Day 9 of Euro 2024 delivered thrilling matches and standout performances, with Portugal securing their spot in the Round of 16, Georgia showcasing their resilience, and Belgium reigniting their campaign. While goals are the ultimate prize, the architects behind them – the assist providers – are equally crucial. As we delve deeper into the tournament, the race for the Euro 2024 Top Assists title is heating up, with several key players emerging as playmaking maestros.
This article will analyze the assist leaders so far and highlight the key moments from Day 9 that underscore the importance of assists in Euro 2024.
Day 9 Euro 2024 Match Highlights and Assist Leaders
Georgia 1-1 Czechia: Mikautadze and Schick on Target
The Group F encounter between Georgia and Czechia saw both teams battling for their first points. Georges Mikautadze continued his scoring streak, netting his second goal of the tournament for Georgia. However, Patrik Schick responded for Czechia, ensuring a 1-1 draw. While both goals were crucial, the assists leading to these goals were equally significant in unlocking tight defenses.
Alt text: Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili makes a crucial save during the Euro 2024 match against Czech Republic, highlighting his exceptional performance.
Giorgi Mamardashvili’s goalkeeping heroics for Georgia cannot be overlooked. His 11 saves were the most in a single European Championship game in over a decade, since Shay Given’s similar feat for Ireland against Spain in 2012. This highlights the intense pressure Czechia applied and the vital role of Georgia’s defense in securing a point.
Patrik Schick’s goal marked his 6th in Euros combined (Euro 2020 and Euro 2024), making him the top scorer in this span. Georges Mikautadze’s opener was historic as well, making him only the fifth player to score his nation’s first and second ever goals in the European Championships.
Portugal 3-0 Turkey: Ronaldo’s Playmaking Prowess
Portugal’s dominant 3-0 victory over Turkey secured their place as Group F winners and showcased their attacking firepower. While Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes got on the scoresheet, the spotlight was firmly on Cristiano Ronaldo’s unselfish play.
Alt text: Cristiano Ronaldo delivers a precise pass to assist Bruno Fernandes for a goal during Portugal’s Euro 2024 match against Turkey, demonstrating his playmaking ability.
Ronaldo’s assist for Bruno Fernandes was his 8th in European Championships, tying him with Karel Poborsky as the joint-highest assist maker in the tournament’s history. This achievement underscores Ronaldo’s evolution as a player, demonstrating his playmaking abilities alongside his legendary goal-scoring record. Despite not scoring in his last 6 major tournament games (Euros and World Cup), Ronaldo’s contribution through assists remains invaluable for Portugal.
Bernardo Silva scored his first major tournament goal for Portugal in his sixth Euros appearance, adding to Portugal’s attacking depth. However, Rafael Leao’s two yellow cards for diving – a unique and unwanted record – were a talking point, highlighting disciplinary concerns even amidst Portugal’s victory. Turkey’s defeat marked their 11th group stage loss in European Championship history, a stark reminder of their struggles in the competition.
Belgium 2-0 Romania: De Bruyne Leads Assist Charge
Belgium bounced back from their opening game defeat with a crucial 2-0 win over Romania, keeping their Euro 2024 hopes alive. Kevin De Bruyne was instrumental in this victory, not only scoring a goal but also dictating play and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Alt text: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium celebrates scoring a goal against Romania in Euro 2024, showcasing his pivotal role in Belgium’s victory and his attacking prowess.
Youri Tielemans set the tone early with the 3rd fastest goal in EURO history, scoring within 73 seconds. This lightning start provided Belgium with the momentum they needed. Kevin De Bruyne’s goal further solidified their lead, but his overall playmaking throughout the match showcased his importance to the Belgian squad and his potential to climb the Euro 2024 top assists chart. De Bruyne now has 7 goal contributions at the Euros, equaling Romelu Lukaku for the most by a Belgian player.
Romelu Lukaku, despite not adding to his goal tally, remains a key figure in Belgium’s attack. Notably, Lukaku has had 3 goals overturned by VAR in this tournament, more than any player has actually scored, a testament to both his positioning and unfortunate VAR decisions.
Euro 2024 Assist Race: Players to Watch
While the tournament is still in its early stages, several players have already distinguished themselves as potential top assist providers. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne’s contributions on Day 9 highlight their playmaking abilities. Other players to watch in the assist race include:
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal): Benefiting from Ronaldo’s creativity and a strong attacking unit around him.
- Christian Eriksen (Denmark): Known for his vision and passing range, Eriksen is Denmark’s creative hub.
- Jamal Musiala (Germany): While known for scoring, Musiala’s dribbling and passing in advanced areas could lead to assists.
- Antoine Griezmann (France): A versatile attacker with a history of providing key passes and assists for France.
As Euro 2024 progresses, the focus will intensify on these playmakers and their ability to unlock defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities. The race for the top assists title will be a compelling narrative to follow, highlighting the crucial role of creativity and vision in determining success in the tournament.
Stats Courtesy: ESPN Stats and Information Group
