The first round of Euro 2024 ended on Wednesday, June 26, and almost all the big nations are in the round of 16. France and Belgium, sluggish, will find themselves face-to-face, while the formidable Spain will measure up to the novice Georgian. Germany, at home, will have to be wary of Denmark. Focus on the eight games.

Published on: 06/27/2024 – 4:21 p.m.

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There were 24 nations at the kick-off of theEuro 2024 June 14. A little less than two weeks later, there are only 16 left. Since the 2016 edition and the expansion of the European Nations Championship to 24 teams, there has been much less damage at the end of the first round, with in particular the principle of the four best third-placed teams qualifying for the rest of the competition.

So, this year again, all the big nations of the European chessboard validated their ticket for the round of 16. Just, we can point out the elimination of the aging Croatia, used to shining at the World Cups, but still as underperforming at the Euro. The favorites and outsiders have gone through, as well as some less expected teams.

To consultEuro 2024: find the calendar and the results

Germany-Denmark: The Nationalmannschaft has a status to assume

Best attack with eight goals scored in three matches, Germany has rather reassured its supporters. She was impeccable in her first two matches. The third against Switzerland was more complicated, with an equalizer on the gong (1-1) to keep first place in group A. The Germans are confident, effective in the offensive domain, and supported by their public. They are among the favorites for the title and are not hiding. Facing Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, here is Denmark again, semi-finalist four years ago. The Danes appear less dashing than during Euro 2021, with their three draws in the first round (two goals scored, two goals conceded) and a second place gleaned from fair play in front of Slovenia in group C. They will have to sublimate themselves to respond to the German challenge in Dortmund.

France-Belgium: how we meet again

The french team is not really a good client for the Red Devils in the final phase of official competition. It’s simple, in five World Cup, Euro and Nations League matches, the Belgians have always lost to the Blues. Six years ago, France shattered Belgium’s dream in the World Cup semi-final. And three years ago, in the semi-final of the League of Nations, Didier Deschamps and his men again frustrated their opponents. There is undoubtedly a spirit of revenge in the ranks of the Belgian selection today. But both teams floundered in the first round, scoring little (two goals) and winning only one match. Awakening is expected on both sides. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Spain-Georgia: the ogre facing the novice

They are the most attractive team in the first round, the only one to have had a clean sweep: three wins in three matches, five goals scored and none conceded. Spain has found ambition again with Luis De La Fuente as coach, Rodri as a hub and the youngsters Lamine Yamal (16 years old) and Nico Williams (21 years old) to torment the defenses on the wings. La Furia Roja looks like a behemoth next to their opponent, Georgia. But beware of appearances. Of course, this Euro is the Georgian selection’s first major competition. But led by French coach Willy Sagnol, the Georgians have no complexes and have not stolen their qualification. They validated their ticket thanks to a deserved victory against Portugal in Group F (2-0). With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the detonator and Georges Mikautadze the competition’s top scorer (three goals), Georgia believes in the feat.

England-Slovakia: The Three Lions are struggling to find their feet

England are among those favourites who floundered in the first round, with an opening win, then two draws, and only two goals scored. Enough to take first place in Group C, but not enough to reassure. The reigning European vice-champions are showing worrying difficulties in attacking despite an impressive arsenal. They are going into the knockout phase with no certainty against a Slovakia that is half-hearted. The Slovaks had made a good start in Group E by taming Belgium (1-0), but they followed up with a defeat and then a draw against Ukraine (1-2) and Romania (1-1). In a group where all four teams finished with 4 points, it is not easy to gauge the real level of this Slovakia.

Portugal-Slovenia: Seleçao wants to erase the squawk

It was off to a good start for Portugal, between a victory snatched in the last moments against the Czech Republic (2-1), and another clear victory against Turkey (3-0). His team already qualified after two matches, Roberto Martinez rotated his squad for the final meeting of Group F against Georgia. But even with solid elements on the field like veteran Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years old), Joao Félix and Antonio Silva, the Portuguese blundered and bowed to the Georgian sensation. An unfortunate defeat, which cuts Portugal’s momentum and forces it to pull itself together against Slovenia, qualified for the round of 16 at the end of a very dull run: three draws and a narrow place among the four best thirds . This is the first time that the Slovenes have survived a first round.

Italy-Switzerland: the continuation of the Italian miracle?

The defending champion narrowly missed out on the first round. Italy, victorious over Albania (2-1) and then defeated by Spain (0-1), saved their lead at the end of an interminable injury time against Croatia in the last match. Mattia Zaccagni’s curling shot into the top corner in the 90+8th minute against the Croatians (1-1) put the Squadra Azzurra back in 2nd place in Group B and delighted their many supporters, who hope to see their team continue this brilliant euphoria against Switzerland. But they will have to be inspired against these very serious Swiss in the first round and who almost beat Germany. Efficient and experienced, the Nati are not an easy team to move and could well pose a problem for Italy.

Romania-Netherlands: a fog to clear

In a flat Group E where the four teams finished with four points, the Romanians had the last word. They got off to a very good start by extinguishing Ukraine (3-0) but fell behind against Belgium (0-2) and neutralized Slovakia (1-1). Nothing too notable, but it was enough to take first place. It was not much better for the Netherlands in Group D, where they finished in third place. The Oranje notably suffered a bitter final setback against Austria, while first place was reaching out to them. Romania and the Netherlands are in limbo before finding themselves in the round of 16.

Austria-Türkiye: The teammore than a surprise?

In a group D with the vice-world champions France and the Netherlands, Austria was not really favored by the predictions. But The team, as she is nicknamed, had a good series of matches without defeat before the Euro. And after a short setback against the Blues (0-1), it dictated its law to Poland (3-1) before a resounding victory against the Netherlands (3-2) in a decisive match. And at the finish, it was Austria who came out on top by winning first place under everyone’s nose. Turkey also had a very rhythmic first round in Group F, with a victory against Georgia (3-1), a slap against Portugal (0-3) and a victory down to the wire against the Czech Republic (2 -1) to snatch second place. Potentially very exciting round of 16 in perspective.

Read alsoEuro 2024: the program and times for the round of 16

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