Euro 2024 will really kick into action on Saturday with three games, starting with Hungary’s intriguing match-up with Switzerland in Group A (14:00).
That is followed by two clashes in a tough-looking Group B, with fancied Spain taking on World Cup semi-finalists Croatia in Berlin (17:00) and holders Italy’s opener against Albania (20:00).
- HUNGARY TO BEAT SWITZERLAND
- CROATIA OR DRAW DOUBLE CHANCE VS SPAIN
- ALBANIA OR DRAW DOUBLE CHANCE VS ITALY
Magyars May Prove Too Strong
Hungary are outsiders to get the better of Switzerland in their opening game, but the signs are good that the Magyars could be dark horses for this year’s tournament.
They have posted some impressive results lately, beating England home and away in the Nations League and Marco Rossi’s side went through their qualifying campaign unbeaten, scoring 16 goals in their eight group matches.
LIverpool’s Dominik Szboszlai is expected to pull the strings in midfield, while striker Barnabas Varga scored in each of his final four group games and netted a brace in their recent 3-0 friendly win over Israel.
While Switzerland have made the knockout stages at their last five tournaments, they finished their group five points behind Romania and have trouble getting over the line.
They have lost just one of their last 11 games, but won only three of the others, so there is a good chance Hungary could just edge it.
Inconsistent Spain Could Have A Wobble
Spain have won just three of their last nine group matches at major tournaments and it would not be a surprise if they were at least held by Croatia in Berlin.
There are concerns that La Roja do not have a reliable striker as Alvaro Morata tends to need plenty of chances before he finds the net.
They beat Costa Rica 7-0 in their 2022 World Cup opener, but the Croatians, who are still packed with experience, represent a much tougher examination.
The World Cup semi-finalists are unbeaten in their last six matches and received a confidence boost from beating much-fancied Portugal in a friendly last week, so they represent some value in the double-chance market.
CROATIA OR DRAW DOUBLE CHANCE VS SPAIN
Albanians Should Not Be Underestimated
Albania can be backed the same way against Italy, where a win for Sylvinho’s side or a draw at Signal Iduna Park would be a winning bet.
The Azzurri celebrated success in this tournament three years ago by beating England in the Wembley final on penalties, but this is not a golden era for Italian football.
Luciano Spalletti is in charge of a team who failed to reach the last two World Cups and did little to inspire confidence in an average qualifying campaign, which saw them finish a distant second to the Three Lions.
Albania, meanwhile, look to be on the up having won a group that contained the Czech Republic and Poland.
They conceded just four goals in their eight qualification matches and can restrict opportunities for the holders, which could see them gain a positive result in Dortmund.
ALBANIA OR DRAW DOUBLE CHANCE VS ITALY
