Euro 2024 Group D
GROUP D
Group D venues are Berlin, Dortmund, Hamburg, Leipzig and Düsseldorf.
France are heavily backed by many pundits to win Euro 2024, with Poland, Austria and The Netherlands rounding out a very competitive group indeed.
Poland Netherlands Austria France
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[Team Jersey Images © Soccerphile]
Poland
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Poland Kit 1 |
Poland Kit 2 |
Poland Kit 3 |
Poland v Netherlands, 16th June, Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
Poland v Austria, 21st June, Olympiastadion, Berlin
Poland v France, 25th June, BVB Stadion Dortmund, Dortmund
Coach
Michal Probierz
Record
2008, 2012, 2020 First Round, 2016 Quarter-Final
FIFA Ranking (28th) in the world
Men to watch
Robert Lewandowski - now at Barcelona, Lewandowski may not be as sharp as he was in his Bayern glory days but is the man the team will be looking to for the goals necessary to get The Eagles flying out of the group.
Wojciech Szczesny - the 34-year-old goalkeeper, currently at Juventus in Serie A, is known for his shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the penalty area.
Piotr Zielenski - elegant on the ball, the Napoli midfielder makes things tick in the center of the park.
Poland may be third or even fourth favorities in the group behind France and The Netherlands but are capable of upsetting both teams. Taking three points from their game against Austria is key to their chances of further progression.
How they qualified
Poland defeated Wales on penalties in the play-offs after finishing third in a disappointing Qualifying Group E campaign behind Albania and the Czech Republic.
On the sidelines
Poland along with the Ukraine co-hosted the 2012 Euros.
Formation
3-5-2
Analysis - Poland will not win Euro 2024 but may sneak into the Round of 16 as a third-placed team. They will certainly be hoping to improve on their dismal performance at Euro 2020 when the Biało-czerwoni (The White and Reds) lost two of their three games to Slovakia and Sweden both in St Petersburg, managing only a draw with Spain at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus), Lukasz Skorupski (Bologna), Marcin Bulka (Nice).
Defenders: Jan Bednarek (Southampton), Bartosz Bereszynski (Empoli), Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal), Tymoteusz Puchacz (Kaiserlsuatern), Bartosz Salamon (Lech Poznan), Pawel Dawidowicz (Verona), Sebastian Walukiewicz (Empoli).
Midfielders: Kamil Grosicki (Pogon Szczecin), Piotr Zielenski (Napoli), Przemyslaw Frankowski (Lens), Sebastian Szymanski (Fenerbahce), Jakub Moder (Brighton), Damian Szymanski (AEK Athens), Nicola Zalewksi (Roma), Bartosz Slisz (Atlanta United), Michal Skoras (Club Brugge), Jakub Piotrowksi (Ludogorets Razgrad), Taras Romanczuk (Jagiellonia Bialystok), Kacper Urbański (Bologna).
Strikers: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona), Karol Swiderksi (Verona), Krzysztof Piatek (Istanbul Basaksehir), Adam Buksa (Antalyaspor).
Netherlands
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Netherlands Kit 1 |
Netherlands Kit 2 |
Netherlands Kit 3 |
Netherlands v Poland, 16th June, Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
Netherlands v France, 21st June, Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig
Netherlands v Austria, 25th June, Olympiastadion, Berlin
Coach
Ronald Koeman - has managed several top clubs including Barcelona, Southampton, and Everton without ever really convincing at any of them. He does, however, bring a wealth of experience and a strong defensive philosophy to the Dutch side.
Record
1980, 2012 First Round, 2020 Round of 16, 1996, 2008 Quarter-final, 1992, 2000, 2004 Semi-final, 1976 3rd Place, 1988 Winners
FIFA Ranking (7th) in the world
Men to watch
Tijjani Reijnders - a mobile central midfielder who has caught the eye since his move to AC Milan.
The Dutch will likely advance beyond the group stage. If the squad remains fit and performs cohesively, the Netherlands could make a deep run in the tournament, potentially reaching the semifinals though challenging for the title seems a long shot.
How they qualified
Netherlands were runners-up to France in Group B losing both home and away to Les Bleus.
On the sidelines
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong misses out with injury.
Formation
3-5-2
Analysis
The Oranje have a very solid defence with players such as Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, Manchester City's Nathan Ake, Bayern's Matthijs De Ligt and Girona's Daley Blind all highly experienced. The problem lies in midfield, with the loss of Frenkie de Jong a major blow to their chances, and up front with a lack of a true goalscorer in the team. Memphis Depay (9 goals in 31 games this season for Atlético Madrid) and Cody Gakpo (14 goals for Liverpool so far in 54 matches) can both be great on their day but lack real consistency.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Brentford), Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord).
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Mickey van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Daley Blind (Girona), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Ian Maatsen (Borussia Dortmund).
Midfielders: - Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), Joey Veerman (PSV), Jerdy Schouten (PSV), Gini Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq).
Strikers: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid), Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Wout Weghorst (Hoffenheim), Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool).
Austria
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Austria Kit 1 |
Austria Kit 2 |
Austria Kit 3 |
Austria v France, 17th June, Düsseldorf Arena, Düsseldorf
Austria v Poland, 21st June, Olympiastadion, Berlin
Austria v Netherlands, 25th June, Olympiastadion, Berlin
Coach
Ralf Rangnick - regarded as a pioneering figure in modern football management, especially known for his development of the high-pressing style of play. Rangnick's extensive experience includes successful stints at clubs like RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim, where he transformed teams with his innovative tactics and emphasis on youth development.
Often referred to as the "Godfather of Gegenpressing," his approach focuses on rapid transitions and intense pressure, which has influenced many top coaches and teams across Europe. With Austria, Rangnick brings his strategic acumen and commitment to disciplined, energetic football, aiming to elevate the national team's performance on the international stage. His ability to instill a strong tactical framework and foster a winning mentality has made him a respected and influential coach in the footballing world.
Record
2008, 2016 First Round, 2020 Round of 16
FIFA Ranking (25th) in the world
Men to watch
Marcel Sabitzer - like his coach Ralf Rangnick, Sabitzer had a less than happy time with Manchester United, but reached this year's Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund.
Christoph Baumgartner - the 24-year-old attacking midfielder has an impressive 15 goals in 38 matches so far with the national side.
With a balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced players such as Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer plus emerging talents Christoph Baumgartner, Kevin Danso and Nicolas Seiwald, Austria is expected to be a competitive force in the tournament. Rangnick's emphasis on disciplined defense and rapid attacking transitions should enhance Austria's performance against tougher opponents. If key players remain fit, Austria has the potential to advance beyond the group stage and possibly make a surprising run into the knockout rounds. That is a big "if" however with giants France and The Netherlands in the same group.
How they qualified
Austria finished second in Group F behind Belgium with six wins, a draw and a loss to Belgium at home at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, in Vienna.
On the sidelines
Real Madrid defender David Alaba is ruled out with a knee injury. They seem in a better place than 2020 under Rangnick and could be a dark horse in the group. Austria co-hosted the tournament in 2008 along with Switzerland.
Formation
4-3-3
Analysis
Austria made it out of the group stage at Euro 2020 from a group also containing The Netherlands, though they lost 2-0 to the Dutch in Amsterdam.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Patrick Pentz (Brondby), Heinz Lindner (Union Saint-Gilloise), Niklas Hedl (Rapid Wien).
Defenders: Stefan Lainer (Borussia Monchengladbach), Stefan Posch (Bologna), Max Wober (Borussia Monchengladbach), Philipp Lienhart (Freiburg), Kevin Danso (Lens), Phillipp Mwene (Mainz), Flavius Daniliuc (Red Bull Salzburg), Leopold Querfeld (Rapid Wien).
Midfielders: Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund), Florian Grillitsch (Hoffenheim), Christoph Baumgartner (RB Leipzig), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), Florian Kainz (Cologne), Nicolas Seiwald (RB Leipzig), Romano Schmid (Werder Bremen), Alexander Prass (Sturm Graz), Matthias Seidl (Rapid Vienna).
Strikers: - Marko Arnautovic (Inter Milan), Michael Gregoritsch (Freiburg), Andreas Weimann (West Brom), Patrick Wimmer (Wolfsburg), Marco Grull (Rapid Wien), Maximilian Entrup (TSV Hartberg).
France
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France Kit 1 |
France Kit 2 |
France Kit 3 |
France v Austria, 17th June, Düsseldorf Arena, Düsseldorf
France v Netherlands, 21st June, Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig
France v Poland, 25th June, Dortmund
Coach
Didier Deschamps - the head coach of the French national team since 2012, has been instrumental in shaping one of the most successful eras in French soccer history. Known for his pragmatic and adaptable coaching style, Deschamps led France to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a runner-up finish in Euro 2016. His emphasis on team cohesion, tactical discipline, and effective use of the squad's depth has earned him respect and admiration. A former player with a keen understanding of the game, Deschamps has managed to balance nurturing young talent while maintaining a strong core of experienced players. Under his leadership, France has consistently been a formidable force on the international stage, known for their resilience and strategic prowess.
Record
1992, 2008 First Round, 2020 Round of 16, 2004, 2012 Quarter Finals, 1960, 1996 Semi Finals, 2016 Runners Up 1984, 2000 Winners
FIFA Ranking (2nd) in the world, 1st in UEFA
Men to watch
Kylian Mbappé - yet to score at the Euros, Mbappé, fresh from his switch from PSG to Real Madrid in La Liga should put that right in Germany. He's also a contender for the Golden Boot.
Antoine Griezmann - at 33, Griezmann brings a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, tactical intelligence and a creative spark to the game, playing either as an attacking midfielder or forward. Since his move to Atlético Madrid from Barcelona, he has scored 34 goals in 97 matches.
Les Bleus should win their group at a canter and could go all the way and win the Euros for the first time since 2000. They are second favorites to do so behind England with the bookmakers.
How they qualified
France won Group B by four points ahead of The Netherlands beating them 4-0 at home and 1-2 away with Mbappé scoring twice in each match.
On the sidelines
France, like neighbors Belgium, take only a 25-man squad to the finals. They have the second most valuable squad at Euro 2024 after England.
Formation
4-3-3
Analysis
France is a formidable contender, blending experienced veterans with a dynamic younger generation. With key players like Kylian Mbappé (the World Cup 2022 Golden Boot winner with 8 goals) leading the attack and the talents of Griezmann and Tchouameni in midfield, Les Bleus boast both speed and tactical intelligence. Their defense remains resilient and well-organized, providing a robust backbone to the squad. Under the strategic guidance of manager Didier Deschamps, the team exhibits a versatile style of play, capable of quick transitions and maintaining possession. Given their depth and talent across all positions, France is expected to advance deep into the tournament, potentially clinching the title.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Brice Samba (Lens), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Alphonse Areola (West Ham).
Defenders: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid).
Strikers: Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich).
Compiled by Joji Imamiya
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