Austria pulled off a surprise upset against the Netherlands in the final match of Group D, clinching the top spot with a late goal from Marcel Sabitzer. The victory not only secured their place in the Round of 16 but also ended an eight-game losing streak against the Dutch in all competitions. The Netherlands, on the other hand, conceded three or more goals in a European Championship match for the first time since Euro 2004.
Despite being one of the tournament favorites, France had a lackluster performance in the group stages, scoring only two goals – their joint-lowest in a European Championship group stage. Antoine Griezmann became France’s most capped outfield player at major tournaments, but their reliance on Kylian Mbappe for goals was evident as only one other French player managed to score in the group stage. The win against Austria came from an own goal, highlighting their struggles in front of goal.
England finished on top of Group C with only two goals to their name, tied for their second-fewest in a group stage at a major tournament. Despite their defensive solidity under Gareth Southgate, England’s lack of firepower upfront raises concerns about their ability to go deep in the tournament. The streak of 10 straight Euro games allowing fewer than two goals is impressive, but their inability to score more goals could prove costly in the knockout stages.
Denmark’s Christian Eriksen broke the record for the most appearances for the national team, surpassing Simon Kjaer with his 133rd cap. The Danes managed to advance to the Round of 16 despite scoring fewer than three goals in the group stage, joining the likes of England in 2020 and Denmark in 1992 as teams to achieve this feat. Their solid defensive performances have been crucial in their journey so far.
The group stages of Euro 2024 have provided plenty of drama, surprises, and records. From Austria’s stunning upset of the Netherlands to France’s struggles in front of goal, the tournament has showcased the unpredictability of football. As the teams prepare for the knockout stages, it remains to be seen which nations will rise to the occasion and which will falter under pressure. With exciting matchups on the horizon, football fans can look forward to more thrilling moments in Euro 2024.
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