Paul Rouget, Media365: published on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 1:02 p.m.
The second day of the German Euro will notably see Spain and Croatia face off in a highly anticipated clash, while Italy should not be missed against Albania, just like Switzerland against Hungary.
Hungary – Switzerland (3 p.m.)
The day after Germany’s overwhelming victory against Scotland at the opening of Euro 2024 (5-1), the second match of Group A, and of the European Championship, pits Hungary against Switzerland at 3 p.m., in Cologne. Undefeated in qualifying, the Hungarians, eliminated in the group stage of the last Euro, despite two home matches, and a draw against the Blues, hope to create a surprise against the Swiss, who, after having signed their best result (quarter-finals) in 2021, are moving forward without certainty or serenity, like a coach, Murat Yakin, who is highly contested and expected around the corner.
Spain – Croatia (6 p.m.)
This is THE big shock of this first day of the group stage, and it will take place at 6 p.m. in Berlin. Despite a defeat against Scotland in qualifying, Spain, semi-finalist in 2021, can strike a big blow from the start, and is counting in particular on its young guard and its lively wingers, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, to shake up the Croatia in this so-called “death” group B which also includes Italy and Albania. Eighth finalists in the last two editions, the Croatians will not give up. We can trust their emblematic captain Luka Modric.
Italy – Albania (9 p.m.)
The second match of this group B, scheduled for 9 p.m. in Dortmund, should not escape Italy, title holder, against Albania, while the Spaniards and/or Croatians could leave feathers during their clash of the late afternoon. Except that the Squadra Azzurra, in eternal reconstruction and which missed the last two World Cups, is worrying both defensively and offensively, even if Federico Chiesa likes big competitions. We will have to be wary of the Albanian little thumb, coached by the Brazilian, Sylvinho, no less than 10 players of whom play in one of the first two Italian divisions, and therefore know their opponents perfectly.
