Euro 2024 will get into full swing with three exciting group-stage matches on Saturday.
At 9 a.m. ET, Hungary and Switzerland battle as they look to get out on top of Group A. Hungary is on an incredible rise, evoking comparisons to the 1954 team that finished second at the World Cup. It qualified for three straight Euros and finished unbeaten in their most recent qualifying run. They’re one of the sleepers of the tournament, especially through captain Dominik Szoboszlai and United-linked fullback Milos Kerkez.
But it’s Switzerland who are the favorites. Considering their run to the Euro 2020 quarterfinals and 2022 World Cup round of 16, Switzerland has a penchant for success. Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri lead a promising Swiss attack. Stars like Manuel Akanji, Gregor Kobel and Denis Zakaria look to forge a deep run into the knockout rounds.
Spain and Croatia headline the three-game Saturday with a match at noon. It’s a rematch of Euro 2020’s eight-goal thriller. Spain beat Croatia 5-3 in extra time. It’s an important match that will likely decide the order of Group B. A loss is catastrophic for either.
16-year-old Lamine Yamal will become the youngest player to appear at the Euros. Meanwhile, Rodri, Pedri and Nico Williams are the stars for Spain. A legendary midfield of Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić leads Croatia.
With the last game of Saturday, Albania takes on a mighty Italy side with nearly 50,000 fans in support at 3 p.m. ET. Despite the mass excitement both in Germany and Albania to watch Armando Broja and company at the Euros, Italy is the favorite to take home the full three points. They will begin their quest to win a second straight European Championship, only done by Spain in 2008 and 2012.
Things to watch in the first full day of Euro 2024
Hungary’s defense needs to remain flexible against the dynamic Swiss attack.
This Hungary squad is arguably the most talented since the days of…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/euro-2024-three-game-slate-kicks-off-on-saturday/
Author : Deolu Akingbade
Publish date : 2024-06-14 23:00:00
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