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The UEFA Euro 2020 finally takes centre stage this weekend as some of Europe's biggest teams battle it out for the coveted trophy. The group stages of the tournament are likely to produce some interesting battles and Group C of the competition is no exception.
The Netherlands are undoubtedly the strongest team in their group and have found some form under Frank de Boer going into this competition. The Dutch do have their weaknesses, however, and have flattered to deceive on the international stage in the past.
The Netherlands will have to get the better of Austria in Group C at UEFA Euro 2020
The Netherlands have been in the wilderness on the international stage since the 2014 World Cup and have a massive point to prove going into this competition. The Dutch are the most formidable team in their group but will not find it easy to swat their opponents aside.
Austria are a strong team on their day and have plenty of experience and talent in their ranks. Ukraine are also capable of an upset but will have to go the extra mile to stand a chance in this competition.
North Macedonia have made massive strides in European football in recent months and will want to pull off a few upsets over the next few weeks. With Austria and the Netherlands in their group, however, the Macedonians' path to the knock-outs is riddled with obstacles.
In this article, we take a look at each team in Group C and assess their chances of making it to the round-of-16 at Euro 2020.
Netherlands
The Netherlands have shockingly failed to win a game at the Euros in 13 years and cannot afford another debacle in this tournament. The Dutch crashed out of the group stage in 2012 and failed to qualify for the tournament in 2016.
With Ronald Koeman stepping down to take charge of Barcelona, the Netherlands' plans were derailed last year as Frank de Boer endured an uninspiring start to his stint with the national team. The Oranje have since improved under the Dutch legend but rely heavily on a core group of talented players to do their bidding.
Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong are the two best players in the Netherlands squad and will have to be at their absolute best to give the Dutch a bonafide chance in this tournament. The Netherlands have a well-balanced squad and should be able to qualify for the knock-outs this summer.
Manager: Frank de Boer
Key Players: Memphis Depay, Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jasper Cillessen
Predicted finish in Group C: 1st
Austria
Austria are one of the many second-tier challengers at UEFA Euro 2020 this year but might face a few difficulties in Group B. With the Netherlands in pole position to top the group, Austria will have to win both their games against Ukraine and North Macedonia to secure direct qualification to the round-of-16.
David Alaba has a glittering silverware cabinet and plenty of big-match experience and will hold the key to Austria's chances of success. The new Real Madrid signing has enjoyed a stellar career with Bayern Munich and will want to seize the initiative at Euro 2020.
With Marko Arnautovic leading the line and Marcel Sabitzer pulling the strings, Austria are a lethal proposition on their day and have the resources they need to pull off a surprise this summer.
Manager: Franco Foda
Key Players: David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, Marko Arnautovic, Konrad Laimer
Predicted finish in Group C: 2nd
Ukraine
Ukraine are in a distinct period of change at the moment and have done well to ease their transition into a young and vibrant team. With legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko in charge of his national team, Ukraine can go a long way at Euro 2020.
After a string of poor results last year, Ukraine bounced back by stunning Spain with a 1-0 victory in the UEFA Nations League. Shevchenko's side can pack a punch at its best and has its fair share of talented players.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is a key creative force for Ukraine and his ability to play alongside the likes of Ruslan Malinovskyi and Andriy Yarmolenko will likely enhance his team's chances of success. Ukraine have troubled some of Europe's biggest teams in the past and will need to put their best foot forward at Euro 2020.
Manager: Andriy Shevchenko
Key Players: Oleksandr Zinchenko, Andriy Yarmolenko, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Roman Yaremchuk
Predicted finish in Group C: 3rd
North Macedonia
Every group has its dark horse at UEFA Euro 2020 and North Macedonia will be more than happy to fill the role in Group C. The national team made history this year by securing qualification to its first major international tournament and will want to make the most of its purple patch by pulling off a few upsets this summer.
North Macedonia are perfectly capable of grabbing the headlines in this group and made the footballing world take note by stunning Germany in a World Cup qualifier earlier this year.
With veteran forward Goran Pandev in their ranks, North Macedonia have a unique mix of youth and experience going into this competition. Igor Angelovski has spent nearly six years building his team and will have to pull a few rabbits out of his hat to create history at Euro 2020.
Manager: Igor Angelovski
Key Players: Goran Pandev, Stole Dimitrievski, Ezdzan Alioski, Enis Bardhi
Predicted finish in Group C: 4th
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020
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