EURO 2024 Roundup, Matchday 9
Here is a summary of the matches that occurred during Matchday 9 of EURO 2024, focusing on results and exceptional individual displays.
Georgia 1-1 Czech Republic
Czech Republic come from behind to draw 1-1 with Georgia in Hamburg. A crucial equalizer helped them avoid a loss at the Volksparkstadion, maintaining the tension in Group F. Georgia showcased a bold approach by constantly attacking the Czech Republic. Despite this, Czechia also demonstrated their threat, by scoring from a Coufal throw, but it was disallowed due to a handball by Adam Hložek. Georgia was awarded a penalty late in the first half for a handball by Robin Hranáč. Georges Mikautadze converted the penalty, extending his scoring streak to four matches for both club and country.
The scores were level in the 59th minute when Ondřej Lingr’s header hit the post and then bounced off Schick’s chest into the goal, making him the Czech Republic’s top scorer at the Euros with six goals. Czechia continued to attack, with Krejčí missing a header and Jurásek’s long-range shot saved. Czech Republic, who have only won one of their last eight Euros group-stage matches, were unable to increase their score. The match ended with Georgia missing a great chance to secure their first-ever major tournament victory, as Lobjanidze shot over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Turkey 0-3 Portugal
Portugal secured a 3-0 victory over Turkey in Dortmund to clinch a spot in the next round with a game to spare. Turkey, on the other hand, suffered their fourth Euros loss to Portugal without scoring a goal. The match saw Altay Bayındır, Turkey’s goalkeeper, being tested early on when Cristiano Ronaldo connected with Bernardo Silva’s cross. Midway through the first half, Portugal took the lead through Bernardo Silva after a deflected cross from Rafael Leão. The lead was doubled when a poor back pass from Samet Akaydin was missed by Bayındır, resulting in an own goal.
Portugal easily capitalized on poor Turkish defending to score a third goal after halftime. Ronaldo was played onside by a sloppy back line, allowing him to receive a long ball from Rúben Neves and set up Bruno Fernandes for an easy tap-in. Despite the introduction of Arda Güler, Turkey couldn’t make a comeback. Portugal comfortably defended their lead and prevented any late consolation goals. A draw in Turkey’s final group match against Czechia would secure their spot in the knockout rounds for the first time in 16 years.
Belgium 2-0 Romania
Belgium’s 2-0 win over Romania has brought all four teams in group E now to three points from two games. The victory ended Belgium’s three-game winless streak in major tournaments. Domenico Tedesco’s debut as Red Devils boss took a hit with a surprising loss to Slovakia in the first match. However, Belgium bounced back in their game against Romania, with Jérémy Doku and Romelu Lukaku combining to assist Youri Tielemans for the first goal. This goal not only marked the third-fastest in Euros history but also broke Belgium’s streak of failing to score in three consecutive major tournament matches.
The match remained intense, and De Bruyne almost made an impact with a well-placed pass to Lukaku, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Dennis Man had a chance to equalize but shot straight at the Belgian keeper. De Bruyne eventually scored, securing a crucial win for Belgium. The result leaves Group E finely balanced, with Belgium, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine all still in contention for the last 16. Belgium will face Ukraine in Stuttgart, while Romania takes on Slovakia in Frankfurt, promising an exciting conclusion to the group stage.