From June 14 to July 14, football fans will have an appointment with Euro 2024, aka the European Nations Cup, which is held every four years alternating with the World Cup. It was created in 1960 to allow national teams to compete in a continental framework following the birth of the European Economic Community which subsequently became the European Union. This 17th edition will be organized in Germany where 24 teams will battle to capture the title.
“L’Opinion Sports” has prepared for its loyal readers a series of articles which will take them to the heart of this event whose prestige has become comparable to that of the World Cup.
Today we will introduce you to groups D, E and F.
Group D France: the super favorite
2nd in the world rankings, France presents itself as the super favorite of this edition. Their last coronation dates back to the year 2000 and it is the only trophy that Didier Deschamps is missing. Their last qualifying run was perfect against the Netherlands, Greece, Ireland and Gibraltar, but it should not hide their poor performance in a friendly against Germany (2 defeats) and a draw against Canada a few days away. of the kick-off.
To carry out this campaign, Didier Deschamps called on Ngolo Kanté again in addition to his stars such as the new captain, Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Dembélé and the veteran Olivier Giroud (37 years old). He also relies on his usual 4-3-3 tactical pattern and his pistons Benjamin Pavard and Ibrahima Konaté.
Is the presence of these stars enough to end this 24-year drought?
Holland: like the good old days
After a slump over the last decade, the Dutch have recovered with the new generation led by captain Virgil Van Dijk, but we must get rid of a tough group including France, the Austria and Poland. Their only coronation dates back to 1988, but this 11th participation fuels a lot of hope.
The coach, Ronald Koeman, relies heavily on a solid defense where we find the backbone Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool), Mathis De Lights (Bayer Munich). Young Xavi Simons leads the attack line, who shone with Leipzig with 10 goals scored and 14 assists.
Can this generation make us forget that of Van Basten in 1988?
Austria: the outsider
Supported by several experienced players, the squad of coach Ralf Rangnick dreams of doing better than in the last 3 appearances, even if David Alaba (Real Madrid) is missing due to injury. Austria managed perfectly to qualify for this Euro in a very tough group where there were Belgium and Sweden. They were galvanized by the friendly victories against their rival, Germany, not to mention the correction inflicted on Turkey (6-1).
This Austria, which appears as an outsider, counts heavily on many renowned players such as Marcel Sabitzer, finalist of the Champions League with Dortmund, Xaver Schlager (Leipzig), Alexander Sclager (Salzburg) and the veteran Marko Arnautovic (Inter Milan ).
Poland: looking good
Only 3rd in their qualifying group, the Poles qualified at the last minute via the play-offs. The selection led by Robert Lewandowski seems very limited to go far in this Euro. At 36 years old, will this player who led his country to the eighth at the Qatari World Cup manage to lead them to another epic?
