hangs on for the victory.
Congrats Spain!!
They really had the best side the whole tournament winning every game they played. And this is a young team. This could be the genesis of several good years to come for Spain.
Baggies
(666 posts)For any who watched Euro 2024, I hope you enjoyed the competition as much as I have. The time from late June forward, once the final teams were known and the knockout stages began, have been especially fun and fulfilling. The events of the past 2 weeks have been wonderful in so many ways and I hope for more of the same in the near future. I was hoping for more participation on this thread, but thats OK. For those who followed along, Thank You!!