The Scout: Euro 2024 Matchday 2

Posted on June 15, 2024June 15, 2024 | Posted by The Scout

Group A – Hungary v Switzerland

Every major tournament has a proverbial dark horse, and Hungary are being touted as one to watch at Euro 2024. They qualified unbeaten and talisman Dominik Szoboszlai will be hoping to capture his early season Premier League form with Liverpool. Barnabas Varga bagged an impressive 20 league goals for Ferencvaros in the last campaign and will lead the line.

Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, and Xherdan Shaqiri are all very familiar names in the Swiss ranks. Monaco duo Breel Embolo and Denis Zakaria have rebounded from minor injuries, though Steven Zuber is doubtful due to a calf issue. Burnley striker Zeki Amdouni is a threat having scored 7 times in 15 appearances to date.

DRAW @ $3.10*

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Group B – Spain v Croatia

There is a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Alvaro Morata. The new national team captain has his doubters but boasts a record of close to a goal every two games at international level. Lamine Yamal will be the youngest player ever to play in the European Championships at just 16 years of age if he gets on the pitch as expected. Rodri is arguably one of the most important players in any team, anchoring the midfield.

Experienced trio Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic go again for Croatia, while defender Josko Gvardiol is coming off a brilliant end to the club season with Manchester City. Lovro Majer, Andrej Kramaric, and Ante Budimir are the likely front three for coach Zlatko Dalic.

Spain WIN @ $1.84*

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Group B – Italy v Albania

The defending champions have a favourable first game on paper, but they have lost Francesco Acerbi, Giorgio Scalvini, Domenico Berardi, Nicolo Zaniolo to injury in the lead up to the tournament. Coach Luicano Spalletti must decide between Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca to play as the central striker, while Nicolo Barella and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma are critical to the team’s spine.

Albania are massive underdogs in the Group of Death but have the potential to cause a shock or two. Several of the squad, including Berat Djimsiti, Elseid Hysaj, Etrit Berisha, Nedim Bajrami, and Marash Kumbulla, played in Serie A last season with varying degrees of success so will be very familiar with their opponents. Goals could be hard to come by – none of the squad have hit double figures for the national team.

Italy WIN @ $1.32*

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Multi

Hungary v Switzerland – Draw

Spain v Croatia – Both teams to score – Yes

Italy – Win

@ $8.07*

*Odds correct as at 10am, 15th June 2024

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