UEFA Euro 2024: Top 5 key matches to watch out for

The UEFA Euro 2024 is set to begin in less than ten days and the fans are excited as the prestigious European competition starts soon. The last tournament saw a lot of hype as the best nations from all across the continent competed for the coveted prize. The top twenty four nations from all across Europe have been divided into six groups and some of these groups have given the fans some fixtures to keep an eye on. 

Here are the Top 5 key matches to watch out for

5. England vs Denmark

Denmark will be aiming for a different result versus the Three Lions than their 2-1 extra-time loss in the EURO 2020 semi-finals at Wembley Stadium. Both teams won their qualifying stages, with England unbeaten in Group C. Both teams should come to Germany with great optimism, hoping to advance deep into the next phase.  

England are one of the strong favourites to win the title in Germany and boast a great squad brimming with both youth and experience. Denmark have some great veterans with experience and some youngsters like Rasmus Hojlund to depend upon, therefore it would be a great encounter to look forward to.

4. Spain vs Croatia

The two sides faced off at Euro 2020, and it was possibly one of the best matches of the competition. La Roja won 5-3 in extra time to go to the competition's quarterfinals, so neutrals are going to be praying for another instance of the eight-goal drama. 

The previously mentioned Morata, who scored in the 5-3 victory, as well as the fleet-footed and crafty winger Nico Williams, are both worth watching. Croatia's talisman, Luka Modric, might make the difference for his squad. The 38-year-old might be competing in his last major competition for his country, and if that's the case, he'll want to go out on top. Modric led his nation to second place in qualification.

3. Portugal vs Turkey

Portugal swept all ten of their Group J games in a perfect qualification campaign, with veteran Cristiano Ronaldo scoring ten goals which placed him second after Lukaku in the league's top scorer standings.

Portugal may face a more harder challenge versus Group D opponents Türkiye, with many expecting Vincenzo Montella's vibrant young team to advance deep into the knockout phase. This Matchday 2 encounter will provide a clear sense of what to anticipate from both sides.

2. Netherlands vs France 

Netherlands face France in another intriguing matchup involving two recent EURO winners. The Netherlands have not advanced beyond the EURO quarter finals since 2004, but they have the talent to do so this time.

France were knocked out against Switzerland on penalties during the round of 16 of EURO 2020, but they were runners-up in 2016 and should be hopeful that star player Kylian Mbappé will assist them reach the final this time around. Les Bleus defeated the Netherlands twice during qualifying, and it should be intriguing to see if it gives Didier Deschamps' side a mental edge heading into this Matchday 2 clash.

1. Spain vs Italy

On Matchday 2, these heavyweights will face off for the fifth time in a row, in a game with all the makings of a classic. Spain last won the event in 2012, defeating Italy 4-0 during the final, and they are among the favourite nations to make it all the way again for the second consecutive year. They have a very skilled roster that includes Rodri, Pedri, and talented young attacker Lamine Yamal.

Holders Italy, in the meantime, narrowly missed the qualifying play-offs after a hard-fought last-day stalemate with Ukraine, and the Azzurri are certainly one to watch under new manager Luciano Spalletti. They might not be favourites to retain their crown but will surely give a tough fight for it.