The Euro 2024 group stages concluded in spectacular fashion on Wednesday, delivering unexpected results that significantly reshaped the Euro Standings and set the stage for a thrilling knockout phase. Georgia’s stunning victory over Portugal headlined a day of drama, while crucial draws and late goals determined the fate of several teams.
Group E was a rollercoaster, with all four teams starting the day level on points. Ultimately, draws in both matches meant each team finished with four points, leaving Ukraine heartbroken and eliminated due to goal difference in the final euro standings for the group.
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The biggest shock of the day unfolded in Gelsenkirchen as Georgia, against all expectations, defeated the heavily favored Portugal, winners of Euro 2016. Simultaneously, Turkey secured their place in the knockout rounds with a dramatic 94th-minute winner against the Czech Republic, further impacting the final euro standings across the groups.
The Athletic’s team of writers breaks down the pivotal moments from Day 13 and analyzes what the updated euro standings mean for the knockout stage.
Unpacking the Knockout Stage Based on Euro Standings
The euro standings after the group stage reveal a somewhat lopsided knockout bracket. The tournament favorites, including Spain, Germany, France, and Portugal, now find themselves clustered on the same side of the draw. This unbalanced structure means that only one of these footballing giants can reach the final.
France’s second-place finish in their group contributed to this imbalance. However, the format of 24-team tournaments, where four of the third-placed teams advance, inherently increases the likelihood of such uneven distribution in the knockout stages. Examining the euro standings, it’s clear how crucial each group position became.
The ‘easier’ path to the final, based on pre-tournament expectations and current euro standings, now appears to be on the other side of the bracket. Romania, Netherlands, Austria, or Turkey are now guaranteed to have a representative in the semi-finals, presenting a significant opportunity for these nations.
And what about England? Looking at the euro standings and potential matchups, a path to their first major tournament final on foreign soil could realistically involve facing Slovakia, Switzerland, and Romania. This side of the draw, shaped by the final euro standings, offers a potentially less daunting route compared to the bracket side packed with powerhouses.
Will Jeanes
Georgia’s Historic Win Shakes Up Euro Standings
In what is arguably the biggest upset of Euro 2024, considering FIFA world rankings, Georgia’s 2-0 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal sent shockwaves through the tournament and dramatically altered the euro standings. This win secured Georgia’s place in the knockout stages in their debut major tournament appearance, a truly historic achievement.
Georgia, ranked 74th in the world, capitalized on Portugal manager Roberto Martinez’s decision to rotate his squad, as Portugal had already secured the top spot in Group F. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the immensely talented forward, scored in the second minute, and Georges Mikautadze converted a penalty in the second half to seal the victory and impact the euro standings significantly.
This victory is an unimaginable moment for Georgian football. Football’s popularity is surging in Georgia, fueled by a focus on youth development. The nation’s investment in football infrastructure is paying dividends, as seen in their historic qualification and performance influencing the euro standings.
Georgian players and staff erupt in celebration after their momentous victory, a result that significantly altered the Euro standings. (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Following their historic qualification in March, Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol told The Athletic about their ambition, stating his players were not in Germany for sightseeing. Their performances in the group stage lived up to this ambition, marked by brave and attacking football. Their reward, earned through their performance and reflected in the euro standings, is a last-16 clash against Spain on Sunday in Cologne. Facing the only team with a perfect record in the tournament will be a formidable challenge, but Georgia’s spirit suggests they will approach the game with determination.
Tom Burrows
Belgium Advances but Inefficiency Raises Concerns in Euro Standings
Belgium managed to advance from what was considered the most favorable group in the tournament, but their second-place finish, dictated by the euro standings, means they now face a daunting challenge against France, their formidable neighbors who dashed their World Cup hopes in 2018.
Belgium’s inability to convert chances in and around the box proved costly, highlighting that individual brilliance alone doesn’t guarantee team success. This match served as a stark reminder of their shortcomings, which could hinder their progress in the knockout stages as reflected in the euro standings implications.
Despite boasting talents like Kevin De Bruyne, who orchestrated a perfect pass for Romelu Lukaku in the first half, Belgium struggled to find the net. Lukaku, despite his impressive international goal tally of 85, often appears plagued by misfortune in front of goal. This pattern continued, contributing to Belgium’s underwhelming performance and their final position in the euro standings.
The disconnect between Jeremy Doku, Lukaku, and the wings was evident. De Bruyne is carrying the team, but Lukaku needs to regain his scoring touch, and coach Domenico Tedesco must find better team chemistry to avoid a swift exit from the tournament, especially given their challenging path in the euro standings bracket.
Jordan Campbell
Romania and Slovakia Defy Expectations, Solidifying Euro Standings
Before Euro 2024 began, both Romania and Slovakia understood that avoiding defeat in their final group game would secure qualification. With Belgium expected to secure a result against Ukraine, there were concerns that the match in Frankfurt could mirror the infamous “Disgrace of Gijon” from the 1982 World Cup. However, both teams demonstrated a clear intent to win, showcasing their determination to climb higher in the euro standings.
Francesco Calzona’s Napoli influence is evident in Slovakia’s Serie A-inspired style. Anchored by Stanislav Lobotka, Slovakia exhibits neat passing and aggressive ball recovery. They also stand out for their clever set-piece strategies, employing decoys and varied signals to outwit opponents, contributing to their success in navigating the euro standings.
Romania and Slovakia displayed a clear desire to win their match, aiming for a better position in the Euro standings. (Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Romania, under coach Edward Iordanescu, emphasizes width in their attacking play. Full-backs Nicusor Bancu and Andrei Ratiu push high and wide during attacks. The inclusion of Ianis Hagi added further attacking flair.
The opening minutes saw a flurry of attempts on goal, dispelling any notion of a tepid draw. Slovakia’s opening goal, scored by Duda, came from a Peter Pekarik cross. Romania responded with a penalty earned by Hagi and converted by Razvan Marin.
Despite the high temperatures, neither team settled for a draw. They pursued victory, resulting in an entertaining, albeit error-prone, match. Their motivation extended beyond simply qualifying; they aimed to avoid France in the last 16 and secure a spot on the ‘weaker’ side of the knockout bracket, a strategic move based on potential euro standings implications. Ultimately, Slovakia and Romania delivered an attacking spectacle, driven by a genuine love for the game and the desire to improve their euro standings.
After the match, a passionate Edward Iordanescu addressed critics who had doubted his team and Slovakia. He defended the integrity of both teams and their commitment to winning, regardless of the euro standings scenarios.
Carl Anka
Ukraine’s Exit Doesn’t Diminish Their Spirit in Euro Standings
Despite a goalless draw against Belgium, Ukraine’s Euro 2024 journey ended in the group stages. Serhiy Rebrov and his players, facing elimination as per the euro standings, stood before their devoted fans, tears visible, in a powerful display of mutual respect and pride.
Ukraine’s participation in Euro 2024 is remarkable given the ongoing conflict in their nation. Their domestic league has been severely disrupted, and players are dispersed across Europe. Qualifying for the tournament and performing creditably, including challenging Belgium, is a testament to their resilience, even if the euro standings did not reflect their efforts with progression.
The shadow of the conflict was palpable among Ukrainian fans. A banner reading “Peace has a price,” featuring Nazariy ‘Hrinka’ Hryntsevych and photos of fallen Ukrainian soldiers, underscored the backdrop of their participation. The Belgian fans’ applause during the Ukrainian national anthem further highlighted the poignant context.
Ukrainian players applaud their fans after their draw with Belgium, a bittersweet moment as Euro standings confirmed their elimination. (Joe Prior/Getty Images)
Ukraine’s performance against Belgium was a stark contrast to their opening match defeat against Romania. Fueled by emotion after their win against Slovakia, they fiercely neutralized Belgium’s attacking threats. However, a lack of clinical finishing hampered their own attacks. Despite creating chances, they couldn’t find the crucial goal that would have altered their euro standings fate.
Despite their elimination, Rebrov emphasized the character of his nation, highlighting their continued fight and European identity amidst the ongoing war. Their participation in Euro 2024, though ending in group stage exit as per euro standings, served as a powerful representation of Ukrainian resilience and spirit.
Dominic Fifield
Turkey vs. Czech Republic: A Contentious Clash with Knockout Implications on Euro Standings
The high stakes of the Group F match between Turkey and the Czech Republic inevitably led to a tense and physical encounter. However, the match descended into what many are calling the “dirtiest game in Euros history,” with disciplinary incidents overshadowing the football itself and significantly impacting team compositions and future euro standings considerations.
The game saw an early red card for Czech Republic’s Antonin Barak, followed by a cascade of yellow cards – 16 in total, along with two red cards. Even players not on the pitch received yellow cards for dissent or celebrations. The sheer number of cards, including two for Turkey’s celebrations after Cenk Tosun’s late winner, underlines the extreme tension and ill-discipline on display, even if the result ultimately benefited Turkey in the euro standings.
A second red card was issued after the final whistle to Czech midfielder Thomas Chory for an on-pitch altercation, capping off a night of unprecedented disciplinary issues. This game will be remembered more for its cards than its football, a stark contrast to the spirit of the tournament and a footnote in the euro standings narrative.
Elias Burke
(Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Stat of the Day: Ronaldo’s Frustration and Euro Standings Race
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalless performance against Georgia, with three unsuccessful attempts, means he now leads Euro 2024 with 12 shots without scoring. This statistic is a stark contrast to his usual prolific form and highlights the unpredictable nature of tournament football, even for legends, although Portugal’s euro standings were already secured before this match.
What’s Next in the Euro Standings Bracket?
UEFA has scheduled two rest days before the knockout stage commences on Saturday. Fans and teams alike will be eagerly anticipating the last 16 matchups, now clearly defined by the final euro standings. The stage is set for thrilling encounters, with the euro standings promising a captivating path to the Euro 2024 final.
(Top photo: Edith Geuppert – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
