EURO 2024 Recap, Round 4
Here is a summary of the fourth round of EURO 2024, which included surprising results and impressive individual displays.
Switzerland 2-0 Italy
The reigning European champions, Italy, were eliminated from Euro 2024 in the Round of 16 by a strong Switzerland team. Ruben Vargas scored and assisted in the win that advanced Switzerland to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament. Despite Italy’s underwhelming performance, Switzerland easily secured their first victory against Italy in nine head-to-head matches and only their second win since hosting the 1954 World Cup. Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, may have lost the backing of some fans for the team’s poor showing in Germany, while Switzerland will face either England in the next round.
Germany 2-0 Denmark
Germany, the hosts of UEFA Euro 2024, advanced to the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-0 victory over Denmark in Dortmund. The match was briefly halted due to a lightning storm but continued later when the weather calmed down. Denmark’s winless streak in major tournaments has now extended to eight games, while Germany remains undefeated in their last eight matches. They will face the winner of the Spain in the quarter-finals.
England 2-1 Slovakia (After Extra Time)
Jude Bellingham made history by becoming the youngest player to score for England in a European Championship knockout game, as his impressive goal in stoppage time helped England secure a 2-1 victory over Slovakia and advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. This win marked a significant turnaround for England, preventing Slovakia from reaching the quarter-finals for the first time as an independent nation. The team, led by Southgate, will now face Switzerland in Düsseldorf on Saturday with boosted morale.
Spain 4-1 Georgia
Spain overcame an early goal to defeat Georgia 4-1 and advance to the quarter-finals of the Euro 2024, maintaining their perfect record against the Crusaders and in the tournament so far. Despite a strong effort from the tournament’s resilient underdogs, Spain remains the only team with a flawless record in Euro 2024. They will now face hosts Germany in what promises to be an exciting quarter-final match. Georgia, who have shown determination throughout the tournament, can leave with their heads held high.
France 1-0 Belgium
France secured their spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals by defeating Belgium 1-0, marking their fifth consecutive victory against them in a major tournament. The match between these top-ranked FIFA nations was highly anticipated, but the early stages were uneventful. France will now face Portugal in the next round. Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ once again faced disappointment in a major tournament.
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia (Portugal win on penalties)
Portugal advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA European Championships with a 3-0 penalty shootout victory following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Slovenia. Slovenia made history by reaching the knockout stages of an international tournament for the first time. Despite facing more challenges than anticipated, Portugal secured a spot in the quarter-finals where they will face France. This achievement surpasses their performance three years ago when they were defeated by Belgium.
Romania 0-3 Netherlands
The Netherlands defeated a determined Romania team with a 3-0 win, securing a spot in their first UEFA European Championship quarter-final since 2008. This victory marked the Netherlands’ first knockout win at the Euros since 2004. Romania’s campaign, although they made it past the group stage for the first time since 2000, ended a loss.
Austria 1-2 Turkey
Merih Demiral scored two goals, his first international career brace, to help Turkey advance to the UEFA European Championship quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years with a 2-1 victory over Austria in Leipzig. Despite Austria’s high hopes following their unexpected top spot in Group A, Turkey’s set pieces and strong defense secured the win. The victory set up a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.
