The knockout stages of Euro 2024 kicked off in a spectacular fashion as Italy faced off against Switzerland. Despite being the defending champions, Italy fell short against a determined Swiss side. Remo Freuler’s goal in the first half followed by Ruben Vargas’s stunner in the second half sealed Italy’s fate in a 2-0 defeat. The Swiss team’s control and dominance on the field were evident as they outplayed the Italian squad in every aspect of the game.
In another thrilling match, the hosts Germany secured their spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Denmark 2-0 in Dortmund. Kai Havertz’s penalty and Jamal Musiala’s goal ensured Germany’s progression in the tournament. This victory marked their return to the quarterfinals after an eight-year absence from major tournaments, showcasing their resilience and determination on the field.
As the Euro 2024 action unfolded on June 29, several noteworthy statistics emerged from the matches. Switzerland’s advancement to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive time highlighted their growing presence in European football. On the other hand, Italy became the third defending champions in a row to be eliminated in the Round of 16, following Spain in Euro 2016 and Portugal in Euro 2020.
Amidst the team achievements, standout individual performances also took center stage during the knockout stages. Swiss captain Granit Xhaka led by example with his exceptional passing accuracy, completing 94 of his 98 passes, including an impressive 97.3% completion rate in the final third. German sensation Jamal Musiala emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals, becoming the fifth German player to achieve this feat before turning 22.
Euro 2024 witnessed several historical milestones and records being shattered by players on the field. Remo Freuler’s goal for Switzerland came after a remarkable 31-pass sequence, marking the longest build-up to a goal in the European Championship since 1980. Manuel Neuer, the veteran German goalkeeper, set a new record with his 19th appearance at the European Championships, solidifying his status as one of Germany’s most capped players in major tournaments.
Jamal Musiala, at the age of 21 years and 124 days, etched his name in history as the second youngest player to score three or more goals at a European Championship, following in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney. His remarkable performances have not only propelled Germany forward in the tournament but also established him as a rising star in international football.
The knockout stages of Euro 2024 delivered thrilling matches, unexpected results, and extraordinary performances from players across the board. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more excitement, drama, and memorable moments on the road to crowning the next European champion.