Yesterday drew the curtains on what had been a pulsating group stage phase of the European Championships. There were a couple of nations that rightly won their group, while there were a few surprises too.
In Group E, undoubtedly the tightest group in the competition, all four nations were locked on three points, and needed the right results to progress to the next round. Belgium, has been one of the disappointing nations in the tournament which big things were expected from, and they haven’t turned up, with yet again, another lack luster display. Romelu Lukaku has had a shocking tournament thus far, and his woes in front of goal continued. Early on in the game against Ukraine, the imperious Kevin de Bruyne fed him with a peach of a pass but the end product was what we have come to expect from the big Belgian forward – Another woefully missed effort.
In the other simultaneous game between Slovakia and Romania, shares were spoiled as Ondrej Duda opened the scoring for the Slovaks before Razvan Marin converted from the spot when Hagi was scythed down in the box. With all four teams locked at four points, Ukraine finished bottom and will feel hard done by, bearing in mind that some teams qualified to the Round of 16 with three points.
In the final Group, Portugal rested a host of talent following six points from the last two games, but they came up against a determined Georgia side that knew that only a victory against the juggernauts would ensure a glimpse of qualification. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal from a swift transition play, while Georges Mikautadze showed nerves of steel to score from the penalty spot. There was even time for some Cristian Ronaldo petulance when things didn’t go his way.
The other game of the group was certainly the most enthralling match of the tournament so far, as there were loads of action, goals and cards. This has to be a record, as 18 cards were brandished on the night, with 11 yellow cards going to Turkiye and seven, including two red cards to Czechia.
There’s going to be a temporary break with the action commencing on Saturday afternoon when the hosts, Germany, takes on Denmark.
Till then, enjoy the break too.
Sayonara.
