With the opening five days of EURO 2024 seeing every team play their first match of the competition, June 19 begins the second pass through the groups beginning with both matches from Group A and one from Group B.
In the framework of a tournament, every match is important, but there are subtle differences. The first game is about setting the tone, putting a strong foot forward, and establishing a narrative. The third match is about closing out the group, stepping into the knockout rounds with some momentum, and perhaps rotating the squad should that luxury be allowed. The second game is pivotal, regardless of how that first one went.
For some teams it will ensure they move on – six points should be enough. For others, it will determine whether that is even possible – a second defeat will most likely lead to an early return from Germany.
12:00 p.m. ET Headliner: Germany vs. Hungary
| Germany Win | -345 | Hungary Win | +1100 | Draw | +500 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | -175 | Under 2.5 Goals | +140 | Broadcast | TSN |
Before seeing the results from Group F’s openers, Germany’s 5-1 win in Munich over Scotland on the opening day of EURO 2024 was the most impressive takeaway from the first round of group stage play. There were questions about what version of Der Nationalmannschaft would take the field. Those were answered pretty quickly with a pair of goals inside of 20 minutes and Germany would not relent, welcoming Scotland with a reminder of what the European giants are capable of when at their best.
It wasn’t just the score that caught the eye. It was the spirit, the intensity, dare it be said, even the joy with which they went about their business. Germany is not known for displaying that playful emotion, but that approach can go a long way in the pressure cooker of a short tournament.
The question now is, was that a one-off, the excitement at kicking off at home? Or is Germany for real? Standing opposite them on June 19 in Stuttgart will be Hungary.
The Magyars lost 3-1 in their opener against Switzerland. Stung by an early goal Hungary struggled to impose themselves against the Swiss and were down by two before half-time. As the second half played on, however, they began to show what they were capable of, pulling one back and making a game of it before Switzerland added a third in stoppage-time.
Having just one previous major tournament since the 1980s under their belt, that first 90 minutes will have been an important experience for the Hungarians and with their fate on the line one can expect they will start better in the second outing.
A good number of the squad ply their trade in Germany, so there will be familiarity with the opponent on the day, but they will be hard pressed to put advancement back on track before closing the group against Scotland.
Game Bets To Consider
- With Germany rightly heavy favourites, one has to search a little bit to find some value in the expected results. One option that looks promising is Over/Under 1st Half Goals. The Over 2.5 is set at +420. The opening matches featuring the two sides combined for six goals in the first half, three goals in each.
- Similarly, a same game parlay of Germany Over/Under Total Goals – Over 2.5, Hungary Total Cards Over/Under – Over 1.5, and Score Anytime – Florian Wirtz (Germany) at +440 could be worth some attention. Germany scored five in the first match, Hungary picked up a pair of bookings against Switzerland, and Wirtz, who kicked off Germany’s romp over Scotland, is in good form off a title-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen.
Bet on Germany vs. Hungary
GER -345
HUN +1100
Other EURO 2024 Games On June 19
Croatia vs. Albania, 9:00 a.m. ET
This second go-around takes on added importance for teams that lost their opening matches in Germany. It demands a response. Croatia and Albania arrived with very different expectations, but both now find themselves in the same boat heading into their clash in Hamburg.
The Croatians were undone by a flurry of goals in the final third of the opening 45 minutes, conceding twice in quick order before Spain added the third in stoppage time, securing a 3-0 result. Albania shocked Italy to take a lead in the first minute of play when Nedim Bajrami pounced on a loose throw-in to rocket in the opener. Italy responded and proved too much for Albania, winning 2-1, but were made to sweat.
Croatia and Albania, both on zero points, meet in Hamburg facing the same fate: an exit from EURO 2024. Such was expected for the Red and Blacks of Albania, but it would be a disaster for the Checkered Ones. That imbalance could well be a factor in how this one plays out.
Game Bet To Consider: The bookmakers sensibly have Croatia favoured in this one. A same-game parlay of Croatia Over/Under Corners – Over 5.5, Score Anytime – Ivan Perisic (Croatia), and Croatia Shots on target – Over 5.5 at +725 catches the eye. Croatia did not record a single corner kick against Spain but can be expected to produce more attacking dominance in this one – Italy had five corners against Albania. Perisic brought an attacking spark off the bench, nearly helping to craft a breakthrough in the second half. Croatia managed four shots on target against Spain, and while Albania was comfortable without the ball against Italy, allowing just five shots on target despite having just 32% of the possession, with Croatia desperate to pick up all three points, it is not a far task to get another two against Albania.
Scotland vs. Switzerland, 3:00 p.m. ET
The final match of June 19 pits two teams feeling very different about themselves following the opening round. Scotland will be stinging from the humbling defeat against Germany, while Switzerland will be somewhat pleased with their win over Hungary.
The Tartan Army, vociferous fans in tow, will be fighting for their lives but must be cautious not to overextend themselves. The Nati are at their most dangerous when the opponent leaves gaps for them to exploit.
Scotland faces the disappointment of an early exit. Switzerland can all but assure themselves of a spot in the knockout rounds before having to face Germany in the group closer. It should be a fun one in Cologne.
Game Bet To Consider:
Betano is offering enhanced odds on Timed Goals Over/Under (00:00 – 14:59). With the line set at 0.5, the over comes in at +240. Scotland conceded in the 10th minute against Germany, and Switzerland needed 12 minutes to score first against Hungary.
| Away Team |  | Draw | | Home Team | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | -192 | +330 | +660 | Albania | 9:00 PM |
| Germany | -345 | +500 | +1100 | Hungary | 12:00 PM |
| Scotland | +335 | +260 | -108 | Switzerland | 3:00 PM |
Latest EURO 2024 Futures Odds
Here are the latest EURO 2024 Futures odds, heading into the matches on June 19:
| Team | | Yesterday | Team | | Yesterday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | +400 | +375 | Spain | +650 | +650 |
| England | +400 | +400 | Italy | +1400 | +1400 |
| Germany | +500 | +500 | Netherlands | +1400 | +1400 |
| Portugal | +600 | +600 | Belgium | +2400 | +1700 |
With France needing an own goal to win 1-0 over Austria in their opener and some uncertainty around Kylian Mbappe’s availability after breaking his nose, there has been some movement. The French had briefly moved above England into sole possession of the top spot but have dropped back to equal favourites at +400.
Belgium’s shock defeat to Slovakia, the surprise of the competition so far, has seen their odds to win it all lengthen to +2400.
