The UEFA EURO 2024 group stage has concluded, and the teams advancing to the round of 16 have been decided. While there isn’t a traditional third-place game in the EURO format, the competition for the best third-placed spots was intense and crucial for many nations. Let’s break down which teams have progressed and how the final standings unfolded.
Qualified for Round of 16:
Group Winners:
- Austria
- England
- Germany
- Portugal
- Romania
- Spain
Group Runners-up:
- Belgium
- Denmark
- France
- Italy
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
Best Third-Placed Teams:
- Georgia
- Netherlands
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
Teams Eliminated from EURO 2024:
- Albania
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Hungary
- Poland
- Scotland
- Serbia
- Ukraine
The EURO 2024 format sees the top two teams from each of the six groups automatically qualify for the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams. This structure adds an extra layer of excitement and opportunity, allowing teams finishing third to still compete for the championship.
EURO 2024 Group Stage Standings: A Closer Look
Here’s a summary of how each group played out, determining who moved on to the knockout phase of EURO 2024.
Group A
Germany emerged as the winner of Group A, demonstrating strong form as the host nation.
Switzerland secured the runner-up position, ensuring their place in the round of 16.
Hungary finished third but unfortunately did not qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Scotland ended in fourth place and were eliminated from the tournament.
Group B
Spain dominated Group B, showcasing their prowess and securing the top spot.
Italy, the defending champions, qualified as the runner-up, setting up potentially thrilling knockout stage matches.
Croatia, despite expectations, finished third and were not among the best third-placed teams to advance.
Albania concluded their EURO 2024 journey in fourth place in Group B.
Group C
England topped Group C, meeting expectations as one of the tournament favorites.
Denmark finished as runner-up, advancing to the round of 16 after a tight group stage. They edged out Slovenia due to disciplinary points.
Slovenia, despite finishing with the same points as Denmark, qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, marking a significant achievement.
Serbia ended their campaign at the bottom of Group C in fourth place.
Group D
Austria surprised many by winning Group D, outperforming pre-tournament predictions.
France, a strong contender, finished as runner-up in Group D and will move on to the knockout rounds.
Netherlands secured their place in the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, adding depth to the knockout stage.
Poland finished fourth in Group D and were eliminated from EURO 2024.
Group E
Romania claimed the top spot in Group E, a notable achievement in a competitive group.
Belgium finished as runner-up, overcoming early stumbles to advance to the next stage.
Slovakia progressed to the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, demonstrating resilience.
Ukraine finished fourth in Group E and did not proceed further in the tournament.
Group F
Portugal maintained their strong form to win Group F, living up to their status as a top team.
Türkiye secured the runner-up position, ensuring their participation in the knockout phase.
Georgia, in their debut EURO appearance, made history by qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, a remarkable feat.
Czechia finished fourth in Group F and were eliminated from EURO 2024.
Determining Rankings and Best Third-Placed Teams
It’s crucial to understand how teams are ranked when level on points and how the best third-placed teams are decided, as these rules significantly impact the EURO 2024 dynamics.
Tiebreakers in Group Stage:
When teams are tied on points in the group stage, UEFA employs a series of criteria to determine the rankings. These include:
a. Higher points in head-to-head matches among tied teams.
b. Superior goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams.
c. Higher number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams.
d. If still tied, criteria a-c are reapplied exclusively to matches between the remaining tied teams.
e. Superior goal difference in all group matches.
f. Higher number of goals scored in all group matches.
g. Lower disciplinary points (yellow and red cards).
h. Position in overall European Qualifiers rankings.
Criteria for Best Third-Placed Teams:
The four best third-placed teams are selected based on the following criteria, in order:
a. Higher number of points.
b. Superior goal difference.
c. Higher number of goals scored.
d. Higher number of wins.
e. Lower disciplinary points.
f. Position in the overall European Qualifiers rankings.
These detailed rules ensure fairness and clarity in determining which teams advance in EURO 2024, especially for those vying for a best third-place spot.
Looking Ahead to the Round of 16
With the EURO 2024 group stage behind us, anticipation builds for the round of 16. While there’s no “Euro 2024 Third Place Game,” the journey for each of the qualified teams is far from over. The best third-placed teams have earned their right to compete further, and the knockout stages promise thrilling matches as teams battle for the coveted EURO 2024 title. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the next phase of this prestigious tournament.
