As Euro 2024 approaches, the spotlight turns to Group D, where football giants France and the Netherlands will compete alongside Austria and Poland. This in-depth preview evaluates each team’s strengths and weaknesses, recent performances, and predicts the group standings. Make sure to take advantage of the betting opportunities we’ve highlighted to boost your betting value for this highly anticipated event.
Euro 2024 Group D Predictions
Euro 2024 Group D: France and Netherlands Set to Dominate the Stage
Key Stats
– France’s Firepower: Kylian Mbappe scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists during the qualification campaign, showcasing his offensive prowess.
– Dutch Defence: The Netherlands, led by Virgil van Dijk, conceded only 6 goals in their 8 qualifying matches.
– Austria’s Pressing Game: Austria had the lowest PPDA (8.3) in Euro 2024 qualifying, demonstrating their aggressive defensive strategy.
France
Best European Championship finish: Winners x2 – 1984, 2000
France, two-time European champions, enter Euro 2024 as one of the favourites. Although they lost the final on home soil in 2016 and were eliminated by Switzerland on penalties in the round of 16 three years ago, their overall pedigree remains strong. Didier Deschamps, who led them to World Cup victory in 2018 and a final in 2022, continues to steer a squad filled with talent.
Kylian Mbappe, now captain, is at the forefront of this star-studded team. After a spectacular performance in Qatar, including a hat-trick in the final, Mbappe is poised to lead a potent attack supported by a robust midfield and an improving defence, particularly with the rise of William Saliba.
France’s qualification campaign saw them finish ahead of the Netherlands, and they enter the tournament with confidence. The draw could have been more challenging, but France is expected to handle Austria and Poland with ease. Their real test will come in the knockout stages, where their depth and quality will be critical.
The Netherlands
Best European Championship finish: Winners x1 – 1988
The Netherlands, winners of Euro 1988, are another strong contender in Group D. After a tumultuous decade, they have emerged as a more pragmatic team under Ronald Koeman, focusing on defensive solidity. The presence of top defenders like Virgil van Dijk has led to a tactical shift from their traditional 4-3-3 to a more defensive setup.
Koeman, who returned after a brief stint with Barcelona, aims to revive the Oranje’s fortunes. Despite losing both qualifying matches to France, the Netherlands managed to beat Austria and Poland, indicating their capability to secure second place in the group. The team’s structure and defensive depth will be crucial as they navigate this competitive group.
Poland
Best European Championship finish: Quarter-finals – 2016
Poland, making their fifth consecutive Euro appearance, face an uphill battle in Group D. Despite possessing stars like Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski, the team has struggled to impress on the big stage. Their cautious approach in the playoffs against Wales and lacklustre World Cup performance underscore their challenges.
Michal Probierz has improved the team’s defensive organisation since taking over, but Poland’s attack remains blunt. Their best chance lies in the second fixture against Austria, where a win could boost their qualification hopes. However, given their past performances, Poland might find it difficult to progress beyond the group stage.
Austria
Best European Championship finish: Round of 16 – 2020
Austria, under the guidance of Ralf Rangnick, has developed into a disciplined and structured team. They finished second to Belgium in their qualifying group and will be aiming to make an impact at Euro 2024 despite the absence of their captain, David Alaba, due to injury.
Rangnick’s strategic approach has enhanced Austria’s competitive edge. The team boasts a strong midfield with players like Marcel Sabitzer, Christoph Baumgartner, and Konrad Laimer. While their attack lacks a standout goalscorer, Austria’s well-rounded squad and tactical discipline could see them challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
Predictions for the Euro 2024 Group D
Group Winner: France
France is anticipated to dominate Group D, thanks to their blend of experience and youthful exuberance, alongside their consistent performances in group stages. Didier Deschamps’ squad, featuring world-class talent like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and N’Golo Kante, provides both attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Mbappe’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess will be pivotal. His hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final and subsequent performances solidify his status as one of the world’s best forwards. Supporting him, the midfield duo of Kante and Adrien Rabiot ensures balance, while the defence, led by Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba, adds strength and reliability.
France’s tactical adaptability under Deschamps, combined with their depth, makes them formidable. Their ability to dominate possession, create numerous scoring opportunities, and maintain defensive resilience positions them as clear favourites to win the group.
Second Place: The Netherlands
The Netherlands is predicted to secure the second spot in Group D, leveraging their solid defence and tactical pragmatism. Ronald Koeman’s return has stabilised the team, making them difficult to break down. Virgil van Dijk’s leadership at the back, coupled with the experience of Daley Blind and Matthijs de Ligt, forms a robust defensive unit.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong’s creativity and control will be crucial, while forwards like Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo add firepower. Despite not having the attacking depth of previous Dutch sides, their structured approach and defensive strength should see them through the group stage.
The Netherlands’ ability to grind out results, as evidenced by their victories over Austria and Poland in recent matches, underscores their potential. Koeman’s experience and tactical nous will be vital in navigating this challenging group and ensuring the Oranje advance to the knockout stages.
Final Group Standings Prediction:
- France
- France’s tactical superiority, squad depth, and current form make them favourites to win Group D. Their combination of attacking talent and defensive solidity will be decisive.
- The Netherlands
- The Netherlands’ recent form, defensive strength, and experienced leadership under Koeman make them strong contenders for the second spot. Their pragmatic approach and resilience will be crucial.
- Austria
- Austria’s well-structured team and tactical discipline, despite the absence of Alaba, position them as potential challengers for qualification. Their midfield strength and Rangnick’s strategic approach could see them progress.
- Poland
- Poland, despite having stars like Lewandowski and Zielinski, may struggle due to their cautious approach and inconsistent performances. Their ability to advance beyond the group stage remains uncertain.
Enhance your betting game with our daily free betting tips, predictions, and accumulators.
For more betting tips and news, check out:
- Euro 2024 Predictions
- Euro 2024 Outright Betting Tips Predictions Hub
- Today’s Football Tips & Accumulators
- Our Comprehensive Betting News
Don’t forget to visit our Free Bets page for the best possible value from our Today’s Football Predictions, as well as our Predictions for Tomorrow’s Football Predictions.
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
