Euro 2024 is about to be drawn in groups, and there are still more than half a year before the official competition. However, for many fans, the tension and excitement of the draw seemed to be no less than the game itself. Everyone is eager for their team to draw an ideal group, but there is also a fear that there may be a "group of death". When Italy was placed in Pot 4 and the Netherlands was placed in Pot 3, everyone realized that the group of death was almost inevitable. While the Netherlands and Italy will not necessarily be in the same group, being in the same group as either team in Pot 1 will essentially constitute the Group of Death. However, there are not a few strong teams in Pot 3 and Pot 4, but the Holland and Italy have dwarfed the others. Serbia, as a team in Pot 4, despite being playing in the European Championship for the first time, is not to be underestimated.
They carry on the tradition of Yugoslav football and were once the main force in Yugoslav football. Although it may not be as good as Yugoslavia back then, their heritage is still there. Austria, for example, has made a name for itself with its compact defense and has reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, which can be called a top team. Although they have since been reduced to a second- or third-rate team, they have been active in recent years at the European Championships, and even came close to eliminating Italy in the last European Championship. Among the teams in Pot 2, the most retro charm is not Austria, but Hungary. Needless to say, Hungary's achievements in the Black and White Age are endless. For example, the Brnić miracle, although it is not the story of the Hungarian team, is a reverse confirmation of the strength of Hungary. Since there are so many retro teams, will this European Cup draw a group with the most retro charm?
First and foremost, Hungary will certainly take their place, while Serbia, with its Yugoslav football heritage, will also be one of the focal points. The six teams in Group A include Belgium, Portugal and Spain, all of which were relatively weak in the early stages, while Germany, France and England have been in the spotlight and have been and are strong teams. In the early stages, England stood out for themselves, not because of how good their results were, but because as the founders of modern football, England's unique momentum could not be imitated. At one point, England didn't even bother to play in the World Cup. If it weren't for Hungary beating them at Wembley, perhaps they would have been even more arrogant. Therefore, England also occupies a place. So, what about the third level?At this level, the Netherlands only began to emerge in the 70s, and Scotland, although they started early, were not a strong team.
Both Croatia and Slovenia have a background in Yugoslav football, but neither seems to be as good as the authentic Serbia. The Czech Republic and Slovakia became the focus. Czechoslovakia have won the European Championship and beaten Germany on penalties. In addition, they have reached the World Cup final twice. Obviously, in the early days, Czechoslovakia was definitely the top team in European football. After the dissolution, the Czech Republic inherited more of the football tradition of Czechoslovakia. Therefore, the Czech Republic also occupies a place. As a result, the most retro-inspired groups are England, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Serbia. At first glance, the group may seem uncompetitive, but in fact it is very balanced. Let's not forget that Hungary beat England twice in the Nations League last season, winning 4-0 away.
Moreover, the most prominent label of this group is retro, and if it is realized, it will surely evoke many classic stories in the history of football. Let's wait and see if such a group can be born.