Scott Thornton's EURO 2024 Matchday 3
8/1 Goals Acca

Croatia struggled defensively in their opening two matches of the tournament. They dominated the ball but still conceded 15 shots against Albania. The Croatians managed to overturn the deficit, only to concede a goal in the 95th which leaves them on one point ahead of this clash with Italy. Zlatko Dalic’s side need to throw caution to the wind as they hunt for a crucial three points. There has been an average of 3.8 goals in Croatia’s last five matches.

Italy are yet to play Spain at the time of writing but there were three goals in their opening match against Albania. This final group game will be key regardless of how they get on in their second match. Italy games under Luciano Spalletti have seen an average of 2.64 goals per game.

The Netherlands’ matches ahead of their Friday night clash with France had seen plenty of goals. Their six matches before their second group game had seen an average of four goals. Ronald Koeman’s side had to come from a goal behind to beat Poland and their final group game against Austria also looks set to be a stern test. Regardless of how results go in the second round of fixtures, the Dutch will need to be at their best.

Austria showed plenty of fight in their opening game against Les Bleus, but the defeat means they will likely need a result in the final group game. The team have shown no fear under Ralf Rangnick, scoring an average of 1.74 goals per game in his tenure ahead of their game against Poland.

Denmark’s game against Serbia could prove to be the key match in deciding who makes it to the knockout stages. There is a chance that both could make it with finishing as one of the best 3rd place teams, but they will leave nothing to chance. The Danes failed to score in just one of their 10 games prior to the group game against England. They managed to beat Serbia 3-0 the last time they went head-to-head.

Serbia’s strength is undoubtedly their strike force. Aleksandar Mitrovic partners Dusan Vlahovic in attack and both are capable of imposing themselves on the opposition defence. The Serbs’ 10 matches heading into this tournament had seen an average of three goals per game.

Georgia earned plenty of plaudits for the way they attacked in their first game against Turkey. They may have succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, but they showed they can be a threat for any defence. Willy Sagnol has Khvich Kvaratskhelia, the man dubbed ‘Kvaradona’, and a rampant Georges Mikautadze at his disposal. The Georgians scored an average of 2.3 goals per game in their 10 matches prior to the clash with the Czech Republic. They will look to leave a mark on Portugal here.

Portugal scored more goals than any other side in qualifying and averaged 3.6 per game. Roberto Martinez has a deep squad at his disposal and therefore, the ability to alter the game with options from the bench. That intervention proved decisive in their first game as Francisco Conceicao grabbed the winning goal. Portugal are yet to play their second match of the group but their 10 matches prior to that have seen an average of 3.8 goals.