⚽ UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany ⚽ - Qualifiers👉Group Stage

[AmoreJaz]

In a pre-tournament friendly match, France, one of the strongest squads in the tournament and a favorite, faced Canada. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. Olivier Giroud has had an illustrious career and as Olivier Giroud prepares to retire from international football after Euro 2024, he shed tears as he left the pitch.

He is soon to be the oldest player to wear Les Bleus jersey so I kinda feel the emotions he was going thru here. He has a colourful career breaking a lot of records, so definitely, he will be missing this sports badly as he finally say goodbye from this arena.


https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2024/olivier-giroud-sets-another-record-before-bidding-farewell-to-france/

Friendly matches seem to be a final preparation condition for several ways that can indeed be used to trick opponents considering the Euro is only a matter of days away from starting.

Some friendly matches are only as their relaxant and as a final preparation before finally really exerting their strength in the Euro later so it is quite natural that they hold back a little so that the opponent will not know their plans in preparation for the euro this time.

Statistically, some big teams still dominate to have a strong probability of winning but on the other hand we also still have to continue to wait for how the continuation will happen later because for now we cannot make it seem as if one club can easily be in the final especially seeing some young players in the national team at this time there are some who are quite prominent but we cannot know for sure whether it will match expectations or not.

You can't really count on the table these friendly matches. As there is no pressure to win, these athletes have no eagerness to put their best foot forward on their game. It is like a warm-up for these athletes and enjoy the game without so much pressure.

[Palakka]

Germany have not done well in recent tournaments. They are not the old Germany. But they will host this tournament. This will be a great motivation for them, no doubt. Also, they beat France and the Netherlands in friendly matches. I think these matches were important for them. I don't expect any surprises in this match. Germany will start the tournament with a win. Because if they don't win this match, they can continue to have bad results throughout the tournament. I think they have to win in the first match. On the other hand, I don't think Scotland are a team that can challenge Germany.

Germany which acts as the host of this year's euro of course gets the advantage as a team that automatically qualifies for the euro, so indeed they do not need to undergo a qualifying match which does have a lot of risks, currently of course Germany has a much better combination of players in my opinion than the previous euro, the majority of the German squad this season is filled with young players who have quite good talent and stamina, So with the support of experience from several senior players, of course, Germany will probably be able to do more later, the squad changes made by Nagelzman so far have had a quite positive impact in facing a strong team in friendly matches.

Germany vs Scotland will be the opening match of this year's euro, so Germany must of course be able to get a victory in the first match remembering the victory will of course increase their confidence to face the next match, Germany of course will have a huge burden in that the match, apart from being their the first match, of course Germany is required to be able to bring glory in this year euro to be able to win at their own home,  But even so, of course Scotland will give a fierce resistance considering that they want also go far in this year Euro even though their status is not as a favorite team.

[Rikafip]

I also don’t think that the friendlies are among the official matches, because it doesn’t have fifa or confederations backing

Your opinion is irrelevant as its a matter of fact that friendly games count as official matches and regarding "not having FIFA backing", FIFA counts them for their ranking so there's that.

When you say that the younger players are not up to the task, have you heard of Gvardiol or maybe of Budimir, who is in the top 5 scorers of the Spanish league?

Its kinda hard to count Budimir as a younger player since he is 32 yo. While our young players are actually pretty good, one position worries me and that's the forward one as we basically don't have anyone younger on the horizon that can play as nr 9. I hoped that Roko Simic could maybe be the one, but he is kinda stagnating at the moment.

Some been saying that since 2018, or even since 1998 - but somehow you're always wrong, aren't you? In the past 25 years, a small country has even won medals at the world championships three times, and I know that this bothers many people because they think that it should be reserved for teams like England or Italy, the same ones who cannot beat Iceland or Turkey or they struggle with teams that cannot find themselves on the FIFA ranking.

Dunno, in that regard my experience has been quite the opposite. I travel a lot and every time people hear that I am from Croatia they start talking about football and how amazing our national team is, praising Modric etc. People like underdogs and due our size that's how people usually perceive us, no matter our recent success.

[marcous]

~ Snip ~

Germany have not done well in recent tournaments. They are not the old Germany. But they will host this tournament. This will be a great motivation for them, no doubt. Also, they beat France and the Netherlands in friendly matches. I think these matches were important for them. I don't expect any surprises in this match. Germany will start the tournament with a win. Because if they don't win this match, they can continue to have bad results throughout the tournament. I think they have to win in the first match. On the other hand, I don't think Scotland are a team that can challenge Germany.

Germany without doubt haven't been impressive in the recent major tournaments they've participated in but this time around, they're going to be the host for the UEFA Euros Championship so many people especially the Germans are counting on the national team to deliver a great performance in the competition. Their first game of the tournament will also serve as the kickoff game of the tournament because of the fact that they're the host nation and the game will be against  Scotland.
On paper, Germany are expected to thrash Scotland because of their superior number of quality players but if for any reason they underrate Scotland, they might face humiliation in their first game of the tournament and that i don't think Julian Nagelsmann will want to see happen. Germany in my own opinion will at least reach the quarter finals but I don't think they're the favorites to win the competition despite being the host nation. France and England o think stands a better chance of reaching the final ahead of Germany. Another country that I think will have a good tournament is the Netherlands.

However, Germany is still taken into account by other favorite teams, apart from acting as hosts, Germany also still has a number of quality players who support the depth of their squad. France and England deserve to be favorites, considering that they have the best generation in their squad at the moment, but we cannot just ignore the bargaining value of teams like Italy, Portugal, Spain and Croatia. I think the Euro 2024 event will be very interesting, and very emotional for several national teams, considering that most of them will probably retire from the national team after the competition ends.

Ronaldo, Kroos, Kante, Modric, maybe some of the players we won't see again in the next competition, they might not even is at to the 2026 World Cup. Automatically, this will attract the attention of many people, to see the actions of the best players in Europe for the last time at national team level. Apart from that, it also does not rule out the possibility of a surprise team appearing this time, at club level we have seen it quite often this season. This will also be a good stage for young players, they will get the spotlight if they succeed in showing their best game.

[Gencecikmen]

In a short while, the friendly matches between Poland and Turkey, as well as the Netherlands and Iceland, will kick off. I’ll personally choose to watch the Poland-Turkey match, but I believe the Netherlands-Iceland match will also be quite enjoyable. These are the last two friendly matches before Euro 2024. There won’t be any more friendlies, and the tournament begins in just four days.

Poland's starting XI against Turkey: Szczesny, Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior, Frankowski, Slisz, Zielinski, Piotrowski, Zalewski - Swiderski, Lewandowski.
Turkey's starting XI against Poland: Mert Günok, Mert Müldür, Samet, Abdülkerim, Kaan, Salih, Hakan, Orkun, İrfan Can, Kerem, Semih.

[W Jr.]

In a short while, the friendly matches between Poland and Turkey, as well as the Netherlands and Iceland, will kick off. I’ll personally choose to watch the Poland-Turkey match, but I believe the Netherlands-Iceland match will also be quite enjoyable. These are the last two friendly matches before Euro 2024. There won’t be any more friendlies, and the tournament begins in just four days.

Poland's starting XI against Turkey: Szczesny, Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior, Frankowski, Slisz, Zielinski, Piotrowski, Zalewski - Swiderski, Lewandowski.
Turkey's starting XI against Poland: Mert Günok, Mert Müldür, Samet, Abdülkerim, Kaan, Salih, Hakan, Orkun, İrfan Can, Kerem, Semih.

Montella will be played as a backup to Arda Güler. Ancelotti preferred Arda the same way. Arda is an important young talent. At the same time, substitutes Ferdi Kadıoğlu are also waiting. Semih Kılıçsoy, who will be on the field today in the main squad, is one of the players that Turkey expects the most, along with Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız. I will especially look at how he will play. He had a great season in Beşiktaş.

[bitgolden]

Friendly games do not really look like it would be something that could indicate how teams are going to play during the other times, I feel like we should just consider how things will turn out differently. I am not saying that we are going to see teams make a big difference or anything like that, I am just saying that we should not base how teams will do just from the friendly games at all.

I believe that France and England do have a proper chance to make it work, and I think they are going to end up with something that will change some things if given enough chance. These two teams just have way too much power and talent, it would be very unlikely for any other team to end up winning the cup, I do not see a third team even close to them.

[BlackBoss_]

Ronaldo, Kroos, Kante, Modric, maybe some of the players we won't see again in the next competition, they might not even is at to the 2026 World Cup. Automatically, this will attract the attention of many people, to see the actions of the best players in Europe for the last time at national team level. Apart from that, it also does not rule out the possibility of a surprise team appearing this time, at club level we have seen it quite often this season. This will also be a good stage for young players, they will get the spotlight if they succeed in showing their best game.

You can say it with Kroos and Kante but I feel different with Ronaldo and Modric. They are players who are very energetic and ambitious so they will not easily to stop their career and retire like other players. With their skills, experience and reputation, if they continue, and if they play well, they will be given spots in their national teams for next Euro in 2028. It is more realistic to think that chances for them to be called in Euro 2028 might exist but opportunities for them to appear in the main squads for every match will be impossible.

Kroos will retire after this Euro and with Kante, even this Euro is a gift for him because France has many talented players for midfield positions. Deschamps gave Kante a great present by calling him for this Euro while the coach can call other midfielders for this tournament.

[W Jr.]

Ronaldo, Kroos, Kante, Modric, maybe some of the players we won't see again in the next competition, they might not even is at to the 2026 World Cup. Automatically, this will attract the attention of many people, to see the actions of the best players in Europe for the last time at national team level. Apart from that, it also does not rule out the possibility of a surprise team appearing this time, at club level we have seen it quite often this season. This will also be a good stage for young players, they will get the spotlight if they succeed in showing their best game.

You can say it with Kroos and Kante but I feel different with Ronaldo and Modric. They are players who are very energetic and ambitious so they will not easily to stop their career and retire like other players. With their skills, experience and reputation, if they continue, and if they play well, they will be given spots in their national teams for next Euro in 2028. It is more realistic to think that chances for them to be called in Euro 2028 might exist but opportunities for them to appear in the main squads for every match will be impossible.

Kroos will retire after this Euro and with Kante, even this Euro is a gift for him because France has many talented players for midfield positions. Deschamps gave Kante a great present by calling him for this Euro while the coach can call other midfielders for this tournament.

Will Modric and Ronaldo be in the squad at Euro 2028? Are you seriously considering this? Such a thing is not possible. Both the Portuguese and the Croatian player may retire from football at the end of next year. Ronaldo had a great season, but now he is about to turn 40 and I am sure he will want to transition from these tiring times of football to the calmer coaching period. Euro 2024 may be the last opportunity to watch them.

[Silence Scream]

The last title Italy played a friendly match against Bosnia-Herzegovina ahead of the tournament. With Davide Frattesi scoring in the 38th minute, Italy won 1-0. In EURO 2024, Italy will be in Group B alongside Spain, Croatia, and Albania, while Bosnia-Herzegovina won’t be competing in EURO24. A few days ago, Italy also played a friendly match against Turkey, resulting in a 0-0 draw.

Actually, Italy was not successful in the friendly matches. Their groups are very difficult. They should make very few mistakes in the matches they will play. They could only score 1 goal in the last 2 friendly matches, which is a problem. They should try to solve this problem. They are also in a group that I will follow carefully in Euro 2024. Italy is a country I enjoy watching. I hope they can show us more enjoyable matches.

[Catenaccio]

Mandjukic and Rakitic did not play in Qatar, not even in the Nations League final, and as for the others you listed, Perisic was injured for a long time so he is not in the best shape, while Modric, despite his years, is still one of the best midfielders in the world and will play another season in Real Madrid.

In Qatar, Croatia had Perisic, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic and Gvardiol. I knew about Gvardiol who grew up in Leipzig but Qatar World Cup 2022 is when he got bigger recognition with his excellent performances for Croatia.

In this Euro 2024, Croatia will not have Perisic who was important for them in World Cup 2022 from defense and attacking and his accurate and dangerous cross passes. He is an ace under sleeves in attacking for Croatia too, his absence in Euro 2024 is big loss for Croatia.

When you say that the younger players are not up to the task, have you heard of Gvardiol or maybe of Budimir, who is in the top 5 scorers of the Spanish league? There are still good players, but obviously for some, a good player is only one who plays in the top 5 clubs from the top five leagues.

I don't know about Budimir, honestly with you, but Gvardiol was famous since World Cup 2022 and I knew about him.

Some been saying that since 2018, or even since 1998 - but somehow you're always wrong, aren't you? In the past 25 years, a small country has even won medals at the world championships three times, and I know that this bothers many people because they think that it should be reserved for teams like England or Italy, the same ones who cannot beat Iceland or Turkey or they struggle with teams that cannot find themselves on the FIFA ranking.

I wrote that Croatia can make surprise again because they did it many times. As a small nation, they have limited resource for football players but people, players there are so talented and in many tournaments, their national team outperformed many bigger countries and bigger national teams.

In World Cup 2022, I watched Lovro Majer because he was considered as a potential replacement for Luka Modric. I did not know him before World Cup 2022 but through Croatia matches, I heard that he was considered as one of best replacements for Modric and I paid attention on him when he was sent in. Frankly Majer did not show creativeness and good contributions for Croatia attacking system like Modric.

I don't know how Majer will grow up in coming years but I don't see good potential from this attacking midfielder. When Modric retires, Croatia will struggle to replace him because Majer looks not to be their solution.

[iamsange]

author=Furious 7
You can't really count on the table these friendly matches. As there is no pressure to win, these athletes have no eagerness to put their best foot forward on their game. It is like a warm-up for these athletes and enjoy the game without so much pressure.

This friendly league is very important for players and coaches because they can try strategies and also strengthen the stamina of their players, especially since the Euro is only a few days away, it will have a big impact on a country to start the Euro with maximum potential for them.

Friendly matches are also very important for coaches in choosing their main squad, even though friendly matches are not the goal, they are very important in honing strategy and also maintaining the players' fitness before the Euros start.

[Distraction]

But I don’t agree with Distraction that UEFA Nation League cup are not official games, it’s just as the Euros because it is a continental approved tournament and Carries almost similar weight has the Euros. Although I don’t actually understand the competition and see it as been unnecessary.

I didn't say such thing, where did you get it from? If you mean the definition I shared for official match, it says national league cups are official matches not unofficial.

But if you mean my comment on the UEFA Nations League then I didn't say that there either. I just said teams don't take it as serious as a Euro or World Cup which is the obvious truth. 

Germany have not done well in recent tournaments. They are not the old Germany. But they will host this tournament. This will be a great motivation for them, no doubt. Also, they beat France and the Netherlands in friendly matches. I think these matches were important for them. I don't expect any surprises in this match. Germany will start the tournament with a win. Because if they don't win this match, they can continue to have bad results throughout the tournament. I think they have to win in the first match. On the other hand, I don't think Scotland are a team that can challenge Germany.

I feel like we are going to watch a better Germany this time after having struggles for some years. I don't see them as the top favourite to win the trophy while there is France in the first place. But a semi final or even final qualification wouldn't make me surprised.

[Uruhara]

Friendly games do not really look like it would be something that could indicate how teams are going to play during the other times, I feel like we should just consider how things will turn out differently. I am not saying that we are going to see teams make a big difference or anything like that, I am just saying that we should not base how teams will do just from the friendly games at all.

I believe that France and England do have a proper chance to make it work, and I think they are going to end up with something that will change some things if given enough chance. These two teams just have way too much power and talent, it would be very unlikely for any other team to end up winning the cup, I do not see a third team even close to them.

Maybe that's true and I might agree on this too. Namely, friendly matches cannot be the main reference for seeing which team will ultimately be the favorite. More serious matches will start at the start of the competition and not in friendlies. Friendly matches are sometimes made to test each other's strengths and test several strategies between each team. And usually some information will be gathered from friendly matches. But sometimes a team will not show their true quality in friendly matches. So the opposing team will not be able to analyze anything easily. France and England both have great squad depth. And I have no doubts about their quality either. But I probably can't say either of them is the closest to winning the title. Because this time I even saw that Portugal, which also has many quality players, could be one of the candidates. Or maybe it all depends on which team we like more.

[Davian144]

Friendly games do not really look like it would be something that could indicate how teams are going to play during the other times, I feel like we should just consider how things will turn out differently. I am not saying that we are going to see teams make a big difference or anything like that, I am just saying that we should not base how teams will do just from the friendly games at all.

I believe that France and England do have a proper chance to make it work, and I think they are going to end up with something that will change some things if given enough chance. These two teams just have way too much power and talent, it would be very unlikely for any other team to end up winning the cup, I do not see a third team even close to them.

Yes, the friendly event is just a test match that doesn't have a big target. Moreover, this match took place before the team's departure for Germany and I think all coaches will be very careful in fielding their full squad. So I would not be surprised at all if the friendly match produced a number of different results, meaning that the big teams were not able to achieve maximum results.

France and England are strong candidates, both teams have very complete squads. especially for the Three Lions, maybe this year's edition will be a big opportunity for them to make history as Euro winners. If we look at the players brought in by Southgate then it seems illegal for the team to return more crew in the four-yearly tournament

[Zackz5000]

Ronaldo, Kroos, Kante, Modric, maybe some of the players we won't see again in the next competition, they might not even is at to the 2026 World Cup. Automatically, this will attract the attention of many people, to see the actions of the best players in Europe for the last time at national team level. Apart from that, it also does not rule out the possibility of a surprise team appearing this time, at club level we have seen it quite often this season. This will also be a good stage for young players, they will get the spotlight if they succeed in showing their best game.

You can say it with Kroos and Kante but I feel different with Ronaldo and Modric. They are players who are very energetic and ambitious so they will not easily to stop their career and retire like other players. With their skills, experience and reputation, if they continue, and if they play well, they will be given spots in their national teams for next Euro in 2028. It is more realistic to think that chances for them to be called in Euro 2028 might exist but opportunities for them to appear in the main squads for every match will be impossible.

Kroos will retire after this Euro and with Kante, even this Euro is a gift for him because France has many talented players for midfield positions. Deschamps gave Kante a great present by calling him for this Euro while the coach can call other midfielders for this tournament.

I don't think either Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric will be invited or invited to play in next Euro 2028 competition by there various country considering the age the will both be by then, currently now Cristiano Ronaldo is 39 years of age while Luka Modric is 38 years of age in four years time Cristiano Ronaldo will be 43 years while Luka Modric will be 42 years by then don't you think inviting them for the Euro 2028 will be a total waist of number? Because I believe there are talented players who are very young and good fix in those positions and showcase there talent because even if they are been invited they won't be able to play due to there age so what's the need inviting them I believe this year Euro 2024 and next world cup will be there last international football dance.

[Uruhara]

I don't think either Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric will be invited or invited to play in next Euro 2028 competition by there various country considering the age the will both be by then, currently now Cristiano Ronaldo is 39 years of age while Luka Modric is 38 years of age in four years time Cristiano Ronaldo will be 43 years while Luka Modric will be 42 years by then don't you think inviting them for the Euro 2028 will be a total waist of number? Because I believe there are talented players who are very young and good fix in those positions and showcase there talent because even if they are been invited they won't be able to play due to there age so what's the need inviting them I believe this year Euro 2024 and next world cup will be there last international football dance.

I also think the same about these two players, namely C.Ronaldo and Modric. For them, perhaps Euro 2024 will be the last time they will defend their national team at the Euros. And maybe at Euro 2028 both of them will no longer be invited. Because I'm pretty sure both of them might even have retired as football players. Although I also know that both of them have the desire and ability to still be able to compete well with young players. but that's right now. And maybe in the next few years both of them will not be as good as they are now. Because age will still make a person weaker.

[slaman29]

Will Modric and Ronaldo be in the squad at Euro 2028? Are you seriously considering this? Such a thing is not possible. Both the Portuguese and the Croatian player may retire from football at the end of next year. Ronaldo had a great season, but now he is about to turn 40 and I am sure he will want to transition from these tiring times of football to the calmer coaching period. Euro 2024 may be the last opportunity to watch them.

Modric kinda said goodbye if you remember at the last WC but Messi suggested he's still having one final role in 2028 so his long term friend/enemy/foe/rival Ronaldo will not be able to resist. A few more seasons at Inter Miami playing 15% of games, why not right?

Ronaldo will never say no until he has a serious injury, that's the kinda guy he is.

[Lucius]

In Qatar, Croatia had Perisic, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic and Gvardiol. I knew about Gvardiol who grew up in Leipzig but Qatar World Cup 2022 is when he got bigger recognition with his excellent performances for Croatia.
In this Euro 2024, Croatia will not have Perisic who was important for them in World Cup 2022 from defense and attacking and his accurate and dangerous cross passes. He is an ace under sleeves in attacking for Croatia too, his absence in Euro 2024 is big loss for Croatia.
~snip~

What kind of loss are you talking about when Perisic played in both friendly matches for a total of more than 90 minutes? Considering that he is 35 years old and that he was injured for some time, it is obvious that he is not in top shape, but I have no doubt that he will give his best in every minute that he spends on the field.

When you say that the younger players are not up to the task, have you heard of Gvardiol or maybe of Budimir, who is in the top 5 scorers of the Spanish league?

Its kinda hard to count Budimir as a younger player since he is 32 yo. While our young players are actually pretty good, one position worries me and that's the forward one as we basically don't have anyone younger on the horizon that can play as nr 9. I hoped that Roko Simic could maybe be the one, but he is kinda stagnating at the moment.

It is true that Budimir is not the youngest, but it seems that he has reached top form and will be able to be our striker for at least another 2-3 years while some of the younger gems are sharpened and take on greater responsibility.

Some been saying that since 2018, or even since 1998 - but somehow you're always wrong, aren't you? In the past 25 years, a small country has even won medals at the world championships three times, and I know that this bothers many people because they think that it should be reserved for teams like England or Italy, the same ones who cannot beat Iceland or Turkey or they struggle with teams that cannot find themselves on the FIFA ranking.

Dunno, in that regard my experience has been quite the opposite. I travel a lot and every time people hear that I am from Croatia they start talking about football and how amazing our national team is, praising Modric etc. People like underdogs and due our size that's how people usually perceive us, no matter our recent success.

Perhaps we have too many of those on the forum who have been under the colonial boot of the English, French and similar nations for centuries - so they still act like their subjects and write that they are the best even when they can't beat Iceland or Canada. Our coach Dalic has emphasized several times that our team deserves more respect in the football community, but even the bookies do not respect us when we play against teams like Portugal or Spain because they give us minimal chances of winning.

[Lidger]

There are only 4 days left for the opening match: Germany - Scotland.    The odds I can see on TrustDice: Germany: 1.26  Draw: 5.60  Scotland: 11.00

1.26 is just too low to bet on but I might use it on a multi. I don't expect Germany to lose points here, what do you guys think?

Germany have not done well in recent tournaments. They are not the old Germany. But they will host this tournament. This will be a great motivation for them, no doubt. Also, they beat France and the Netherlands in friendly matches. I think these matches were important for them. I don't expect any surprises in this match. Germany will start the tournament with a win. Because if they don't win this match, they can continue to have bad results throughout the tournament. I think they have to win in the first match. On the other hand, I don't think Scotland are a team that can challenge Germany.

Germany is the host nation and their country is going to host the Euro tournament this season so they will have a considerable advantage. France and the Netherlands will never be easy opponents for Germany. As you said this Germany is not the old Germany but the power of France is still the same as before but it is difficult to defeat them. Germany are in Group A and the other teams in Group A are Hungary, Switzerland and Scotland. Hungary, Scotland will be easy to overcome but Switzerland will not be easy for Germany. Switzerland and Germany are likely to secure the next round from Group A.