Without Euro 2024 to keep us entertained for the next two days, what in the world are we going to do? The group round of the competition has provided amazing drama, fantastic goals, and a ton of talking points over the last 13 days.
Unexpectedly, Georgia made history in their first finals by making it to the last 16, and Austria pulled off a massive upset by winning the "Group of Death." Croatia was among those eliminated, and in the most terrible way.In other areas, Spain has performed just as well as England and France have performed poorly. For the first time in the history of the Euros, four teams in a group finished with the identical number of points.
This has been an exciting competition thus far, let's go through all of the significant victors and losers from the group stage below.
WINNER: Xherdan Shaqiri
What a dude fit for a king or queen! The only player to score at each of the previous three World Cups and the previous three European Championships combined is Xherdan Shaqiri, thanks to his magnificent first-time goal against Scotland.
After his incredible equalizer, Shaqiri was asked if it was the best goal of his career. "It was a really beautiful goal but I've scored many beautiful goals before, so it’s difficult to choose if it’s the best one," he joked. The 32-year-old winger has scored ten goals at significant international competitions, which is more than Wayne Rooney (seven), Raul (seven), Patrick Kluivert (eight), and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (six). He is also correct.
Shaqiri's name and his gorgeous left foot deserve much more praise.
After his incredible equalizer, Shaqiri was asked if it was the best goal of his career. "It was a really beautiful goal but I've scored many beautiful goals before, so it’s difficult to choose if it’s the best one," he joked. The 32-year-old winger has scored ten goals at significant international competitions, which is more than Wayne Rooney (seven), Raul (seven), Patrick Kluivert (eight), and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (six). He is also correct.
Shaqiri's name and his gorgeous left foot deserve much more praise.
LOSER: Scotland & Steve Clarke
It is hard to feel sympathy for the Tartan Army. The best supporters in the competition had to root for the underdog squad. 'Flower of Scotland' was, in fact, the high point of each and every game involving Steve Clarke's abhorrently unproductive team, which managed a mere 17 shots overall—the joint-fewest in the history of the group stage.
The Scots didn't even begin to attack until ten minutes remaining in their decisive match against a pathetic Hungary, which they had to win to stand any chance of making it to the round of sixteen in a major international competition. Even worse, they didn't even try to take a shot in the first half for the second time in three games. Finally, to cap it all, Following the game, Clarke insulted and denigrated the Argentine referee.
The Scots didn't even begin to attack until ten minutes remaining in their decisive match against a pathetic Hungary, which they had to win to stand any chance of making it to the round of sixteen in a major international competition. Even worse, they didn't even try to take a shot in the first half for the second time in three games. Finally, to cap it all, Following the game, Clarke insulted and denigrated the Argentine referee.
Regrettably, the Scotland supporters have left Germany in a much poorer state, but the tournament has benefitted greatly by their country's early elimination.
WINNER: Spain
In the group stage, might Spain have scored more goals? Indeed. They were so dominant against Italy that it was almost careless that they only prevailed over the Azzurri by an incredibly fortunate own goal by Riccardo Calafiori. In the knockout stage, they can still face consequences for their recklessness.
Ultimately, though, no team in Germany is more spectacular than this one. They've played some brilliant football, and it's always enjoyable to see Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal play.
Ultimately, though, no team in Germany is more spectacular than this one. They've played some brilliant football, and it's always enjoyable to see Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal play.
LOSER: Luka Modric
It's difficult to find players who are adored by everyone in the increasingly tribal and jingoistic world of football. Among them is Luka Modric.
An Italian journalist chose not to question Modric after Italy's dramatic last-gasp equalizer in Monday's Group B match in Leipzig had all but eliminated Croatia. Rather, he pleaded with him to never retire and thanked him for all that he had done over the years to improve the beautiful game.
An Italian journalist chose not to question Modric after Italy's dramatic last-gasp equalizer in Monday's Group B match in Leipzig had all but eliminated Croatia. Rather, he pleaded with him to never retire and thanked him for all that he had done over the years to improve the beautiful game.
Modric stated that he didn't know when he would have to hang up his boots. However, it's probable that Modric's performance in Leipzig was his last on the international scene. If so, the ending was quite depressing. It was almost unsettling to see a distraught Modric raising the Player of the Match trophy. However, the eulogy that transpired during his press conference after the game poignantly demonstrated why Modric would be deeply missed by all true football fans worldwide.
WINNER: Christian Eriksen
We questioned whether we would ever see Christian Eriksen on a football field again following the most recent European Championship. After three years, the midfield player has been one of the standout performers in the group stage, taking home the Player of the Match award in two of his three games against Serbia and Slovenia. He was the star of Denmark's thrilling 1-1 draw with England in between.
With typical understatement, he added on Tuesday, "This time at the Euros, my story is very different to last time," referring to the heart crisis he had on June 12, 2021, during his country's match against Finland in Copenhagen. "Luckily, it's been a lot of games since it happened but I am just happy to be playing."
With typical understatement, he added on Tuesday, "This time at the Euros, my story is very different to last time," referring to the heart crisis he had on June 12, 2021, during his country's match against Finland in Copenhagen. "Luckily, it's been a lot of games since it happened but I am just happy to be playing."
Witnessing him in action has also been enjoyable. No player has produced more opportunities(13), made more successful crosses(10), or scored a goal that was as well applauded as Eriksen's strike against Slovenia on the opening day of the tournament.
Three years ago, Denmark reached the semi-finals despite his absence; imagine the potential achievements if Eriksen were to rejoin the team and perform at his peak in Germany?
Three years ago, Denmark reached the semi-finals despite his absence; imagine the potential achievements if Eriksen were to rejoin the team and perform at his peak in Germany?
LOSER: England
England emerged victorious in their group. As usual, their draw has also opened up brilliantly for them, but at this point, no sane person is betting on Gareth Southgate's terribly boring team to win the championship.
In three games, England has arguably only performed well for 20 minutes or so. They've been terrible, almost unwatchable, for the most part. That Southgate has managed to persuade a team full of outstanding players to perform so poorly is actually very astonishing, but as we seen during the draw with Slovenia, there is a genuine chance that this campaign may become poisonous.
In three games, England has arguably only performed well for 20 minutes or so. They've been terrible, almost unwatchable, for the most part. That Southgate has managed to persuade a team full of outstanding players to perform so poorly is actually very astonishing, but as we seen during the draw with Slovenia, there is a genuine chance that this campaign may become poisonous.
Even in the best of times, English supporters can be fickle. Even their most composed fans are currently becoming quite irritated at the idea of not only losing the tournament, but also doing so while playing incredibly bad football.
Of course, all it takes is one moment of genius to turn a team around, and England has no shortage of game-changers. However, the Three Lions will be returning home considerably sooner than anyone anticipated if they do not improve, beginning with this weekend's last-16 match against Slovakia. Certainly, the backlash would be as intense as anything we have witnessed since the national press demonized David Beckham following the 1998 World Cup.
Of course, all it takes is one moment of genius to turn a team around, and England has no shortage of game-changers. However, the Three Lions will be returning home considerably sooner than anyone anticipated if they do not improve, beginning with this weekend's last-16 match against Slovakia. Certainly, the backlash would be as intense as anything we have witnessed since the national press demonized David Beckham following the 1998 World Cup.
WINNER: N'Golo Kante
Les Bleus's campaign isn't going well at all; after drawing both of their group matches in an incredibly unimpressive manner, they were placed on the opposite side of the draw. But even if Didier Deschamps' choices are coming under more criticism, his choice to bring back N'Golo Kante has already shown to be a brilliant move.
Before being unexpectedly included in France's squad for Euro 2024, the midfielder had not appeared for his nation in two years. Deschamps was forced to defend his decision to trust an injury-prone player who was currently playing in Saudi Arabia.
Before being unexpectedly included in France's squad for Euro 2024, the midfielder had not appeared for his nation in two years. Deschamps was forced to defend his decision to trust an injury-prone player who was currently playing in Saudi Arabia.
WINNER: Ralf Rangnick
With regard to Ralf Rangnick, Cristiano Ronaldo famously remarked, "This guy is not even a coach." "I refer to every coach I've had in my career as my boss because, should they accept the position, we must address them as such. However, I secretly never thought of him as the boss."
If Ronaldo and his old teammates at Old Trafford had shown a little more consideration for the German, Manchester United may not be in such a terrible situation as they are at the moment.
If Ronaldo and his old teammates at Old Trafford had shown a little more consideration for the German, Manchester United may not be in such a terrible situation as they are at the moment.
So far, Rangnick's journey to redemption has been one of the highlights of Euro 2024. He's not just a coach; his amazing Austrian team has shown this by winning the competition's most difficult group and doing it with a delightfully upbeat and vibrant style of football.
Although we had labeled them as "dark horses" prior to the tournament, we never imagined that they would surpass France in the end, especially after losing to Les Bleus in the first round. Therefore, we greatly admire Rangnick and his team for their response to that setback.
Rangnick's club can dominate opponents if they can maintain their current level of playmaking intensity.
Although we had labeled them as "dark horses" prior to the tournament, we never imagined that they would surpass France in the end, especially after losing to Les Bleus in the first round. Therefore, we greatly admire Rangnick and his team for their response to that setback.
Rangnick's club can dominate opponents if they can maintain their current level of playmaking intensity.
For the first time in the nation's history, Rangnick's Austria have a great chance of making it to the quarterfinals of the European Championship.
LOSER: Romelu Lukaku
On Wednesday, Kevin De Bruyne's response told it all. Romelu Lukaku was put through on goal by the offensive midfielder with a characteristically accurate pass, but the striker was unable to muster any force for his shot, and the midfielder couldn't contain his displeasure.
Evidently, Lukaku is not Belgium's only issue. Even though De Bruyne is one of the few players in the team playing at or near his peak, the supporters jeered him when he was named Player of the Match following the dull draw with Ukraine that sent the Red Devils to the round of 16 in second place in Group E.
Evidently, Lukaku is not Belgium's only issue. Even though De Bruyne is one of the few players in the team playing at or near his peak, the supporters jeered him when he was named Player of the Match following the dull draw with Ukraine that sent the Red Devils to the round of 16 in second place in Group E.
Whether Domenico Tedesco wants to acknowledge it in public or not, Lukaku's finishing is starting to pose a serious problem. The massive No. 9 may have missed a few near offside calls, but he has wasted twice as many opportunities (six) as any other player in Germany and is still without a goal.
Perhaps he will perform better versus France, but if past performances of Lukaku are any indication, his performance declines with more difficulty.
Perhaps he will perform better versus France, but if past performances of Lukaku are any indication, his performance declines with more difficulty.
WINNER: Long-range screamers and own goals
The highest scorer thus far at Euro 2024? The much-dreaded own goal—and by a significant amount!
The only player to score three goals during the group stage is Georges Mikautadze; the front-runners for the Golden Boot, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, have each only scored once, and Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to score.
But thus far, we've witnessed seven own goals, all of differing levels of comedic hilarity. The deflected cross that Riccardo Calafiori inadvertently let into his own net, for instance, was beyond his control, but Samet Akaydin's own goal against Portugal was a complete farce, as the defender got into a hilarious mix-up with goalie Altay Bayindir.
The only player to score three goals during the group stage is Georges Mikautadze; the front-runners for the Golden Boot, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, have each only scored once, and Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to score.
But thus far, we've witnessed seven own goals, all of differing levels of comedic hilarity. The deflected cross that Riccardo Calafiori inadvertently let into his own net, for instance, was beyond his control, but Samet Akaydin's own goal against Portugal was a complete farce, as the defender got into a hilarious mix-up with goalie Altay Bayindir.
In summary, there is now a real chance that the record of 11 OGs at a single European Championship may be seriously threatened.
However, there was one bright spot during the group stage: 14 goals were scored from beyond the box. This suggests that the 19 goals scored in the Euro 2020 competition may be eclipsed before the quarterfinals.
What's the meaning of it all? At this early point, it's difficult to say for sure, but one thing is certain: it will make for amazing drama. May the mayhem last for a long time!
However, there was one bright spot during the group stage: 14 goals were scored from beyond the box. This suggests that the 19 goals scored in the Euro 2020 competition may be eclipsed before the quarterfinals.
What's the meaning of it all? At this early point, it's difficult to say for sure, but one thing is certain: it will make for amazing drama. May the mayhem last for a long time!
LOSER: Ukraine
The elimination of Ukraine was tragic. A visibly upset Oleksandr Tymchyk told UEFA, "It's unprecedented that a team with four points misses out on the knockout stage." "We sacrificed everything for our nation. However, we disappointed them."
Of course, nothing could have been further from the truth. Ukraine's performances against Slovakia and Belgium have brought honor to their war-torn nation. Sadly, though, they suffered the consequences of a single subpar effort on matchday one against Romania.
However, as manager Serhiy Rebrov noted, "We demonstrated the character of our country in the last two games." You will err from time to time in life, but how you respond to those mistakes matters. Everyone is obviously dissatisfied with the outcome, However, the players are not under any doubt. Our national team is comprised of youthful players who are full of hope for the future."
Of course, nothing could have been further from the truth. Ukraine's performances against Slovakia and Belgium have brought honor to their war-torn nation. Sadly, though, they suffered the consequences of a single subpar effort on matchday one against Romania.
However, as manager Serhiy Rebrov noted, "We demonstrated the character of our country in the last two games." You will err from time to time in life, but how you respond to those mistakes matters. Everyone is obviously dissatisfied with the outcome, However, the players are not under any doubt. Our national team is comprised of youthful players who are full of hope for the future."
WINNER: Georgia
Nobody really thought Georgia would make it to the Euro 2024 knockout round. It was reasonable to wonder if the players making their tournament debuts would manage to secure a single point in Group F.
But following exciting performances against Turkey and the Czech Republic, Georgia shocked everyone by defeating Portugal in Gelsenkirchen, paving the way for a matchup with Spain in the round of 16. They know they'll be underdogs again against the strongest German team we've seen thus far, but they won't care one bit.
But following exciting performances against Turkey and the Czech Republic, Georgia shocked everyone by defeating Portugal in Gelsenkirchen, paving the way for a matchup with Spain in the round of 16. They know they'll be underdogs again against the strongest German team we've seen thus far, but they won't care one bit.
They have an excellent goalkeeper in Giorgi Mamardashvili, Georges Mikautadze is leading the Golden Boot race, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia showed against Portugal that he is capable of tearing teams apart with his lightning-fast pace and devastating dribbling abilities.
Georgia appeared to be its worst squad before the event started. They're actually among the greatest to watch, as it turns out.
Georgia appeared to be its worst squad before the event started. They're actually among the greatest to watch, as it turns out.
LOSER: Cristiano Ronaldo
The way Roberto Martinez handled Cristiano Ronaldo's playing time was always going to be crucial to Portugal's chances of winning in Germany, and he's doing a terrible job of it. When facing Georgia, Ronaldo should not have been starting for the third straight game at 39 years old.
In a last-ditch attempt to give the captain a chance to score in Germany, Ronaldo drew a blank once more. This is the first time in his lengthy and distinguished career that he has failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament.
In a last-ditch attempt to give the captain a chance to score in Germany, Ronaldo drew a blank once more. This is the first time in his lengthy and distinguished career that he has failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament.
Throughout the entire game, as well as when he was finally brought off with 25 minutes remaining, his dissatisfaction was evident. Without a doubt, Martinez has erred greatly in this situation. By not rotating Ronaldo, he has made himself appear weak and just fueled more discussion about whether the misfiring forward should actually start up front for Portugal, who have Goncalo Ramos and Diogo Jota calmly waiting in reserve.
Ronaldo's World Cup 2022 campaign came to an abrupt and painful conclusion. His Euros now run a very serious chance of failing in the same manner.
Ronaldo's World Cup 2022 campaign came to an abrupt and painful conclusion. His Euros now run a very serious chance of failing in the same manner.
WINNER: Germany
It's always preferable when the host country performs well at an international competition, whether you support Germany or not. Since Germany is widely accessible from most nations in Europe and has a superb football culture, the mood during Euro 2024 was undoubtedly going to be really remarkable.
But there's little doubt that the excitement and hype around the entire event have increased due to Die Mannschaft's comeback under Julian Nagelsmann. Their exciting talents, of which Jamal Musiala is without a doubt the best of the lot, have also contributed.
But there's little doubt that the excitement and hype around the entire event have increased due to Die Mannschaft's comeback under Julian Nagelsmann. Their exciting talents, of which Jamal Musiala is without a doubt the best of the lot, have also contributed.
While an impressive Switzerland team may have given Germany a bit of a wake-up call in their final group match, if Germany can advance past Denmark in the round of sixteen, there's a good chance that a match against Spain in the round of eight will captivate the public's attention in a manner reminiscent of the memorable World Cup semifinal matchup between Italy and Spain back in 2006.
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