The 2024 UEFA European Championship starts this Friday, 14th June, and football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the thrilling encounters that will unfold during the group stage.
We look at one intriguing match from each group that promises to be a mouth-watering encounter.
Group A: Germany vs Scotland, 14th June, 10 pm, Live on NBS Sport
The opening clash in Group A will see hosts Germany, three-time Euro champions, take on a resilient Scotland side.
The Scots showed what they’re capable of during the qualifiers, claiming impressive victories over Spain and Norway, and will be determined to spring an early surprise against the tournament favourites on German soil.
Germany are unbeaten against Scotland in all competitive completions and will hope to start the tournament on a high in front of the home crowds.
Group B: Spain vs Italy, 20th June, 10 pm, Live on NBS Sport
The standout fixture in Group B is the showdown between Spain and Italy on June 20th. These two European heavyweights have met in the Euro final before in 2012, where Spain trumped Italy 4-0 to win the title.
Their latest clash is expected to have all the makings of a potential classic. Spain, the three-time champions, will be among the favourites, while the reigning title holders Italy, who narrowly avoided the qualifying play-offs, will be keen to assert their dominance under new coach Luciano Spalletti.
The match will be live on NBS Sport.
Group C: Denmark vs England, 20th June, 7 pm
On the same day, Group C will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Denmark and England. The teams last met in the semi-finals of EURO 2020, where the Three Lions emerged victorious.
Their clash in this year’s finals won’t be any boring either, with both sides boasting crème players; Bellingham, Kane, Saka and Palmer for England, and Eriksen, Hojlund, Hjulmand and Kasper Schmeichel for Denmark.
Both sides will be eager to secure a place in the knockout rounds as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.
Group D: Netherlands vs France, 21st June, 10 pm Live on NBS Sport
Group D promises another captivating encounter as the Netherlands, champions in 1988, lock horns with two-time winners France, who won the competition in 1984 and 2000.
The Oranje, boasting the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Xavi Simons, will be determined to go further than their recent quarter-final exits, while France, led by the talismanic Kylian Mbappé, will be aiming to reclaim the EURO title they last won in 2000.
The match that kicks off at 10 pm will be live on NBS Sport
Group E: Belgium vs Romania, 22nd June, 10 pm
In Group E, Belgium, with the prolific Romelu Lukaku leading their charge, will face a Romania side making their sixth EURO appearance on June 22nd at 10 PM.
The Belgians will be confident in their ability to score, but the Romanians, who reached the quarter-finals in 2000, will be hoping to spring a surprise.
Group F: Turkey vs Portugal, 22nd June 7 pm Live on NBS Sport
Another group stage clash to keep an eye on is the meeting between Portugal and Turkey on June 22nd at 7 PM in Group F.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, who are the 2016 champions, will face a stern test against an exciting young Turkish team tipped to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Portugal won all 10 games in their qualifying campaign, while Turkey topped their group D in the same campaign. The clash between the two will surely be a mouthwatering one.
The game will be played at the Signal Iduna Park and will be live on NBS Sport.
These enthralling group stage encounters will set the stage for what promises to be a captivating EURO 2024, as fans eagerly anticipate the high-quality football and intense rivalries that will unfold.
