Golden Boot for Cristiano Ronaldo, an early boot for Italy – Sportsnet.ca

We’ve already addressed the major storylines, power rankings and young players to watch at Euro 2024. But now, it’s time to get to the nitty gritty — tournament picks and predictions. 

Will reigning champions Italy secure back-to-back trophies, or will World Cup runners-up France finally see gold? Will underdog teams such as the Netherlands, Scotland and Denmark make it farther than anticipated, and will highly-ranked nations like England, Portugal and Spain crumble under the pressure? 

No matter who you support, one thing is clear — we’re about to witness some extraordinary soccer at one of the sport’s most exciting events and there are sure to be a few surprises.

With that in mind ahead of Friday’s kickoff between Scotland and tournament host Germany, here are some can’t-miss matches, bold predictions and more from Sportsnet’s soccer writers.

Devang Desai (Senior Digital Editor + soccer contributor on sportsnet.ca)

Final four: Germany, France, Portugal, Belgium
Winner: Germany beats France in the final

Tournament top scorer: Kai Havertz (Germany)
Breakout star to watch: Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia) | More players to watch
Biggest surprise team: Hungary
Biggest flop team: Netherlands

Can’t-miss group stage match: Germany vs. Hungary on June 19

Bold prediction: So the saying goes: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, and … shame. So much shame. We’ve picked Belgium to impress on the biggest stages only to be disappointed in the outcome. The best before date for their golden generation has passed in the eyes of many, but the third-ranked national team still boasts a dangerous attack led by Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard and a generational talisman in Kevin De Bruyne. Manager Dominico Tedesco’s most contentious decision while in charge has been to drop goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Perhaps it’s this specific break with the past that will help power De Rode Duivels to the semifinals.

John Molinaro (Founder of TFC Republic + contributor on sportsnet.ca)

Final four: Portugal, Germany, England, France
Winner: England beats Germany in the final

Tournament top scorer: Harry Kane (England)
Breakout star to watch: Florian Wirtz (Germany) | More players to watch
Biggest surprise team: Austria
Biggest flop team: Italy

Can’t miss group stage match: Netherlands vs France on June 21

Bold prediction: While England looks to be one of the pre-tournament favourites after losing in the final three years ago, reigning European champions Italy look set to fall flat on their face. Without an established No.9, it’s difficult to envision where the steady stream of goals will come for Gli Azzurri. They won’t get out of a group that features Spain, Croatia and Albania.

Julia Ranney (Soccer contributor on sportsnet.ca)

Final four: France, Germany, England, Portugal
Winner: France beats Germany in the final

Tournament top scorer: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Breakout star to watch: Florian Wirtz (Germany) or Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Biggest surprise team: Netherlands
Biggest flop team: Italy

Can’t-miss group stage match: Netherlands vs. France on June 21

Bold Prediction: You asked for bold? Reigning champions Italy will bow out in the group stage. Listen, pressure is mounting on the Azzurri by nature. Eyes are always on the title holders, but lately this squad has faced a considerable amount of upheaval and disappointment. This will be Italy’s first major tournament with new manager Luciano Spalletti, while key players such as Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are no longer part of the team. Moreover, talented youngster Giorgio Scalvini is out with an ACL tear. Considering such drastic change, combined with mediocre qualifiers and failing to make the 2022 World Cup, it seems Italy is in its rebuilding era. The odds are also against Italy logistically, being drawn to Group B, the “Group of Death.” It’s tough to see Spalletti’s side beating Spain and Croatia, so it could end up third in the group. In this competition, four third-place teams make the last 16, but there’s a strong chance Italy won’t advance if it drops points in the opening matches.

Emily Wilson (Soccer contributor on sportsnet.ca)

Final four: Germany, Portugal, France, Croatia.
Winner: Germany wins it all on home soil, beating France 2-1 after extra-time.

Tournament top scorer: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Breakout star to watch: Lamine Yamal (Spain) | More players to watch
Biggest surprise team: Scotland
Biggest flop team: Dare I say, England?

Can’t-miss group stage match: Netherlands vs France on June 21. I’m tipping the Dutch to make a strong push, and if they finally click it could cost France top spot in Group D. That would surely shake up everyone’s bracket!

Bold prediction: Despite being 39 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo will put up a true fight for the top goal scorer award. Portugal shifted away from relying on their superstar but they still struggle to replace his goals. Ironically, when he’s handed the opportunity, Ronaldo delivers for the national team. With 44 club goals last season alongside 10 in the European qualifiers, he’s certainly still got it. In potentially his last international tournament, I see Ronaldo wanting to silence the haters one final time and remind us of the scoring machine he is.