June 27 – The group phase at Euro 2024 is over so who are the main winners and losers?
Best Team: Spain
The may not have won a major men’s tournament for over a decade but they are the only country with maximum points from their group games, playing with trademark technique and flair. Could missing too many goalscoring opportunities ultimately stand between them and an unprecedented fourth Euros title?
Unluckiest team: Ukraine
The first side ever to fail to qualify for the knockout rounds after securing four points. Doesn’t seem fair when two other teams have got through with three. Will the rules be changed next time?
Most disappointing side: England
Gareth Southgate’s team have been widely criticised for three sterile displays and playing too many star-studded players out of position. More than any of the pre-tournament favourites, they have had the luck of the draw so if not now, when? They need to start firing in the last 16.
Flattered to deceive: Belgium
With almost as many household names as England, the Red Devils have hardly set the tournament alight and their reward for not winning their group is a clash with France. Closely behind Belgium in the flattering to deceive stakes are the Netherlands.
Dark horses: Austria
Many pundits’ prediction to go deep into the tournament, they have justified that tag by winning a tough group and are having a party on the back of adventure, teamwork and no little flair. Watch out too for under-rated Switzerland in the last 16 though not as tournament winners.
Biggest Surprise: Georgia
The obvious candidate as the lowest ranked team in the competition and almost unthinkable at the start. No-one who witnessed their courageous display against Portugal will ever forget it. History makers in so many ways.
Last 16 fixtures:
Switzerland v Italy (Saturday, 29 June, Berlin)
Germany v Denmark (Saturday, 29 June, Dortmund)
England v Slovakia (Sunday, 30 June, Gelsenkirchen)
Spain v Georgia (Sunday, 30 June, Cologne)
France v Belgium (Monday, 1 July, Dusseldorf)
Portugal v Slovenia (Monday, 1 July, Frankfurt)
Romania v Netherlands (Tuesday, 2 July, Munich)
Austria v Turkey (Tuesday, 2 July, Leipzig)
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