Nations look to secure their place in the round of 16!
Euro 2024 has reached a crucial stage with some thrilling matchups on Tuesday set to define the knockout stage contenders.
From the Netherlands eyeing top spot in Group D against a resurgent Austria, to France aiming to maintain their dominance against Poland, the stakes are high.
Meanwhile, England seek to assert themselves against Slovenia in Group C, whilst Denmark face a tough test against Serbia, with the group still wide open and all four teams harbouring a chance to qualify.
Netherlands set sights on top spot
The Netherlands and Austria are set for an exciting Group D showdown with a spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stages up for grabs. The Dutch only need to avoid a loss to secure their place in the last 16, having held France to a goalless draw in their last match.
If the Netherlands can outperform France’s result against Poland, they’ll top the group. However, it won’t be easy, as Austria, fresh off a 3-1 win against Poland, are also in contention.
Under Ralf Rangnick, Austria have shown intense aggression and relentless pressing throughout their matches. They conceded just one goal in their first match against a strong French side, before securing a first win of the campaign against Poland. They’re disciplined and well-drilled, making them a tough opponent, and will believe that they can beat Ronald Koeman’s side too.
The Netherlands were dominant against Poland but struggled to convert their chances, and were unlucky not to beat France with a disallowed goal from Xavi Simmons. It sets the stage for a fascinating contest, but the Dutch squad’s quality should give them the edge.
France eye perfect record
France are aiming to secure their spot in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as group winners when they face Poland in Dortmund. Their recent goalless draw against the Netherlands was enough to secure their place in the last 16, but they still need a strong performance to finish top of Group D.
If the Netherlands manage to beat Austria, France’s quest for first place will come down to goal difference. They’ll need to handle Poland, who have already been knocked out after two tough losses.
Despite all the hype about their squad depth and being favourites, France haven’t quite hit their stride at Euro 2024. They’ve managed just one goal so far, and it was an own goal by Austria’s Maximilian Wober. Against the Netherlands, they had chances but couldn’t convert, lacking that clinical touch in front of goal. The availability of Mbappe will be crucial as they aim to top the group with a win over Poland.
Poland, on the other hand, haven’t looked competitive against teams like France and Austria. With Lewandowski struggling for form and limited playing time in the last two matches, they’ve struggled to find the back of the net and create opportunities.
France head into this match as clear favourites, eager to secure a win and finish at the top of Group D before the knockout phase begins. With their solid defensive record intact, expect Les Bleus to put in another commanding performance, with or without Mbappe, possibly securing a third straight clean sheet.
England look to up the ante
England will be aiming to step up their game and secure the top spot in Group C with a solid performance against Slovenia in their final group match at Euro 2024. Both teams are gunning for a spot in the knockout stage.
To be honest, Slovenia might fancy their chances here. England haven’t hit their stride despite being unbeaten so far. Their star-studded forwards haven’t quite clicked into gear, and they’ve been among the lowest in terms of shots taken among teams that have played two matches!
Slovenia could feel hard done by after conceding a late equaliser to Serbia, which cost them valuable points. They’ve shown good organisation and attacking ideas throughout the tournament. England, traditionally seen as one of the favourites heading into Germany, will want to maintain high standards, even if their position in the group looks secure. Fans won’t settle for anything less than a win, though Slovenia could make it a tight contest.
Bukayo Saka has been a bright spot in England’s attack, despite not scoring yet. He’s likely to pose a threat for the Slovaks. Harry Kane, on the other hand, will be expected to continue his scoring form after finding the net against Denmark.
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak will be crucial for Slovenia as they face England’s talented attackers, who may have been misfiring but still pose a threat. Slovenia will look to capitalise on counterattacks and set pieces, with Benjamin Sesko being their biggest threat.
Unbeaten Denmark face Serbia test
The Allianz Arena in Munich is set for a nail-biting Euro 2024 Group C clash on Tuesday evening, where Denmark and Serbia battle for a spot in the knockout stages. Kasper Hjulmand’s Denmark side currently sit second in the group after drawing their first two matches, whilst Serbia, despite being out of contention for first place, are still alive in the tournament.
Denmark’s journey so far has been characterised by resilience and missed opportunities. They salvaged a point against England with Morten Hjulmand’s stunning long-range strike after initially trailing to Harry Kane’s early goal. Despite their spirited performance, they were left ruing their missed chances to secure all three points.
Serbia, on the other hand, faced a late scare against Slovenia but managed to snatch a draw with a dramatic Luka Jovic header in stoppage time. Their attack hasn’t quite clicked yet, with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic yet to shine in the tournament.
With Denmark yet to be defeated in this tournament and needing a win to guarantee their place in the last 16, the match promises to be tightly-contested but Christian Eriksen and Co should be able to get the job done. Their midfielders including Eriksen and Morten Hjulmand could be key in this game with their attack struggling to impress so far.
