Euros 2024 has approached the knockout stages, with England, France, and the Netherlands qualifying with Albania’s loss to Spain on Monday. Even though neither of the three qualifiers played on Monday, Albania’s loss means the four points they earned from opening two group-stage matches guarantees they cannot finish outside of third-place slots in the knockouts.
The Group C opener resulted in England claiming a victory over Serbia with a close 1-0 score before drawing with Denmark on Thursday. France and the Netherlands each won their opening matches but drew with each other 0-0 on Friday.
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Spain has maintained their 100% record at the Euros this year with their defeat of Albania, who was eliminated. Ferran Torres, former Manchester City forward and current Barcelona player, gave Spain the lead.
Defending champions Italy progressed to the last 16 with their draw with Croatia. The end score was a tense 1-1 from Italian midfielder Mattia Zaccagni and Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić. At nearly 39 years old, he is the oldest player to ever score at the UEFA European Championship finals.
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Which teams have qualified for the knockout stages?
Group A: Host country Germany was the first team to score a spot in the last-16 after a comfortable victory over Hungary 2-0, following the clobbering of Scotland 5-1. Hungary still has a chance to qualify as one of the best third-place teams. Switzerland has also progressed to the last-16 in second place after drawing with Germany in their final group game.
Group B: Spain became the second team to qualify for the last-16 after beating Albania for the top spot in Group B. They were joined by Italy after their draw with Croatia. Croatia may still reach the last-16 as one of the best third-place teams.
Group C: Only England qualified for the last-16 in group C so far.
Group D: Both France and the Netherlands will progress to the last-16. Austria may still reach the last-16 as one of the best third-place teams. Poland was eliminated.
Group E: None in group E have qualified yet. Belgium will play Ukraine and Romania will play Slovakia on June 26.
Group F: Portugal secured their spot in the last-16 after beating Türkiye by a wide 3-0. Türkiye will play Czechia and Georgia will play Portugal on June 26.
In summary, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Italy, England, France and the Netherlands have already clinched their spots in the last 16. However, there are still plenty to be decided in the final round of group stage games.
The knockout stages will begin on Saturday, June 29, with the last-16 set to conclude July 2. Switzerland is set to play Italy, but Germany, Spain, and Portugal’s opponents are still to be determined.
Edited by: Sarah Muñoz