A Guide to EURO 2024 Group A

Group A is the group that kicks everything off on June 14th. Hosts Germany will get proceedings underway with a game against Scotland, a potential surprise package that won automatic qualification behind Spain and are set to play at their fourth ever European Championships.

Betting on EURO Group Matches: An Intro for Group A

At first glance, Group A doesn’t seem all that remarkable. It’s where you’ll find the hosts, Germany—a team that entered the outright betting market as the third favourites—but beyond that, the group’s second favourites, Switzerland, are 13th overall.

But there is potential for anyone betting on EURO 2024. If you check the group stage odds for this one, you’ll see that the odds difference between the second group favourite and fourth group favourite is the shortest in the entire tournament.

In other words, oddsmakers and punters are having a hard time predicting which team(s) will join Germany in the next round.

The games that will decide those final positions are very close affairs. The pre-tournament match odds for Hungary vs Switzerland is a prime example, as there is very little separating the two (final match odds are subject to change).

If you’re looking at EURO 2024 group stage betting markets, you might have your eye on Group B, the so-called “Group of Death”. Maybe you take the patriotic route when it comes to football tournament betting strategies, in which case it could all be about England and Group C. But there’s potential for drama in every group, and Group A is one of our favourites.

Germany Betting Guide

Germany are definitely one of the big dogs in this tournament, but they’re also one of the hardest to predict. Their results have been inconsistent and their recent tournament performances have been terrible. However, there have been times they played really well, and they also have home advantage.

How They Got Here

As hosts, Germany didn’t need to qualify for EURO 2024, but backers looking for some winning EURO bets courtesy of the hosts will do well to consider their recent competitive record.

Between 2022 and 2023, they played 23 times, and won just 7 of those games, with a total of 8 losses. Notably, one of those losses was a home defeat against Hungary. Those games included their fruitless 2022 World Cup campaign, where they began with a loss to Japan and couldn’t turn things around to make it out of the group.

On the plus side, they recorded a win against France in that time and repeated that feat in March 2024, followed by a win against the Netherlands. It’s that kind of inconsistency that will make betting on EURO knockout rounds a nightmare for some punters, and it could even raise some tricky questions during the group stage.

Players to Watch Out For

German manager Julian Nagelsmann has an enviable selection process when he chooses his EURO 2024 squad, and it begins with his goalkeepers. Despite his recent injury struggles, Manual Neuer should make it on the list and will likely get the number 1 jersey when he does. He is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, so he’s not a bad choice, but Germany also have Barca’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen with Fulham’s Bernd Leno hoping to get involved as well.

Jonathan Tah has been excellent for Leverkusen this season and should feature in defence along with Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger. Kroos came out of retirement and will no doubt earn a role in midfield, but it’s all about Jamal Musiala. The Bayern Munich midfielder is one of the hottest properties in European football right now. He actually began his career in the England youth setup, but he changed his allegiance to Germany, much to the dismay of English fans who would have liked to see him line up alongside Bellingham.

The forward line is where Germany have excelled in the distant past, but they have struggled here lately and don’t have as many options to choose from as they do in other areas.

Havertz is great on his day, but he doesn’t always have that day. Leroy Sane will make it to the final squad, but it will all be about Niclas Fullkrug up front. The big forward has 11 goals in 15 for Germany at the time of writing, and the man they call “Lücke” has also been free scoring for Dortmund.

Germany EURO 2024 Odds

Germany are 16th in the FIFA World Rankings as of April 2024, which is reflective of their recent poor form. However, the quality of their squad and home-field advantage means they enter as the third favourites behind France and England. They are also clear favourites to win the group and their opening game against Scotland.

Betting on Germany in EURO 2024

Home advantage makes a huge difference in football, and that’s especially for international football. National team players might be used to playing in different stadiums and different countries, but they still have the fans behind them as a 12th man.

There have been three previous host winners of the EUROS, which doesn’t sound great, but the host has made it to at least the semi-final on 14 occasions. That means there have only been two tournaments in which the hosts didn’t run deep, but on both occasions the tournament was co-hosted by smaller nations (Austria/Switzerland in 2008 and Poland/Ukraine in 2012).

It bodes well for Germany, and it’s even more promising when you consider the quality that the German team has, as well as the high percentage of their squad that actually plays top-level football in Germany.

Considering all of this, Germany should be a good shout to get out of the group and make a shot at the final, especially when you consider the last time they hosted a major football tournament was when they won the World Cup.

But if you’re thinking about backing Germany in some EURO 2024 final betting markets, don’t forget all of the times that host nations have fallen apart in major tournaments, including the famous German thrashing of hosts Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.

Scotland Betting Guide

Scotland worked incredibly hard to get this far and will have a lot of support in Germany. Despite being the group outsiders, there will be high expectations back home, with many believing they can at least make the Round of 16.

How They Got Here

Scotland had a tough time of it during qualifying, but they fought hard and finished second. They were drawn in the same group as Spain and Norway, as well as Georgia, who finished behind Norway but qualified via the Nations League. Scotland recorded a win against Spain during their campaign—one of the biggest and most important in their recent history.

Players to Watch Out For

Aaron Hickey will miss the tournament through injury and that creates a gap at right-back, one that could be filled by Everton’s Nathan Patterson. Most of the focus will be on the other flank, though, as that’s where you’ll find Andy Robertson. The experienced Liverpool full back is key for both his club and country and will captain Scotland in Germany.

If there’s any area where Scotland are spoilt for choice, it’s in midfield. Scott McTominay made a lot of headlines during the qualification, scoring more goals than Haaland. He has also popped up in key moments for Manchester United this season. He is more of a divisive figure for club than he is for country, and he could be the hero that Scotland need.

John McGinn will arguably play an even bigger role. He has been excellent for Aston Villa over the past couple of years. He provides stability and poses an attacking threat. He’s a difference maker, and we expect his name to be one of the first on the team sheet.

Other considerations include Brighton’s Billy Gilmour and Celtic’s Callum McGregor. These are excellent, skilful, versatile players. Scotland’s tournament hopes could live and die on their form.

Options are fewer in attack, but they do have Lawrence Shankland, who has been banging them in for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. They can also look to Che Adams. His domestic goal-scoring tally has been dwarfed by his teammate, Adam Armstrong, but he still has a good number, with a ratio of around 0.4 goals per game.

Scotland EURO 2024 Odds

You can get very good group stage odds for Scotland to top the group, something which becomes a distinct possibility if they can shock the hosts on the opening day. Those odds get even bigger if you back them in EURO 2024 final betting markets, but even the most optimistic of fans won’t think that they have enough to go all of the way.

Instead, you may want to check out some other outright betting markets, such as “Top 8” or “Top 4”, which pay if your choice makes it to the semi-finals and quarter finals respectively.

Betting on Scotland in EURO 2024

Betting on EURO 2024 isn’t all about form, big names, and home support. Anything can happen in 90 minutes of football, and with only 3 games to play at this stage, those 90 minutes could define the rest of the group.

In other words, while they will be up against it, you shouldn’t write Scotland off.

Hungary Betting Guide

Hungary are one of the most successful international football teams in the world. They have appeared in the final four of two European Championships, reached the final in two World Cups, and won a total of 5 Olympic medals, 3 of them gold. Those glory days were during the ‘50s and ‘60s, of course, but recent results have sparked hopes of a revival.

How They Got Here

Hungary were drawn into a relatively difficult qualifying group, going up against Serbia, Montenegro, Lithuania, and Bulgaria. But they were undefeated in their 8 games and beat second-place Serbia both home and away.

What’s more, there have been some impressive Hungary performances against top FIFA ranked teams over the last few years. They beat England twice in 2022, including a 4-0 drumming in Hungary. They also beat Germany, and in a March 2024 friendly, they recorded a 1-0 win over fellow EURO finalists Tükiye.

Players to Watch Out For

Dominik Szoboszlai will be one of Hungary’s key men, and one that followers of the Premier League will recognise. The midfielder has scored 12 times for the national team and could provide Hungary with the cutting edge they need to break down the tough defences in Group A. If you’re building some EURO betting strategies around top players, he could be a good outside bet. He is unstoppable on his day, and as there aren’t too many big scorers in the Hungary squad, he will likely begin the tournament with the joint-most national goals to his name.

Roland Sallai is the only one who can compete with Szoboszlai in the goal-scoring stakes. The winger also has a dozen goals for his country and is an incredibly creative player who can make a difference.

Varga is more of an out and out goal scorer and will likely lead the line. The 29-year-old only has 4 goals for his country, but he has been capped fewer than 10 times. He has been prolific in domestic competitions over the last few years, and since 2022, he has netted a ratio of nearly one goal per game for both Paks and Ferencvaros, both of whom play in the Hungarian league.

Hungary EURO 2024 Odds

Although they are a long shot on the outright markets, Hungary are the third favourites in the group stage betting and have a decent chance of finishing second or even winning the group. Switzerland are ahead of them in the odds market for the group and their opening game (final match odds are subject to change), and this game will be essential for both of them. If Hungary lose, they’ll have to get something against Germany to finish first or second. If they win, they will be in prime position.

Betting on Hungary in EURO 2024

It’s hard to know how this one will go for Hungary. On paper, they don’t have as many recognisable stats as Germany or Switzerland. But they still have some excellent players in their midst and they also seem to work well together as a team, as England found out when they fell to the aforementioned 4-0 defeat.

Even Germany will be wary, as they have struggled to better Hungary a couple of times in recent years. We’re not sure how this one will go, but if you’re betting on EURO 2024 and looking for a potential dark horse, they are worth considering. They don’t fear the big teams, and that fearless attitude will come in handy when they go up against an experienced Switzerland, an ambitious Scotland, and a German team backed by tens of thousands of roaring Germans.

Switzerland Betting Guide

Switzerland are classic dark horses, as noted in our main EURO 2024 betting guide. They made it into the knockout stages of the last two European Championships and the last three World Cups. However, the last time they made it further than that was when they reached the quarter-final back in 1954. An achievement, sure, but there were fewer teams back then, and the quarterfinals were the first knockout round.

How They Got Here

Switzerland finished behind Romania and ahead of Israel during qualification. They scored and conceded more than Romania, but also picked up only one point against them, and it was this match-up that ultimately resigned them to second place.

Players to Watch Out For

We should see a few Premier League stars lining up for Switzerland at EURO 2024. In defence, and assuming they stay fit, they could turn to the experience of Newcastle’s Schär, an imposing and consistent defender with a few fantastic long-range goals on his highlight reel, and Man City’s Akanji, who will play a massive role.

Xhaka and Shaqiri will probably feature in midfield, as they always do, and we may get to see what Zeki Amdouni can do for his country. He has made a number of appearances for Burnley this season. He may be given more opportunities and a more attacking role for Switzerland.

Switzerland EURO 2024 Odds

You can get the same price for Switzerland reaching the final four as you can for Portugal and Spain winning the whole thing. The odds for Switzerland making it to the final are similar to the odds you’ll get for Albania winning the Group of Death against Italy, Spain, and Croatia.

Anything can happen, and the EUROs have had their fair share of shocks in the past, though, including wins from Denmark and Greece that no one saw coming.

Betting on Switzerland in EURO 2024

Switzerland have a strong defence and an experienced midfield. They are a well-drilled machine consisting of top talents that have earned their spurs playing in Europe’s biggest leagues. They are always an unknown entity, the stereotypical dark horse, but on paper, the Swiss team just doesn’t get close to the German one, let alone the French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish squads they could face if they make it through the group.

Group A Group Stage Odds

Group A is a very balanced group and it’s hard to know where this one will swing. Sure, the Germans are the clear favourites but everything beyond that is anyone’s guess. Furthermore, while DFB-Team have home-field advantage and an excellent squad, it would take a brave bettor to lay money down on them considering their short odds and poor showings in recent tournaments. 

The current odds would suggest a group win for Germany, a runner-up spot for Switzerland, and third place for Hungary, with Scotland left to collect the wooden spoon. But anything can happen over the course of 90 minutes, and with three-game groups like this, a single game is all it takes to change the fates of all teams involved.

The third place-finishers rule (four of the highest third-placed-finishers will progress) usually sets the tone in balanced groups like this. But the runners-up will find themselves up against the runners-up of Group B (Spain, Italy, Croatia, Albania) while the third-placed team could face the winner of that group, the winner of Group E (Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine), or the winner of Group F (Portugal, Tükiye, Georgia, Czechia).

So, the Round of 16 could look something like this for Group A’s top three teams:*

• Group Winner plays Denmark
• Runner-up plays Italy
• One of the third-place finishers play Belgium, Spain, or Portugal

*These are not our knockout betting tips or predictions. Opponents were pulled based purely on their respective group stage odds.

They are all tough games. You don’t get easy games at the EUROs. But all teams in this group will think they have a shot against Denmark whilst everyone but the hosts will struggle against the others.

The pressure is on not just to qualify, but to take every opportunity and steal that top spot.

Summary: The Best Odds When Betting on EURO Group Matches

The opening game of EURO 2024 could be a chance for the Germans to impress the home support and get the public/press behind them, helping to quash memories of EURO 2020 when they didn’t make it past the Round of 16, as well as the last two World Cups, where they didn’t reach the knockout stages.

It could also swing the other ways, giving the Scots a crucial result, and giving us the tournament’s first shock. Whatever happens, it could set the tone for everything that follows in Group A. It’s going to be a good one!

So, keep your eyes peeled for more EURO football betting tips from Casumo (as part of our dedicated EURO 2024 betting guide), as well as promotions that will run throughout the tournament. In addition to competitive group stage odds, we’ll also have the best EURO knockout stage odds when the Round of 16 rolls around, as well tips and offers to help you when betting on the EURO final on July 14th. 

Remember to always stick within your budget, gamble responsibly, and seek help if you need it.

Index: The Euro 2024 Betting Guide

1. EURO 2024 Betting Guide
2. The Stages of EURO 2024 Explained
3. EURO 2024: Strategies and Tips
4. The Groups: Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E and Group F
5. EURO 2024 Betting Guide: Round of 16
6. EURO 2024 Betting Guide: Quarter-Finals
7. EURO 2024 Betting Guide: Semi-Finals