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With the UEFA Euro 2020 only a few days away, teams across Europe are amping up their preparations in a bid to secure a place in footballing history this summer. With six groups and 24 excellent teams in the group stages, the Euros are set to bear witness to some high-quality matches this year.
Belgium have been a formidable European outfit in recent years and have been placed in Group B at Euro 2020. Roberto Martinez's side will have to compete with Denmark, Finland, and Russia for a place in the knock-outs this summer.
Belgium and Denmark set to fight for top spot in Group B at Euro 2020
Denmark will also be looking to make a name for themselves at Euro 2020 and have named a powerful squad for the tournament. The Danes could potentially be dark horses this year and will want to give Belgium a run for their money in Group B.
The Belgians remain favourites going into this group but have stuttered against some of their European counterparts in the past. Russia and Finland are also in contention for the knock-outs and have a point to prove in the competition.
Group B, on paper, is one of the more evenly matched groups in the competition and is likely to produce a fair share of interesting battles. Here, we take a look at each team in the group and assess their chances of making it to the round-of-16 at Euro 2020.
Belgium
Belgium are the clear favourites in Group B and also have a shot at the ultimate prize in this edition of the competition. Roberto Martinez has done an excellent job with the Belgium squad in recent years and will want a trophy to reflect his efforts this year.
Romelu Lukaku has been exceptional for Inter Milan this season and is one of Europe's best strikers going into this competition. Eden Hazard, on the other hand, has endured a dismal stint at Real Madrid and will need to rediscover his form this month.
Kevin De Bruyne's injury could hamper Belgium's start to the competition but their 1-0 victory against Croatia in the midfielder's absence will serve as a massive boost to the squad's morale. Belgium's squad depth hands them a massive advantage and should see them at the top of Group B.
Manager: Roberto Martinez
Key Players: Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Youri Tielemans
Predicted finish in Group B: 1st
Denmark
Denmark are one of the most understated teams at Euro 2020 this year and should be getting more attention than they deserve. The Danes are perfectly capable of punching above their weight and may well upset a few odds this summer.
Denmark have a balanced squad going into Euro 2020 and will look to make things difficult for Belgium at the top of Group B. Thomas Delaney and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have formed a formidable double pivot in the middle of the pitch and will serve as the ideal foil for the likes of Eriksen and Poulsen.
Andreas Christensen will look to add another trophy to his cabinet this year and will partner AC Milan's Simon Kjaer in defence. Denmark are a dangerous team on their day and could give Europe's bigwigs a run for their money this year.
Manager: Kasper Hjulmand
Key Players: Christian Eriksen, Yussuf Poulsen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen
Predicted finish in Group B: 2nd
Russia
Russia are a formidable unit on their day and some of Europe's best teams have made the calamitous mistake of underestimating them in the past. The 2018 World Cup hosts pulled off an impressive run in the competition and will look to go a step further at Euro 2020.
Russia have drawn heavily for Zenit St. Petersburg this year with the likes of Yuri Zhirkov, Artem Dzyuba, and Vyacheslav Karavaev playing key roles in the squad. With Denis Cheryshev and Atalanta star Aleksei Miranchuk also available for selection, Russia can pack a punch at their best.
The Russians are in a transitional period at the moment and will hope that Stanislav Cherchesov can ease what could potentially be a tricky phase. Cherchesov's side can be a thorn in Belgium's side in Group B but will have to work hard to secure qualification to the next round.
Manager: Stanislav Cherchesov
Key Players: Artem Dzyuba, Denis Cheryshev, Aleksei Miranchuk, Yuri Zhirkov, Mario Fernandes
Predicted finish in Group B: 3rd
Finland
With Belgium and Denmark the primary contenders for the top spot in Group B, Finland will be intent on throwing a spanner in the works this summer. The Scandinavian outfit has not been at its best in recent weeks and has several issues to resolve ahead of a hectic schedule.
Teemu Pukki has suffered from his fair share of injuries this year but is likely to be back in time for Finland's opening Euro 2020 game against Denmark this weekend. Markku Kanerva does have a fairly talented side but will need a miracle to edge the likes of Belgium and Denmark to a place in the knock-outs.
Stranger things have happened, however, and Finland will likely adopt an optimistic approach to their Euro 2020 campaign. Kanerva's side does have a robust defensive line but will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to stand a chance in Group B.
Manager: Markku Kanerva
Key Players: Teemu Pukki, Robin Lod, Willi Orban, Lukas Hradecky, Glen Kamara
Predicted finish in Group B: 4th
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020
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