Unraveling the European Championship Landscape
The qualifying phase of the European Championship has come to an end, leaving 21 teams, including Germany as the hosts, ready for the summer tournament in 2024 (June 14 to July 14). Let's delve into the following topics:
What could be Germany's potential groups?
Germany might encounter tough groups like those headed by Denmark, the Netherlands, and defending champions Italy. Alternatively, a less formidable group with Albania, Slovenia, and a weaker play-off participant is also plausible. Possible opponents include:
- Pot 2: Hungary, Turkey, Romania, Denmark, Albania, Austria
- Pot 3: Netherlands, Scotland, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic
- Pot 4: Italy, Serbia, Switzerland,
[#footnote1]: The play-off winners have not been determined yet and will only be identified after the draw on December 2 in Hamburg.
Which opponents will Germany hope to avoid initially?
With pot 1 brimming with formidable opponents, including World Cup runners-up France, England, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, it's ideal for Germany to face them if they progress in the tournament. They can only engage with other group leaders in the round of 16 at the earliest.
Who else has a shot at securing a European Championship ticket?
Twelve nations will compete for three remaining spots in the spring of 2024. Poland, boasting Robert Lewandowski, is one of the top contenders. Smaller contenders such as Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, and even Israel and Ukraine make impressive underdog stories as they strive to debut at the European Championship.
How will the play-offs unfold?
Three tournaments, with four teams each, will determine the winners that go on to participate in the European Championship. Poland, Wales, and Estonia are guaranteed participation in Path A. Israel and Bosnia-Herzegovina will join them in Path B. Path C includes Georgia, Greece, Kazakhstan, and Luxembourg.
When will the draw take place, and what will it encompass?
A small draw will take place this Thursday in Nyon, assigning one team from Path B to Path A. The home team for the three finals will also be chosen. The final round draw will be held on December 2 in Hamburg (18:00).
Teams in the draw pots
| Pot 1 | Germany A1 seeded | Portugal | France | Spain | Belgium | England | | ---------- | ---------------- | ------- | ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ | | Pot 2 | Hungary | Turkey | Romania | Denmark | Albania | Austria | | Pot 3 | Netherlands | Scotland | Croatia | Slovenia | Slovakia | Czech Republic | | Pot 4 | Italy | Serbia | Switzerland | Playoff A winners: Poland, Wales, Estonia | Playoff B winners: Israel, Bosnia-Herzegovina | Playoff C winners: Georgia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg |
[#footnote2]: Final draw on December 2 in Hamburg will outline these three play-off winners.
The play-offs in detail
| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Path A | Poland | Wales | | Estonia | | Path B | Israel | Bosnia-Herzegovina | | Ukraine | | Path C | Georgia | Greece [or] | Kazakhstan | Luxembourg |
[#footnote3]: Draw on December 2 in Hamburg determines the final participants for Path A.
Format: Teams 1 - 4 and teams 2 - 3 square off in each path. The semi-final victors decide the three European Championship contenders in their respective paths through the finals.
