Euro 2024 – Group B Preview

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Group B Overview

GROUP B – Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania

Group  B looks hugely interesting with the European Champions of 2008 and 2012, Spain, drawn against Croatia, 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, Euro 2020 winners Italy and Albania.

Favourite: Spain

Spain won Euro 2008 and with a team inspired by the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Alonso went on to sweep all before them, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the Euros again in 2012. This came to an abrupt end at the 2014 World Cup and since then La Roja have struggled to impose themselves on tournaments, their run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 being their best performance. It can be argued that Spain have retained fantastic strength in depth since their golden era, they could often have fielded a C team who could have taken on most international sides. However, a lack of genuine world class game changers in the final third and the lack of a plan B has undermined them. 

Spain have shown recent signs of being more clinical and, other than their deserved defeat to Scotland, looked pretty good in qualifying. They beat Euro 2020 winners and Group B rivals Italy in the final of the Nations League and look serious contenders again. They should have too much for all three opponents in Group B, though a serious knee injury sustained by Barcelona midfielder Gavi will almost certainly see him ruled out of the tournament. This is a huge blow to Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Croatia 

Croatia, finalists and semi-finalist in the last two World Cups exited Euro 2020 in the round of 16 at the hands of Spain. Croatia are still reliant on veteran midfielder Luca Modric, who remains capable of world class performances. They qualified in second place behind Turkey and remain a very good side, who both Spain and Italy would have rather avoided, however, whether they can produce the standard they have reached in recent tournaments is debatable.

Italy

Italy look a shadow of the side who won Euro 2020. They were stuck in pot four for the draw, down to finishing behind England in the group. They are still reeling from a failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and are looking to rebuild. During this process they can take comfort from their win in 2020 and some of their Nations League performances. They will hope to get out of the group, however, their main aim will be to use this competition as they aim to develop into a side who can qualify for and be competitive in tournaments once again over the next few years.

Albania

Albania won their qualifying group, however, find themselves with an incredibly tough task here. Under the stewardship of former Arsenal star Sylvinho, they finished above both the Czech Republic and Poland in qualifying, so the three more fancied teams cannot afford to take them lightly. Realistically though, qualification would be a major surprise in a tough group. 

Group B Standings

Latest standings.

Group B Odds

Latest Group A odds from bet365.

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Schedule and Venue

Group B Summary

Spain are favourites ahead of Italy and Croatia, with Albania classed as outsiders. Spain have the quality to win the group, while Croatia may struggle to finish above Italy, though, depending on how results go, might hope to go through as one of the best third placed teams should they fail to secure second spot. Albania’s record in qualification means that they cannot be dismissed by their three more celebrated opponents in the group.

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