Top 10 UEFA Euro 2020 group stage matches you should not miss

The continental showpiece will see high-octane clashes in the group stages.

UEFA Euro 2020 will soon take center-stage, as the season of club football has come to a close. The tournament, that brings together the best European international teams, will take place in June-July. The prestigious and one of the most-competitive international tournaments was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There are a lot of strong teams with top-class players vying for the title of European champions. Winning the trophy also ensures qualification to the FIFA Confederations Cup. There will be some interesting games right from the start, as the group stages kickoff, leading to the Round of 16 matches.

The three matchdays will see teams fighting for the points, as they look to secure qualification to the knockout rounds. Here are the top-10 group stage matches one should not miss when UEFA Euro 2020 gets underway:

10. Italy Vs Turkey - 12 June 2021

Italy and Turkey will kick-off Euro 2020 when they play the opening fixture on 12 June 2021. Both teams are favourites to qualify from a tightly-contested Group A. The game is important since the victors will be in a strong position to qualify for the knockout rounds. Turkey have three wins in their last four games, while Italy last lost an international game back in September 2018. 

9. Netherlands Vs Austria - 18 June 2021

Netherlands and Austria are the strongest teams and the favourites to qualify from Group C of the competition. Moreover, the Dutch are one of the tournament favourites and will hope to secure three points against a tough Austria side. Whoever wins this game might secure knockouts qualification, as their other games are relatively easier. 

8. Denmark Vs Belgium - 17 June 2021

Denmark and Belgium are favourites to qualify from Group B which also involves Russia and Finland. Belgium are the top-ranked team in the world and will take some beating. However, Denmark boast stars like Christian Eriksen and Kasper Schmeichel, who will challenge the Red Devils for the top spot. 

7. Switzerland Vs Turkey - 20 June 2021

Group A will be closely watched by the neutrals since all the teams in the Euro 2020 group are of equal strength. Switzerland and Turkey will clash against each other in the third round of matches, which is usually the deciding game. The match will ensure the fate of either side, in terms of who qualifies into the knockouts and who bows out. 

6. Italy Vs Wales - 20 June 2021

Italy and Wales will play the other game in Group A at the same time on 20 June 2021. While Italy come into the tournament in the backdrop of a terrifying run of good results, Wales are a strong team in their own respect. They have players like Gareth Bale and Daniel James, who can be unplayable on their day. 

5. England Vs Croatia - 13 June 2021

England and Croatia are favourites for the title. They will clash against each other in their opening match of the tournament. In the likeliest scenario, these two teams will qualify into the knockouts, but the opening game could decide which team finishes in first position. Securing the top spot in the group usually lands an easier opponent in the Round of 16. 

4. Spain Vs Poland - 20 June 2021

Spain and Poland are the strongest contenders to qualify into the knockout rounds from Group E. The other two teams in Slovakia and Sweden will hope the match ends in a draw to help their cause. Regardless, the two outfits will go for three points on the second matchday to ensure qualification. 

3. France Vs Germany - 16 June 2021

Group F is the ‘group of death’ in Euro 2020 that involves France, Germany, Portugal and Hungary. While Hungary are least likely to qualify into the knockout rounds, the other two spots will see breakneck competition. France and Germany will kick-start the first of many absorbing ties on 16 June 2021. 

2. Portugal Vs Germany - 19 June 2021

The next game one cannot miss from Group F will be Portugal Vs Germany. Portugal are the defending champions and would hope to come into this game with a victory over Hungary in their opening fixture. There will be stars from both teams on the field, such as former teammates Cristano Ronaldo and Toni Kroos, which should make for fabulous viewing. 

1. Portugal Vs France - 24 June 2021

Portugal and France were the finalists in the 2016 edition of the tournament. The match was entertaining and yet closely contested. Both the outfits will renew the rivalry and look to secure one of the two qualifying spots by collecting all three points. France are the reigning world champions, while Portugal are the defending European champions. This one will be a mouth-watering clash one cannot miss.

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