International Football is back! It is the month when sleep, college, and work schedules are messed up. All the football fans are glued to their screens, questioning: Is it coming home? Will Italy repeat? Will Ronaldo lead Portugal? Will France prevail or Germany? What about Spain? The thrill of football is at its epitome. This Euro ushers in a beginning for the new generation of Musiala, Wirtz and Yamal, while marking the farewell tour of Ronaldo, Modric and Kroos. The 17th edition of UEFA Euros 2024 in Germany has it all, and I am here to provide the best bits of the group stages.
The Host Nation Doesn't Disappoint
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Group A
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Rank
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Teams
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W
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D
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L
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GF
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GA
|
GD
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Pts
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|
1
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Germany
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2
|
1
|
0
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8
|
2
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6
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7
|
|
2
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Switzerland
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1
|
2
|
0
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5
|
3
|
2
|
5
|
|
3
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Hungary
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1
|
0
|
2
|
2
|
5
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-3
|
3
|
|
4
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Scotland
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0
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
7
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-5
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1
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Euro 2024 started with a bang; Germany humiliated Scotland in the opening match, defeating them 5-1, with Scotland's only goal being an own goal, a recurring theme. They continued their excellent form, beating Hungary 2-0 and becoming the first team to qualify for the Round of 16. Scotland continued their streak of remaining winless in international tournaments as they drew 1-1 with Switzerland and lost painfully to Hungary in the 10th minute of stoppage time thanks to Kevin Csoboth's winner. Switzerland comfortably defeated Hungary 3-1. They were on the path to upsetting the hosts but failed as Nicolos Fulkrug, the German hero, equalised in stoppage time, ending the match 1-1. Germany topped the group, followed by Switzerland.
Revolutionised Spain Dominates
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Group B
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Rank
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Teams
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W
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D
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L
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GF
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GA
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GD
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Pts
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|
1
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Spain
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3
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0
|
0
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5
|
0
|
5
|
9
|
|
2
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Italy
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1
|
1
|
2
|
3
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3
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0
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4
|
|
3
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Croatia
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0
|
2
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1
|
3
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6
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-3
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2
|
|
4
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Albania
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0
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1
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2
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3
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5
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-2
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1
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Spain, known for its tiki-taka style of play, adopted a more direct approach under Luis de la Fuente, which was made possible by the young duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. They dominated their group, winning all three matches and becoming the sole team to achieve nine points. They defeated Croatia 3-0, Italy 1-0 and Albania 1-0. Croatia found themselves in deepwater on matchday two as they drew 2-2 in a roller coaster match, which ended with Klaus Gjasula's stoppage-time equaliser. Croatia entered the final day, requiring a victory against the reigning champions Italy. The hopes of the Croatians were crushed as Zaccagni equalised in the last minute, ending Modric's final Euro tournament in disappointment. Spain topped the group, followed by Italy.
Are You Still Watching?
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Group C
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Rank
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Teams
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W
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D
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L
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GF
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GA
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GD
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Pts
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|
1
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England
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1
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2
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0
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2
|
1
|
1
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5
|
|
2
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Denmark
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0
|
3
|
0
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
3
|
|
3
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Slovenia
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0
|
3
|
0
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
3
|
|
4
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Serbia
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0
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2
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1
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1
|
2
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-1
|
2
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Group C was boring, to say the least. England's golden generation failed to find their footing just like their predecessors. However, they scraped the first position, owing to individual heroics. They defeated Serbia 1-0, drew 1-1 against Denmark and 0-0 against Slovenia. England was the only team to win a match, with all other matches ending in a draw. The final matchday was pretty eventless, with England vs Slovenia and Denmark vs Serbia both ending 0-0. The group was not short of heartwarming stories however, with Slovenia finally reaching the Round of 16 and Eriksen representing Denmark after the Euro 2020 scare.
Who Won The Group Of Death? France? The Netherlands? None!
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Group D
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Rank
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Teams
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W
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D
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L
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GF
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GA
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GD
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Pts
|
|
1
|
Austria
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2
|
0
|
1
|
6
|
4
|
2
|
6
|
|
2
|
France
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1
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
5
|
|
3
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Netherlands
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1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
0
|
4
|
|
4
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Poland
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0
|
1
|
2
|
3
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6
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-3
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1
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The "Group of Death" was conquered by Ragnick's Austria. Poland was the first team to be knocked out of contention following their 1-2 loss to Netherlands, 3-1 loss to Austria and 1-1 draw to France. Despite Austria's loss to France owing to Maximilian Wöber's own goal, they defeated the Netherlands in a back-and-forth match, winning 3-2. France, the favourites coming into the tournament, failed to score a goal from open play. Netherlands and France shared the spoils as they drew 0-0. Despite their shaky performances, Netherlands secured a spot in the Round of 16, being one of the top teams to finish third.
4 Teams. 4 Points Each. Only 3 Advance
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Group E
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Rank
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Teams
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W
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D
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L
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GF
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GA
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GD
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Pts
|
|
1
|
Romania
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1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
|
2
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Belgium
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1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
|
3
|
Slovakia
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1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
0
|
4
|
|
4
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Ukraine
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1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
-2
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4
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Group E was drama! The standings kept changing until the last minute, as all four teams finished with four points. Belgium began their campaign with a shocking 1-0 loss to Slovakia, as Lukaku's two goals were ruled offside. Romania's thunderous strikes proved to be too much for Ukraine, as they lost 3-0. Ukraine kept their hopes alive, defeating Slovakia 2-1 in a second-half turnaround. Belgium won 2-0 against Romania despite another Lukaku goal being ruled out due to offside. The final matchday saw Slovakia draw 1-1 to Romania, and a 0-0 draw between Belgium and Ukraine. Ukraine made history, becoming the first team in competition history to not qualify after having 4 points. In the rollercoaster of a group, Romania finished first, Belgium finished second, and Slovakia finished third.
Can Ronaldo Lead Portugal To Glory?
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Group F
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Rank
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Teams
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W
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D
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L
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GF
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GA
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GD
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Pts
|
|
1
|
Portugal
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2
|
0
|
1
|
5
|
3
|
2
|
6
|
|
2
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Turkey
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2
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0
|
1
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5
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5
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0
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6
|
|
3
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Georgia
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1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
0
|
4
|
|
4
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Czechia
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0
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
5
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-2
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1
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The viewers were in for a treat. The group began with Portugal defeating Czechia 2-1 in a comeback win. Turkey vs Georgia produced the most exciting watch as Turkey won 3-1, courtesy of Arda Guler. Giorgi Mamardashvili summoned the spirit of prime Neuer as he saved 11 of 12 shots in a 1-1 draw against Czechia. Portugal shut down Turkey's dark horse comments as they destroyed them 3-0. Turkey bounced back in the final Round, defeating Czechia 2-1 in a game that witnessed a record-breaking 18 cards! The debutants, Georgia, needed a miracle on the final day as they needed to beat Portugal to qualify, and so they did. They beat them 2-0 thanks to 'Kvaradona' and Rising Milkautadze, qualifying for the Round of 16. Despite the loss, Portugal finished top of the group.
How Does The Round Of 16 Shape Up?
Credits - UEFA.com
The pools are all set. Switzerland will face off against Italy to commence the knockout stages, followed by the hosts matching up against Eriken's Denmark. England hopes to improve its woeful performances against Slovakia, while Spain looks to continue its rampage in a match up against debutant Georgia. The heavyweights, France and Belgium, clash against each other, as Portugal continues the Ronaldo farewell tour against Slovenia. Koeman's Netherlands is looking to capitalise on its opportunity against Romania. The Round of 16 ends with the two dark horses, Turkey and Austria, battling it out. The journey to be the triumphant nation continues.
