Five things we learnt from the EURO2024 group stage

As the EURO2024 group stage has concluded and we’ve already seen a plethora of excitement, surprises, and emerging narratives. Here are five key takeaways from the action-packed first round.

The fall of the favourites

Before EURO2024 kicked off, England and France were widely seen as the top contenders for the Henri Delaunay Cup. Both teams possess world-class talent and depth. However, their performances in the group stage have cast doubt on their favouritism.

England managed only one narrow 1-0 victory, accompanied by a pair of lacklustre draws. Similarly, France struggled to convert their potential into dominance, securing just a single 1-0 win amidst their group stage matches. Despite their star-studded line-ups featuring the likes of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, both squads appeared uninspired and predictable. Their defensive solidity was evident, but their attacking prowess left much to be desired.

In contrast, Spain and Germany have emerged as formidable forces, playing with fluidity and creativity. Spain, with young talents like Nico Williams, has particularly impressed, while Germany’s Jamal Musiala has been a revelation. The pre-tournament favourites will need to elevate their game significantly if they hope to compete with these in-form teams.

Underdogs steal the show

One of the most heart-warming stories of EURO2024 has been the performance of the tournament’s underdogs. Romania, considered an outsider in a tough group with Slovakia, Belgium, and Ukraine, defied expectations by topping their group. Their 3-0 thrashing of Ukraine in the opening match set the tone for a remarkable group stage campaign.

Georgia, the lowest-ranked team in the competition, also exceeded expectations. Despite an initial defeat to Türkiye, they earned a hard-fought draw against Czechia and stunned Portugal with a sensational victory, securing their spot in the knockout stages. This marks a historic achievement for the Georgians in their first-ever major tournament.

Such performances highlight the beauty of international football, where smaller nations can rise to the occasion and create unforgettable moments on the big stage.

Europe’s next generation shines

International tournaments often serve as a launchpad for young talents, and EURO2024 has been no exception. Several young stars have announced their arrival with outstanding performances.

Germany’s Jamal Musiala, at just 21, has been instrumental in his team’s success, scoring key goals and delivering man-of-the-match performances. Spain’s 21-year-old Nico Williams has been a constant threat on the wings, particularly in their crucial 1-0 win over Italy, where he was named player of the match. England’s Jude Bellingham, despite his team’s struggles, has been a standout performer, showcasing his immense potential at just 20 years old.

Türkiye’s Arda Güler, at 19, scored one of the goals of the tournament so far with a long-range screamer against Georgia, making him the youngest player to score on their Euros debut. These young stars are not just the future of European football; they are making a significant impact in the present.

Spectacular goals and own goals

The group stage of EURO2024 has been a spectacle of stunning goals and unfortunate own goals. Long-range strikes have been a highlight, with players like Nicolae Stanciu, Arda Güler, and Morten Hjulmand scoring from outside the box, adding to the tournament’s tally of 14 such goals.

On the flip side, own goals have also provided moments of unintended comedy. The most notable own goal came from Türkiye’s Samet Akaydın, whose misplaced pass resulted in a disastrous goal against Portugal. These moments, while unfortunate for the players involved, added to the drama and unpredictability of the group stage.

Fans bring the noise

The passionate support of fans has been a defining feature of EURO2024. Stadiums across Germany have been buzzing with energy, creating unforgettable atmospheres. Fans from different nations have come together, sharing the joy of football and creating a vibrant, festive environment.

Albania, Georgia, Türkiye and Slovenia have particularly stood out, with their supporters creating a deafening roar that has spurred their teams on. After the restricted crowds of EURO2020 due to the pandemic, the full stadiums of EURO2024 have brought back the magic of international tournaments.

As we move into the knockout stages, the excitement and intensity are set to ramp up even further. The group stage has laid a fantastic foundation, and the next rounds promise to deliver even more memorable moments.

You can keep up to date with everything that happens in the round-of-16 and beyond right here at FromTheSpot.