EURO 2024 Matchday 1 preview, predictions & free betting picks

EURO 2024 kicks off this weekend, with 24 teams battling it out in Germany for the top prize in European football. Here are our free soccer betting tips and predictions for Matchday 1 of the 2024 European Championship.

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Germany vs Scotland

Friday, June 14 – 9pm CEST – Allianz Arena

Out to secure their fourth European Championship, Germany are expected to exhibit a fine performance on the opening day of the month-long competition. Among the tournament favourites with the top soccer betting sites, expect the host nation to win convincingly against a Scotland side that hasn’t beaten them in six previous meetings.

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Hungary vs Switzerland

Saturday, June 15 – 3pm CEST – RheinEnergieStadion

Tipped as one of the dark horses of the tournament, Hungary will be confident having qualified unbeaten. Although Switzerland endured a tumultuous qualification journey, they are vastly experienced in European Championships. As such, expect a marginal win by the Swiss, who have won their last three meetings with Hungary.

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Spain vs Croatia

Saturday, June 15 – 6pm CEST – Olympiastadion

Croatia made the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup but have struggled since then. Meanwhile, Spain have been on a steady rebuild following the appointment of Luis de la Fuente as coach. Nevertheless, expect fireworks whenever these European heavyweights collide.

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Italy vs Albania

Saturday, June 15 – 9pm CEST – Signal Iduna Park

Italy begin their title defence against Albania, who are playing in the EURO finals for only the second time. With experience on their side, the Azzurri should make it four wins out of four against Albania.

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Poland vs Netherlands

Sunday, June 16 – 3pm CEST – Imtech Arena

Grouped with World Cup finalists France and a rejuvenated Austrian side, both of these teams know they can’t afford a poor display in their opener. Nonetheless, expect the Dutch — who have won five of the last six meetings between these sides — to grind out a win in the absence of Poland’s star striker, Robert Lewandowski.

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Slovenia vs Denmark

Sunday, June 16 – 6pm CEST – MHP Arena

Slovenia are hoping to qualify for the knockout stages in a major tournament for the first time in their history, while Denmark are looking to claim their second EURO title. This matchup favours the Danes, who made the semis last time and are yet to lose to Slovenia in a major tournament.

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Serbia vs England

Sunday, June 16 – 9pm CEST – Veltins Arena

The is plenty of pressure on England, who haven’t won a major tournament in nearly six decades and lost a warmup game against Iceland. Without a trophy in his first year with Bayern Munich, despite scoring 36 Bundesliga goals, expect a fiery Harry Kane to find the back of the net against Serbia.

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Romania vs Ukraine

Monday, June 17 – 3pm CEST – Allianz Arena

Romania are back in a major tournament after an eight-year hiatus, while Ukraine reached the last eight of EURO 2020. Although the Romanians are not to be undermined, having qualified top of their group, Ukraine are more experienced on the international stage and should do enough secure three vital points.

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Belgium vs Slovakia

Monday, June 17 – 6pm CEST – Commerzbank-Arena

Unbeaten in over a year under head coach Domenico Tedesco, Belgium continue their quest for a first major trophy. Online bookmakers are offering great value for Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku in the anytime goalscorer market, as he was the top scorer in the EURO qualifiers with 14 goals.

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Austria vs France

Monday, June 17 – 9pm CEST – ESPRIT arena

A massively improved side under Ralf Rangnick, Austria may have a lot to contend with when they face France in their opener. Les Bleus are among the tournament favourites with the top betting sites and should dominate this encounter, with star striker Kylian Mbappe — who scored nine goals during the EURO qualifiers — tipped to get on the scoresheet.

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Turkey vs Georgia

Tuesday, June 18 – 6pm CEST – Signal Iduna Park

Not much is expected from Georgia, who make their tournament debut after winning a qualification playoff. Meanwhile, Turkey have a lot to prove after their disappointing display at EURO 2020, where they exited at the group stage without a win. Only a win would suffice for the Turks against the newcomers.

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Portugal vs Czech Republic

Tuesday, June 18 – 9pm CEST – Red Bull Arena

One of the strongest teams during the qualifiers, Portugal will be looking to put the disappointment of the 2022 World Cup behind them by contending for a third European trophy in eight years. They have four wins from their last five meetings with the Czech Republic, and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will be eager to extend his impressing goalscoring run from the qualifiers.

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Sports betting picks

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