The first round of Euro 2024 ended on Wednesday June 26, and almost all the big nations are in the round of 16. France and Belgium, sluggish, will come face to face, while the formidable Spain will face the Georgian novice. Germany, at home, will have to be wary of Denmark. Focus on the eight posters.
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There were 24 nations at the kick-off of theEuro 2024 on June 14. A little less than two weeks later, there are only 16 left. Since the 2016 edition and the extension of the European Nations Championship to 24 teams, there have been much fewer breaks at the end of the first round, including the principle of the four best third-place finishers who qualify for the rest of the competition.
So, this year again, all the big nations on the European stage have validated their ticket for the round of 16. We can just point to the elimination of aging Croatia, used to shining during the World Cups, but still performing poorly at the Euro. The favorites and outsiders have passed, as well as some less expected teams.
To consultEuro 2024: find the calendar and results
Germany-Denmark: the Nationalmannschaft has a status to assume
Best attack with eight goals scored in three matches, Germany has rather reassured its supporters. She was impeccable in her first two matches. The third against Switzerland was more complicated, with an equalizer on the gong (1-1) to keep first place in group A. The Germans are confident, effective in the offensive domain, and supported by their public. They are among the favorites for the title and are not hiding. Facing Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, here is Denmark again, semi-finalist four years ago. The Danes appear less dashing than during Euro 2021, with their three draws in the first round (two goals scored, two goals conceded) and a second place gleaned from fair play in front of Slovenia in group C. They will have to sublimate themselves to respond to the German challenge in Dortmund.
France-Belgium: how we meet again
The french team is not really a good client for the Red Devils in the final phase of official competition. It’s simple, in five World Cup, Euro and Nations League matches, the Belgians have always lost to the Blues. Six years ago, France shattered Belgium’s dream in the World Cup semi-final. And three years ago, in the semi-final of the League of Nations, Didier Deschamps and his men again frustrated their opponents. There is undoubtedly a spirit of revenge in the ranks of the Belgian selection today. But both teams floundered in the first round, scoring little (two goals) and winning only one match. Awakening is expected on both sides.
Spain-Georgia: the ogre facing the novice
It is the most attractive team of the first round, the only one to have achieved a full success: three victories in three matches, five goals scored and none conceded. Spain has regained ambition with Luis De La Fuente as coach, Rodri as the hub and the young Lamine Yamal (16 years old) and Nico Williams (21 years old) to torment the defenses on the wings. La Furia Roja looks like a juggernaut next to its opponent, Georgia. But beware of appearances. Certainly, this Euro is the first major competition for the Georgian selection. But led by French coach Willy Sagnol, the Georgians have no complexes and did not steal their qualification. They validated their ticket thanks to a deserved victory against Portugal in Group F (2-0). With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the detonator and Georges Mikautadze top scorer in the competition (three goals), Georgia believes in the feat.
England-Slovakia: the Three Lions are looking for breath
England is one of those favorites who floundered in the first round, with an opening victory, then two draws, and only two goals scored. Enough to take first place in group C, but not enough to reassure. The reigning European vice-champions display worrying difficulties in offensive animation despite an impressive arsenal. They advance to the knockout phase without certainty against a half-hearted Slovakia. The Slovaks had a good start in Group E by overcoming Belgium (1-0), but they followed up with a defeat then a draw against Ukraine (1-2) and Romania (1-1). In a group where the four teams finished with 4 points, it is not easy to gauge the real level of this Slovakia.
Portugal-Slovenia: the Seleçao wants to erase the hiccup
It was off to a good start for Portugal, between a victory snatched in the last moments against the Czech Republic (2-1), and another clear victory against Turkey (3-0). His team already qualified after two matches, Roberto Martinez rotated his squad for the final meeting of Group F against Georgia. But even with solid elements on the field like veteran Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years old), Joao Félix and Antonio Silva, the Portuguese blundered and bowed to the Georgian sensation. An unfortunate defeat, which cuts Portugal’s momentum and forces it to pull itself together against Slovenia, qualified for the round of 16 at the end of a very dull run: three draws and a narrow place among the four best thirds . This is the first time that the Slovenes have survived a first round.
Italy-Switzerland: the continuation of the Italian miracle?
The defending champion came very close to falling by the wayside in the first round. Italy, victorious over Albania (2-1) then defeated by Spain (0-1), saved its lead at the end of endless added time against Croatia in the last match. Mattia Zaccagni’s curled shot into the top corner in the 90+8th minute against the Croatians (1-1) put Squadra Azzurra back in 2nd place in Group B and delighted its many supporters, who hope to see their team continue this brilliant euphoria against Switzerland. But you will have to be inspired against these very serious Helvetians in the first round and who almost took Germany. Efficient and experienced, the Nati is not an easy team to move around and could well pose a problem for Italy.
Romania-Netherlands: a fog to clear
In a flat Group E where the four teams finished with four points, the Romanians had the last word. They got off to a very good start by extinguishing Ukraine (3-0) but fell behind against Belgium (0-2) and neutralized Slovakia (1-1). Nothing too notable, but it was enough to take first place. It was not much better for the Netherlands in Group D, where they finished in third place. The Oranje notably suffered a bitter final setback against Austria, while first place was reaching out to them. Romania and the Netherlands are in limbo before finding themselves in the round of 16.
Austria-Türkiye: The Teammore than a surprise?
In a group D with the vice-world champions France and the Netherlands, Austria was not really favored by the predictions. But The Team, as she is nicknamed, had a good series of matches without defeat before the Euro. And after a short setback against the Blues (0-1), it dictated its law to Poland (3-1) before a resounding victory against the Netherlands (3-2) in a decisive match. And at the finish, it was Austria who came out on top by winning first place under everyone’s nose. Turkey also had a very rhythmic first round in Group F, with a victory against Georgia (3-1), a slap against Portugal (0-3) and a victory down to the wire against the Czech Republic (2 -1) to snatch second place. Potentially very exciting round of 16 in perspective.
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