by It may surprise you to learn that Croatia has a chance to win Euro 2024 even though they have only managed two draws and one loss from their three Group B games.
The tournament’s knockout stage format, involving 24 teams being ranked 16th, presents an insane number of possibilities and permutations, as demonstrated by our statistical crew.
The most peculiar aspect of the upcoming days for Croatia could not be determining whether to pack, as common sense suggests they should, or whether to carry an extra pair of socks in case.
Luka Modrić, Zlatko Dalic, the head coach, and the rest of the team may find it strange that they must support a team that they vehemently and inherently detest.
England and Croatia have a strong soccer relationship, having met in the 2018 World Cup semifinal in Russia, where England led 1-0 but lost to Croatia in extra-time.
Dalic criticized England’s arrogance and questioned why it’s considered one of the top teams despite not matching Croatia’s recent success, motivating his players to question the country’s recent record.
Dalic compared England’s three medal wins to their one over 50 years ago, stating that England is a “great” team, while Dalic argues they are always the dark horse.
The speaker believes England will show their true class on Tuesday to give Croatia hope of remaining in the tournament after conceding in injury time against Italy.
Croatia faces a challenge as it is guaranteed to finish behind the third-place team from groups A, D, and E and must be ahead of the third team from both groups C and F, as it cannot add to its tally.
Croatia needs England to defeat Slovenia 3-0 or by four or more goals, and Denmark needs to beat Serbia 3-0 or by four or more goals. A 4-1 scoreline in either game could potentially lead to a disciplinary point tiebreaker involving which team received more yellow and red cards.
Croatia’s stay in Group F may be extended by a day if certain combinations happen. To maintain its chances, Portugal must beat Georgia, and Turkey must beat Czechia; otherwise, the game is over.
The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the process of separating group winners, second-place teams, and fortunate qualifiers in the remaining matches for a team that is often assumed to be eliminated. It also encourages readers to be grateful for not being a head coach at the Euros.
Group A
- Germany has emerged victorious in the group.
- Switzerland comes in second place.
Group B
- The group has been won by Spain.
- If Italy loses to Croatia, they will not be able to place second.
- Albania must draw or lose against Spain; if Croatia defeats Italy, they advance as the runner-up.
Group C
- In the event that England wins or draws with Slovenia, they will advance and take first place in the group.
- Denmark would need to defeat England on goal differential or tiebreakers in order to win the group if they were to defeat Serbia and draw with Slovenia.
- Should Slovenia defeat England and Denmark either tie or lose against Serbia, they would top the group.
Group D
- With a victory over Poland and a defeat or draw against Austria in the Netherlands, France can lead the group.
- If the Netherlands defeats Austria and France loses or draws with Poland, they can top the group.
- Should Austria defeat the Netherlands and France triumph against Poland, they would move up to the runner-up spot.
Group E
- Should Romania and Slovakia draw and Belgium defeat Ukraine, Romania would advance as the runner-up.
- If Slovakia and Romania win their matches and Belgium draws with Ukraine, they can advance as runners-up.
Group F
- Portugal is the group winner.
- Turkey can advance as a third-place team with a loss and a draw or defeat from Georgia against Portugal, but they cannot finish in the top two with a loss.
- Georgia needs to defeat Portugal; if they win and Czechia wins, they can advance as runners-up, but they would need to be ahead on goal differential; if they win third-place tiebreakers, they can still proceed as a third-place team.
