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As the group stage of Euro 2024 concludes, the tournament has already seen its fair share of drama, surprises, and heartbreaks. Groups C and D, in particular, have delivered intense football action, leaving fans and pundits with much to discuss. Here’s a detailed look at the outcomes and narratives emerging from these groups.
Group C:
England's Uneasy Journey
England, despite winning Group C, has faced considerable criticism for their lackluster performances. The goalless draw against Slovenia in their final group match epitomized their struggles. Under immense pressure and with high expectations, Gareth Southgate's squad has not lived up to the hype. The match against Slovenia was a clear indication of England's lack of chemistry and attacking flair, leading to increasing doubts about their capability to go far in the tournament.
Southgate, who has been celebrated for his past successes, including a semi-final in the 2018 World Cup and a final in Euro 2020, now finds himself under fire. The English media and pundits like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have voiced their concerns about the team's performance, branding their play as "timid" and "uninspired."
Denmark Scrapes Through
In a tense match, Denmark managed a 0-0 draw against Serbia, which was enough to secure their spot in the knockout stages as the second team from Group C. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, the Danish team couldn’t find the back of the net. Christian Eriksen’s near-misses and the overall lack of finishing touch have been points of concern.
Serbia, needing a win to progress, saw their hopes dashed despite creating significant chances late in the game. Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had golden opportunities to turn the game in Serbia’s favor but failed to convert, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.
Netherlands’ Disappointment
The Netherlands faced a shocking 3-2 defeat against Austria, leaving them third in their group. This match was a tale of two halves for the Dutch team. In the first half, they were overrun by Austria’s pressing game, leading to a dire performance. Despite a better showing in the second half, where goals from Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay briefly brought hope, it was not enough to secure a win.
The Dutch media and fans have been critical of Ronald Koeman's tactical decisions, particularly the inclusion of Joey Veerman, who struggled to cope with Austria's pace. The Netherlands now advance to the knockout stage with a damaged morale and significant questions to answer.
Group D:
France's Missed Opportunity
France, despite the return of Kylian Mbappé, could only manage a 1-1 draw against Poland. This result saw them miss out on the top spot in Group D, finishing second behind Austria. The French team, considered one of the tournament favorites, struggled to impose themselves against a resilient Polish side.
The game took a dramatic turn in the final moments when Dayot Upamecano’s error led to a penalty for Poland. Although Mike Maignan initially saved Robert Lewandowski’s spot-kick, he was deemed to have moved early, and Lewandowski converted the retake. This equalizer dashed France's hopes of finishing as group winners, despite Mbappé scoring earlier from the penalty spot.
Austria's Triumph
Austria’s stunning 3-2 victory over the Netherlands and their overall consistent performances ensured they topped Group D. Austria’s dynamic and aggressive style, masterminded by coach Ralf Rangnick, has been a revelation in the tournament. Players like Florian Grillitsch and Marcel Sabitzer have been instrumental, with Sabitzer scoring the decisive goal against the Netherlands.
Next round
The conclusion of the group stages sets the stage for an intriguing knockout phase. England must address their attacking woes if they are to meet the expectations back home. Denmark will need to improve their finishing to stand a chance against stronger opponents. The Netherlands, despite their shaky form, have the talent to cause upsets, but they must find cohesion quickly. France, still among the favorites, will look to bounce back from their disappointing draw and leverage their star power in the next rounds.
