For the first time in its history, Euro 2024 featured 24 teams in a newly-expanded format. While some fans have criticized the overall enjoyment of the matches, the tournament has still delivered shock results, quick VAR resolutions, stunning goals, and a slew of own goals.
Spain has been impressive, being the only team to qualify with a perfect record of nine points. Austria has embraced the dark horse label with confidence and bravery. In contrast, traditional powerhouses like England and France have been less convincing, with France barely making it through to the knockout stages.
“It’s been a highly competitive edition compared to previous years, and it seems like the underdogs are as hungry for success just like the usual favourites are,” Ope Adebari, a sports analyst, reporter, and producer with News Central, told DAILY POST. “It’s good to see teams like Georgia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Romania advance to the next stage at the expense of teams like Croatia and Ukraine. However, we’re yet to see the tournament favourites, France and England, kick into full gear. The major surprises for me have been Spain and Germany. Both teams seem to be more thirsty and hungry compared to other tournament favourites.”
Nwosu Michael Izuchukwu, a podcaster and digital marketer, shared a similar sentiment. “The best games have been played by teams you wouldn’t exactly look forward to watching,” he said. “At least until qualification for the round of 16 came down to the final match day of the group stage. The Croatia vs. Italy game really produced a wowzer. But generally, it’s been very underwhelming (at least for me). Shoutout to Austria, though. They really rocked my world, qualifying ahead of both France and Netherlands in Group D. And then there’s the madness that happened in Group E, where everyone finished with four points.”
Fans and pundits alike are excited about the standout fixture in the last-16 stage: Belgium vs. France. “It has to be the Belgium and France encounter. I think the game will bring out the best in both teams and their star players,” Adebari said. Belgium and France were among the pre-tournament favourites to win the trophy, but one of them will be eliminated before the quarter-finals.
So, which teams are expected to be left standing as the tournament progresses? “With how some of these ‘favorites’ have been playing in this tournament, it’ll be hard to call. But I’ll say: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Netherlands, Austria, England, and Switzerland,” Izuchukwu predicted.
The tournament has certainly kept fans on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. Despite some criticism, the expanded format has allowed for more competitive matches and given smaller teams a chance to shine. As Euro 2024 heads into the knockout stages, all eyes will be on whether the underdogs can continue their impressive run and whether the tournament favourites can finally hit their stride.
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