With the NBA season over and the NHL season hanging by a thread, it’s time to start looking elsewhere for your daily dose of sports betting action. I’ve been betting on the UEFA Euro 2024, where we’ve already seen some upsets, injuries, and plenty of what-ifs in just a few days. We now get the second match for each team, and the action starts early on Wednesday. Some teams are going to have to start to press for points, while others realistically would sign up for a draw. If you haven’t bet on soccer before, make sure to check out our guide to soccer betting that helps break down key terms and strategies. With three games on the schedule, here’s a quick breakdown of my top UEFA Euro 2024 picks and predictions for Wednesday, June 19.
UEFA Euro 2024 Picks & Predictions for Wednesday, June 19
UEFA Euro 2024 Picks & Predictions for Wednesday, June 19
Croatia-Albania UEFA Euro 2024 Pick & Prediction
We have two teams sitting on zero points here, which means both desperately want to seize a win. For Croatia, it was an awful start to the tournament with Spain scoring early and often on the way to a 3-0 scoreline. Spain is a quality opponent, but to lose in that fashion puts Croatia in danger of missing the knockout round all together. The team’s core is older, and the questions are looming about if this squad has what it takes.
For Albania, it couldn’t have been more different, as they scored the fastest goal in Euro history over Italy. It was a true shock for about 10 minutes, but then the Italians turned it up and secured the win 2-1. Still, we saw a moment and glimpse of quality from Albania, who need to find at least 1 point to keep realistic hopes alive.
Getting to the line we find Croatia a sizeable but reasonable -215 favorite over this Albanian squad. It’s hard to argue, as Croatia, despite losing 3-0, had multiple chances to break through against Spain, including a missed penalty kick. Not only do I expect them to get the job done here and secure 3 points, but I also think they attack right from the start. I’ll back Croatia to break this open in the first half at even money as I believe they’ll head into the halftime whistle with a lead.
UEFA Euro 2024 Pick for Croatia-Albania: Croatia 1H +100 at DraftKings
Germany-Hungary UEFA Euro 2024 Pick & Prediction
In another matchup with lopsided expectations, Germany, the host team, will take on Hungary in Group A. It was a dream start for the Germans at home, as they got Scotland a man down and crushed them 5-1. Getting through to the knockout stage isn’t going to be an issue, but you still assume Germany wants to secure this group quickly and easily. They have quality up and down the roster, but Hungary should at least test them defensively a little.
Speaking of Hungary, they lost to Switzerland 3-1 in a game that had a mixed bag of stats. They were dead even in possession, which is a plus, but Hungary allowed 15 shots and six corners to the Swiss, which ultimately was their undoing.
They now sit on zero points and have to really try and chase at least one point here. Fortunately, they get Scotland in Game 3, but it’ll be hard to make it out of the group if they get blown out by Germany.
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It’s no surprise to me that Germany is near -400 to win this game, which makes getting to a side difficult. If you wanted to lay -1.5 with Germany, I get it, but I went another route even though it entails laying some juice.
The over 2.5 sits at -174 on FanDuel, and I personally think this still has some value. Books have moved to -190, and I think that by kick, this could be close to -200. Germany easily could net three on their own, and given Hungary’s situation, they have no choice but to press. Give me a 3-1 type game that soars over this total.
UEFA Euro 2024 Pick for Germany-Hungary: Over 2.5 -174 on FanDuel
Switzerland-Scotland UEFA Euro 2024 Pick & Prediction
The other two Group A teams square off, and like we’ll see with Germany and Hungary, we have two teams in totally different spots. Scotland had probably the worst start of any team in the entire competition with a red card leading two a four-goal loss. They have no choice but to secure points, as their goal differential is going to be an issue. To do that, they’ll need to show a lot more, but not having to play a man down will help. We didn’t really get to see Scotland offensively at all, and that will change here.
For Switzerland, they secured their three points against Hungary and most likely will slide in behind Germany in this group. A result here will take the pressure off before they play the hosts, and that has to be their mindset here. Mostly known as a defensive squad, they showed some real quality against Hungary, finding a third goal deep into extra time. With Scotland certainly in attack mode, we could see those same counters here.
While I do think Scotland will look a whole lot better than they did against Germany, I’m not sure it’ll be enough against this disciplined Swiss squad. They will be forced to press, and if they don’t find success, expect the counters to really carve them up. In addition, Switzerland should have plenty of the ball, and at -110, this is the side I’ll be looking towards
UEFA Euro 2024 Pick for Switzerland-Scotland: Switzerland -110 at DraftKings
