The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament captivated football fans across the globe, and the knockout stage was where the drama truly unfolded. After an intense group stage, the top teams battled it out for continental glory in a series of high-stakes matches. This article dives into the format, results, and key moments of the Euro 2024 knockout phase, providing a comprehensive overview for fans eager to relive the excitement.
Euro 2024 Knockout Format Explained
The Euro 2024 adopted a straightforward knockout format designed to deliver maximum excitement. Following the group stage, which saw 24 teams divided into six groups of four, the knockout rounds commenced. Advancing to this crucial stage were the winners and runners-up from each of the six groups, in addition to the four best third-placed teams.
From the round of 16 onwards, it was a pure knockout tournament. Each match was a decisive encounter where only victory allowed progression. Ties after 90 minutes led to nail-biting extra time, and if the deadlock persisted, the tension escalated to a penalty shootout. This format ensured every game was packed with intensity, with no room for error as teams vied for a place in the next round, culminating in the grand final. The journey included the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the ultimate showdown in the final match.
Euro 2024 Knockout Stage Results
The knockout stage of Euro 2024 delivered a series of memorable clashes and surprising outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of the results from each round:
Final
Sunday, July 14
Spain 2-1 England (Berlin)
Spain emerged victorious in a tightly contested final against England in Berlin, claiming the Euro 2024 title.
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 9
Spain 2-1 France (Munich)
Spain continued their impressive run, overcoming France in a thrilling semifinal held in Munich.
Wednesday, July 10
Netherlands 1-2 England (Dortmund)
England secured their place in the final after a hard-fought victory against the Netherlands in Dortmund.
Quarterfinals
Friday, July 5
Spain 2-1 (AET) Germany (Stuttgart)
Spain edged out the host nation Germany in a quarterfinal that went to extra time in Stuttgart, showcasing their resilience.
Portugal 0-0 (AET, pens 3-5) France (Hamburg)
France progressed to the semifinals after a penalty shootout victory against Portugal in Hamburg, following a goalless draw.
Saturday, July 6
England 1-1 (AET, pens 5-3) Switzerland (Düsseldorf)
England overcame Switzerland in a tense quarterfinal in Düsseldorf, decided by penalties after extra time.
Netherlands 2-1 Turkey (Berlin)
Netherlands secured their semifinal spot with a victory over Turkey in Berlin in another exciting quarterfinal matchup.
Round of 16
Saturday, June 29
Switzerland 2-0 Italy (Berlin)
Switzerland delivered a shock result, defeating Italy in Berlin to advance to the quarterfinals.
Germany 2-0 Denmark (Dortmund)
Host nation Germany continued their tournament journey with a win against Denmark in Dortmund.
Sunday, June 30
England 2-1 (AET) Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen)
England faced a tough challenge from Slovakia, eventually winning in extra time in Gelsenkirchen to move to the next round.
Spain 4-1 Georgia (Cologne)
Spain displayed their attacking prowess with a dominant victory over Georgia in Cologne.
Monday, July 1
France 1-0 Belgium (Düsseldorf)
France secured a narrow victory against Belgium in Düsseldorf in a tightly contested round of 16 match.
Portugal 0-0 (AET; pens 3-0) Slovenia (Frankfurt)
Portugal advanced on penalties after a goalless draw with Slovenia in Frankfurt, demonstrating their composure in the shootout.
Tuesday, July 2
Romania 0-3 Netherlands (Munich)
Netherlands cruised to the quarterfinals with a comfortable win over Romania in Munich.
Austria 1-2 Turkey (Leipzig)
Turkey rounded off the round of 16 with a victory against Austria in Leipzig, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
Euro 2024 Knockout Stage Venues
Germany played host to the entirety of Euro 2024, with ten cities selected to stage the matches. The knockout stage matches were held in several of these prestigious venues, spread across the country:
- Berlin
- Cologne
- Dortmund
- Düsseldorf
- Frankfurt
- Gelsenkirchen
- Hamburg
- Leipzig
- Munich
- Stuttgart
These cities provided a vibrant backdrop to the high-stakes encounters of the knockout phase, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the tournament.
Conclusion
The knockout stage of Euro 2024 was a thrilling spectacle, filled with drama, excitement, and world-class football. From surprising upsets to dominant displays, each match contributed to the narrative of a memorable tournament. The results and format detailed here provide a comprehensive look back at the crucial phase where the contenders for the Euro 2024 title were ultimately decided, culminating in Spain’s triumph.
Alt text: Euro 2024 knockout stage bracket, visually outlining the path from Round of 16 to the Final, highlighting the progression of winning teams. This bracket illustrates the tournament’s knockout structure and the journey of each team.
