The Euro 2024 group stages saw Austria emerge as the surprise leader in Group D after upsetting the Netherlands with a late goal from Marcel Sabitzer. This unexpected victory propelled Austria to the top spot in the group, leaving favorites like France trailing behind. The Dutch team, on the other hand, faced a disappointing outcome with their first own goal in the European Championships and a record-breaking concession of three goals in a match.
Despite being considered one of the strongest teams in Euro 2024, France faced challenges in the group stages, scoring only two goals – their joint lowest in a European Championship group stage. The lack of goals from key players like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe raised concerns about France’s attacking prowess. Mbappe’s penalty goal against Poland marked a significant moment for him as it was his first goal in the competition after playing 535 minutes of football in European Championships.
England’s goal shortage persisted in the group stages of Euro 2024, with the team scoring only two goals throughout the matches. Despite finishing on top of Group C, concerns were raised about England’s ability to convert opportunities into goals. The team’s defensive record, however, remained strong under Gareth Southgate, with a streak of 10 straight Euro games allowing fewer than 2 goals.
The group stages also witnessed several individual milestones and records being achieved. Antoine Griezmann became France’s most capped outfield player at major tournaments, highlighting his consistent presence in the national team. Christian Eriksen’s 133rd appearance for Denmark broke the record for the most appearances in the men’s senior national team’s history. These achievements added a personal dimension to the competitive atmosphere of Euro 2024.
Euro 2024 saw some historical moments, including the first time a Euro group produced just a single victory since the introduction of the group stage format in 1980. This milestone reflected the competitiveness of the tournament and the unpredictability of results. The significance of these historical moments added depth to the narrative of Euro 2024 and created memorable storylines for fans and analysts alike.
The group stages of Euro 2024 provided a mix of surprises, struggles, and historical moments that captivated football fans worldwide. The performances of teams like Austria, France, and England showcased the highs and lows of competitive football, while individual milestones added personal narratives to the tournament. As the competition progresses to the knockout stages, the stage is set for more drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments in Euro 2024.