Man vs AI: Euro 2024 | Group stage analysis and further predictions

The Euros are well and truly underway, with the group stage now complete and the next set of fixtures for the first round of the knockout stages finalised.

Now we’re a good two weeks into the competition, I want to take a look back at what has gone down so far and give my predictions on what’s to come.

But I don’t just want to do it on my own. I want to see what ChatGPT has to think about things so far and coming up.

Without further ado, here is Man vs AI: Euro 2024 edition.

Group stage analysis

We’ve got to start with the round just gone, the group stage, which saw not too many surprises but some good games nonetheless.

All the top teams safely made their way through, while some smaller unexpecting teams managed to make some waves and have booked their place into the next round.

Let’s take a look at some categories for the round and see what ChatGPT thinks.

Strongest side

AI

Based on the group stage performances in Euro 2024, the team that has looked the strongest is France. Here are the reasons why:

1. Balanced Squad: France has a well-balanced team with a mix of experienced players and young talents. This balance has been evident in their cohesive and fluid style of play.
2. Solid Defense: Their defence, led by players like Raphaël Varane and Jules Koundé, has been robust, conceding very few goals.
3. Dynamic Midfield: The midfield has been dominant, with players like N'Golo Kanté and Aurélien Tchouaméni controlling the tempo and providing excellent support both defensively and offensively.
4. Potent Attack: The attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembélé has been in great form, creating numerous scoring opportunities and converting them effectively.
5. Tactical Acumen: The tactical decisions of their coach, Didier Deschamps, have been spot on, allowing the team to adapt and overcome various challenges posed by their opponents.

France's overall performance in the group stage has been impressive, making them one of the strongest teams heading into the knockout stages.

Man

That’s a very safe answer in my opinion. It’s not wrong, France are a strong, well-balanced side all-round, but I don’t necessarily think they looked the strongest out of all the teams from the group stage.

To me, that honour has to go to either the hosts, Germany, or Spain.

Germany hasn’t looked this good in international competitions in some time, and it seems like things under Julian Nagelsman are clicking. They controlled their group and dominated their opposition. The only game that let them down was the draw to Switzerland, where based on the stats they should have had that game covered easily.

Credit: HIGHLIGHTS - Spain v Croatia | EURO 2024 (ITV Sport, YouTube)

As for Spain, they were simply perfect in their group. Their win over Italy highlighted that fact; Italy, like Spain, are a two-time European champion and has a solid squad that should have been their equal.

Instead, Spain brushed aside the defending champions like they were nothing. The youthful exuberance in the Spanish side allowed them to run riot on the Italian defence.

Gun to my head, if I had to choose between Germany and Spain as to who looked the strongest, I’d have to go with Spain.

Most disappointing

Quick funny side note before we get into our answers, I had to ask ChatGPT if it was sure of their first answer after it originally said they thought Portugal had a bad group stage.

I didn’t want to sway its answer in any way but I couldn’t in good faith simply let it say something so ludicrous! So I asked if it was sure, and it gave a new, more suitable answer.

AI

In my opinion, the biggest disappointment so far in Euro 2024 has been Belgium. They came into the tournament with high expectations due to their talented squad and strong performances in recent years. Many viewed them as potential winners, making their underwhelming performances even more surprising and disappointing.

Despite the quality of their players, Belgium has struggled to perform cohesively as a team. Their matches have often lacked the intensity and flair expected from such a high-calibre squad. Defensive issues have been a significant problem, with mistakes and vulnerabilities being exploited by opponents, leading to goals at crucial moments.

There have also been questions about the tactical decisions made by the coaching staff, which have led to suboptimal performances and results.

Belgium's inability to meet expectations and deliver strong performances has been a significant disappointment in the group stage of Euro 2024. Their struggles have been surprising given the talent within their squad and the high hopes placed upon them.

Man

Again, a safe answer that has been said for every competition about Belgium during their ‘golden era’ of the last 10 years or so.

With the quality in their squad, Belgium has always seemed on paper to be a big threat. But in reality, they underdeliver and underperform, with the group stage this year showing just that once again.

Granted for them, their group was unexpectedly competitive. Slovakia and Ukraine both have a few names darted around Europe that made them a bit of a challenge, but I think it’s fair to say no one expected Romania to come out as strong as they did.

I would agree and say Belgium, but the thing that is stopping me from doing so is how angry I was getting watching England in all three games, something which I think the majority of the nation felt.

You can look at the positive and say we finished top of the group, safely through. But the reality is the performances in all three games were far from the level that was expected and really should have been at.

Sure, the first 15 minutes of the first two games looked good. Early goals, play looked strong, that was exactly how they should’ve been. But the fact that it was only for that short time to seemingly get the goal and then sit back for the remainder of the game is nothing short of a joke tactically.

Gareth Southgate has pretty obviously run his course. He doesn’t seem to know how to get the most out of the players and he makes a lot of tactically questionable decisions. While he has brought the national side to their first major final since 1966, in my opinion, he is no longer fit for the job.

Standout player

Another one where ChatGPT gave me a questionable answer. I asked if it wanted to point out just one player or multiple, and first, it gave me a few.

It picked out Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and at first, Gavi from Spain, who isn’t even part of their squad.

I can understand Bellingham to an extent. He is arguably the biggest star in the squad and his performance in his first game was strong. But his impact in the remaining two was not on that level, so I wouldn’t agree with picking him.

Saka as well hasn’t really put a foot wrong, but he also hasn’t been able to do much. With the lack of an actual left back, most of England’s play seemed to go down the right side, meaning it was fairly easy for defences to realise this and isolate Saka out of the game.

Kane, I won’t lie, has annoyed me. I hated him dropping back the whole time because he doesn’t need to do that any more. Just sit up top and be the clinical striker you are.

So I asked again for a few players it would like, saying it could keep those ones and just swap out Gavi or it could pick some more. It gave me a name, one that was at least there and to be honest, I like the pick.

But to make sure it was sure, I asked ChatGPT one more time if it could give me its one main standout. Here’s its answer:

AI

My one main standout player from the Euro 2024 group stage is Ilkay Gündogan from Germany. Gündogan has been exceptional in midfield, showcasing his ability to control the game with his vision, passing accuracy, and composure under pressure. 

He has been instrumental in both creating scoring opportunities and providing stability in the midfield, making him a key player for Germany's success in the group stage.

Man

Like I said, I like this pick. Gundogan is a solid player. He’s got a goal and an assist having played all three games.

His passing play has been decent, with an 87.3% pass accuracy, and defensively he’s been safe too, making five tackles and four balls recovered. 

However, I don’t think he’s been the very best player from the group stage.

It’s hard to pick just one player. Quite a few impressed me, especially from the unexpected sources. Romania’s Radu Dragusin is the first player that comes to mind when saying that.

I have been very impressed by his effort and defensive capabilities, plus he can be a threat going forward too. I’m sure Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will be making some plans for him in their squad for next season.

Nico Williams from Spain has also been a favourite of mine to watch. His performance against Italy and in particular Giovanni Di Lorenzo was mesmerising.

But my pick is going to be the tournament top scorer so far, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze. Three goals and an assist have majorly contributed to Georgia’s surprisingly strong showing in a way that no other player's impact has had on their side so far in my opinion.

Credit: HIGHLIGHTS - Georgia v Portugal | Euro 2024 (ITV Sport, YouTube)

Knockout stage predictions

So we’ve looked at the group stage, now let's move on to predictions for the remainder of the tournament.

Big winner

AI

In my opinion, France has the best chance of winning Euro 2024. Their balanced squad, featuring a blend of experienced players and young talents, makes them formidable. 

Key players like Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and N'Golo Kanté provide a strong foundation in both attack and defence. 

Additionally, their tactical acumen and depth across all positions give them an edge in high-pressure situations. Given their impressive performances in the group stage and overall team quality, France stands out as the favourite to lift the trophy.

Man

Safe but sure pick, France entered as favourites and does have the capabilities of going and winning it all.

Sure, they didn’t look at their very best in the group stage, but they never have to. Their route to the final is not easy though, and if their group stage performance wasn’t just taking it easy and is actually an indication of their weakness, then they may not even make it past Belgium in the Round of 16.

That’s why my pick is going to be Germany. The home support will be invaluable for them and they are looking quite impressive. They were my pick for the strongest side so I’ll continue that as them as my big winners.

Dark Horse

AI

Denmark: With a strong team spirit and solid performances, Denmark could surprise bigger teams and make a deep run in the tournament.

Man

Fair pick, quite ballsy considering they’re up against the hosts in the next round. If they pulled off the surprise victory then who knows, maybe they could go further.

My pick though is going to go to Austria. Topped their group that had France and the Netherlands in it, and they’ve looked decent in all areas of the pitch.

They play Turkey in the Round of 16, and should they beat them, they’d meet the winner of Romania vs Netherlands in the Quarter-final. While I like how Romania has played so far, I’d take Austria over them, and they’ve already beaten Netherlands so I’d fancy them to do so again and make the Semis.

Further than that could be on the cards too, but I’ll stop short of saying they could be surprise winners.

Player of the Tournament

AI

In my opinion, Kylian Mbappé of France is likely to be the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament. 

His exceptional pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability make him a standout performer. Mbappé has the talent to influence crucial matches and lead France to success. 

If France wins the tournament, his contributions will likely be a significant factor, making him a strong candidate for the Player of the Tournament award.

Man

Again, safe pick and sure to ring true should France go on to win it all. He is the star man for them, broken nose and all, and I’m sure he will prove himself in the rounds to come.

I’m actually finding it quite hard to make my pick, mainly because I think it is so open as to who will win this Euros.

Mbappe probably would be the Player of the Tournament should France win it. If it’s Germany, I’d say maybe Joshua Kimmich as he’s been fairly decent so far and should continue to play well.

If it’s Spain, well there are several players it could be for them. Would just come down to who shows up the most throughout their knockout stage run.

For now, I might just have to agree with ChatGPT on this one. Mbappe is always a safe choice for the best player in any competition.