The 2024 Euros have been full of unexpected twists and turns, with Romania pulling off a stunning 3-0 victory over Ukraine. This win marked a historic moment for Romania, as it was their first win in the competition in decades. Dennis Man’s standout performance, with two assists in a major tournament match, set him apart as a key player for Romania. The team’s victory, despite having only 29% possession of the ball, showcased their ability to capitalize on opportunities and dominate the game. Romania’s three-goal margin of victory over Ukraine was their largest win ever in the Euros, highlighting their prowess in this year’s competition.
On the other hand, Belgium suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Slovakia, shattering their hopes for a successful campaign. The 45-place gap in FIFA World Rankings between the two teams made this upset one of the largest in European Championship history. Romelu Lukaku’s performance was particularly disappointing, as he became the first player in history to have two goals overturned by VAR in a European Championship match. Additionally, Lukaku missed three big chances, the most of any player in a Euros tournament since 2000. Belgium’s struggle to convert opportunities was evident in their failure to score despite accumulating 5.94 xG across their last three games at major tournaments.
France’s Solid Start and Mbappe’s Injury
Meanwhile, the favourites France began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Austria, thanks to a Maximilian Wober own goal in the first half. Didier Deschamps secured his 100th win as manager of France in this game, further solidifying his status as the most successful manager in French history. However, France faced a setback as Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the match. Mbappe’s absence could be concerning for France, given his significant contribution to the team’s performance. Since Mbappe’s senior debut in 2017, France has scored a goal every 48 minutes when he plays, compared to 138 minutes in games where he does not participate.
N’Golo Kante’s increased presence on the field for France has been notable, as he played three games in the last two weeks – equal to the number of games he participated in over the last 35 months. Olivier Giroud also made history by joining an elite group of French players who have represented their nation in seven major international tournaments. Moreover, the peculiar trend of game-winning own goals in UEFA Euro history has raised eyebrows, with only six instances occurring prior to the current edition.
The 2024 Euros have been a rollercoaster of emotions, with unexpected results and standout performances defining the competition. From Romania’s historic win to Belgium’s disappointing defeat and France’s solid start, each team has faced its own set of challenges and triumphs. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how these key stats and results shape the narrative of the 2024 Euros and determine the eventual champion.
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