IN the final set of group-stage games, minnows Georgia produced the upset of the tournament when they beat one of the favourites, Portugal.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo and co were already assured of top spot in the group, it was still a mightily impressive feat for Georgia who are making their first appearance at a major tournament.
Elsewhere, a highly talented Belgium joined England as teams that were jeered by their own supporters despite qualifying for the knockout stages.
Here’s a round-up of all the games played early this morning.
Belgium 0 v Ukraine 0
Ukraine have done an admirable job in keeping the spotlight trained on the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Despite getting four points, Ukraine ultimately paid the price of their heavy opening defeat to Romania that scuppered their chances of going through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Belgium were made to feel the wrath of their supporters after another limp display. With the likes of Manchester City duo Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne in their ranks, fans are probably entitled to expect more.
On this showing, Belgian will not go far in the competition unless they can find the creative spark to unlock opponents.
Georgia 2 v Portugal 0
Portugal’s population is almost three times larger than Georgia. The former have won the tournament before and are one of the favourites to lift the trophy at Euro 2024.
The latter are making their debut at a major tournament. Portugal are skippered by CR7 and boasts the likes of Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Mancester United’s Bruno Fernandes in their ranks.
There are no superstars in the Georgian side. Georgia are ranked 64 places below their illustrious opponents.
But on the night, none of it mattered as Georgia put on a display that will give hope to minnows everywhere.
Belief and determination were enough for Georgia to produce a stunning result courtesy of goals from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze. The second via a penalty sparked joyous scenes among the Georgian players as well as wild partying in the stands and in their homeland. A fabulous advert for Euro 2024.
Romania 1 v Slovakia 1
A draw meant both sides qualified for the round of 16. The game was played at a fast tempo and despite a thunderstorm of biblical proportions, both sets of players put on a display that enhanced the competition.
Ondrej Duda’s powerful header was cancelled out by Razvan Marin’s penalty and that meant Romania qualified top of the group, while Slovakia went through too as one of the best third-placed sides.
Slovakia will play England and in the next round and will fancy their chances of an upset given the Three Lions’ poor form at Euro 2024.
Romania who started the tournament with a thumping 3-0 win over Ukraine will also believe they can upset Netherlands in the next round as the Oranje have been far from convincing thus far, finishing third in their group.
Czech Republic 1 v Turkiye 2
Plenty of drama in this one with fisticuffs, a red card and an injury time winner all adding to a pulsating clash.
Turkiye took the lead in the 51st minute via Hakan Calhanoglu and the over exuberant celebrations from the Turkish players seemed to irritate their Czech counterparts.
A brawl ensued with the red card being flashed at Tomas Chory. A man and a goal down, one would be forgiven for thinking that the Czech’s would throw in the towel.
Instead, they found the strength to push forward and duly got the equaliser via West Ham United’s Tomas Socek in the 66th minute.
However, Cenk Tosun popped up to score right at the very end to break gallant Czech resistance. – June 27, 2024
Upcoming fixtures:
Round of 16:
Switzerland v Italy – 12am (June 30)
Germany v Denmark – 3am (June 30)
