SOME of the more highly-rated teams at the Euro 2024 have struggled to make the desired impact. Netherlands boasts a highly talented squad with the likes of Memphis Depay, Cody Gapko and Virgil van Dijk in their side but have struggled to impose themselves.
Similarly, England again huffed and puffed, just like they did against Denmark, in their final group match against Slovenia. France also looked strangely lethargic in their draw with Poland.
However, both teams have done enough to make it through to the knock-out stage.
Here is the round-up of the games played early this morning.
Netherlands 2 v Austria 3
A highly entertaining game that underlines Austria’s credentials as one of the tournament’s dark horses.
Under Ralf Ragnick, Austria deployed a highly effective press that unsettles opponents and are very effective in the final third of the pitch.
This breathless win was well-deserved for their determination in getting a positive result in a group that was finely balanced.
During the duration of the game, both sides moved between top and third spot but ultimately Austria topped a very difficult group, with most teams now wanting to avoid them in the knock-out stage.
Austrian supporters are calling this the best ever national team, and this famous win will live long in their memories.
France 1 v Poland 1
All eyes were on the two superstars and whether they would take to the field. Both had starring roles from the penalty spot.
Kylian Mbappé made his first appearance since suffering injury to his nose and the France forward showed off his new face mask.
He put France ahead from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. Poland’s talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski had the chance to draw his team level also from the spot but fluffed his lines.
However, he got a second chance as the France goalie was adjudged to have moved from his goal line. Lewandowski made no mistake with the second attempt. The draw means France finished second behind Austria, making for some intriguing ties in the Round of 16.
England 0 v Slovenia 0
England arrived at Euro 2024 as one of the red-hot favourites. With superstars such as Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Manchester City’s Phil Fodden, it was a tag that was seemingly justified.
Many media pundits such as Harry Redknapp had declared that with such talent, England should be “ripping opponents apart”.
But that has not been the case with the Three Lions looking sluggish and laboured in all their group games thus far.
Bereft of ideas and a blunt attack, Gareth Southgate is under increasing pressure to deliver on the big stage. On the evidence of this drab stalemate, England do not look like potential champions unless Southgate can conjure up a dramatic upswing in form.
Denmark 0 v Serbia 0
Anyone who tuned into this match would have been surprised at the lack of cutting edge as both teams played out a bore draw.
Alongside England’s stalemate with Slovenia, this match was easily one of the worst offerings from what has been a highly entertaining tournament thus far.
Serbia needed to win to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16. So why did coach Dragan Stojkovic omit Filip Mladenovic, Dusan Vlahovic and Dusan Tadic – the three best players in the Serbian squad?
The Danes weren’t much better as they were content to just pack the defence and avoid defeat, knowing that they were likely to go through regardless of this result. Ditchwater dull football. – June 26, 2024
Main pic credit: Shutterstock
