Everything you need to know about Group B at Euro 2024

Many have labeled Group B as the ‘Group of Death’ at EURO 2024, but will the big teams make it through or will we see a big upset caused by Albania?

The group consists of Spain, Italy, Croatia and Albania.

Group B is going to serve up all the drama at Euro 2024 🍿 pic.twitter.com/xehMpx2URb

— GOAL (@goal) December 2, 2023

When are the matches in Group B?

Saturday 15th June: Spain vs Croatia (17:00 BST), Italy vs Albania (20:00 BST) Wednesday 19th June: Croatia vs Albania (14:00 BST) Thursday 20th June: Spain vs Italy (20:00 BST) Monday 24th June: Albania vs Spain (20:00 BST), Croatia vs Italy (20:00 BST)

What will happen in Group B?

Spain 2-1 Croatia Despite the youth and quality in Spain’s squad making them favourites to win this group, I don’t think they will pick up all nine points. The experience in the Croatia side, with the star-studded midfield of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, will prove difficult to break down and ultimately cause Spain problems. However, the youthfulness of the Spanish squad could prove to be an advantage and I think they could win the game late on.

Italy 1-0 Albania There is a clear difference in quality between these two squads, but with Sylvinho’s defensive tactics and the likes of Europa League winning captain Berat Djimsiti, I don’t think Italy will find it very easy to break down the Albanian backline. I do however think that the Albanian defense will tire and in the end a spark of quality late in the game will collect all three points for the Azzurri.

Croatia 2-0 Albania Whilst I still think that the Albanian defense will put up a good fight in this game, the experience in the Croatian side, and the vast range of passing from Modric in the middle should prove to find it easier to break them down.

Spain 3-2 Italy This game is definitely the standout fixture of the group and it’s very difficult to predict what will happen, but with a lot on the line and masses of quality on the pitch, it should be an exciting match. I think that youth will take it in this one, and Spain will have the legs to push on and take the three points.

Albania 1-1 Spain With nothing to lose on the final day I think Albania will push forward more and get a goal, still performing well in defence, but with Spain still needing a point to guarantee qualification, they’ll be able to come away with at least a point.

Croatia 2-2 Italy I think both of these teams will really go for it on the final group match day, meaning that they will both be left open at the back leading to a bit of a goal show, but ultimately ending in a stalemate, leaving it open for three teams in the group to potentially qualify for the round of 16.

How will Group B finish?

This outcome would mean that Spain and Croatia would automatically qualify for the round of 16, with Italy having the chance to qualify as one of the four ‘best third-placed teams’, unfortunately leaving Albania crashing out of the competition at the first hurdle.

Who will be the standout player?

Luka Modric is playing his last international tournament for Croatia, and as in line with my predictions I think his quality will shine one last time on the big stage. Linking up with all of his teammates and conducting the games. However, I don’t think Croatia will get much further into the tournament than the round of 16.

🇭🇷 Rewind to Luka Modrić's stunner 🤩

🗓️ #OTD at EURO 2016 #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/cY0XgVWqdf

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 12, 2024

Who will be the Top Goalscorer?

With Spain coming out on top of my predictions, it’s only right that a Spanish player will get top goalscorer. Of course, Alvaro Morata always manages to grab a goal or two for his country in major tournaments, so I think he will be top goalscorer of group B.

🇪🇸🆚🇭🇷

Álvaro Morata at EURO 2020 💥#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/V75ueQWgYO

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) December 3, 2023