Conclusion of the European Championship group stage A four-way and a three-way battle for the last 16 places

SDA

26.6.2024 - 04:31

Both Romania (Razvan Marin, above) and group favorites Belgium (Kevin De Bruyne) can reach the round of 16 on their own - this also applies to Ukraine and Slovakia in Group E, where all teams have three points to their name.
Both Romania (Razvan Marin, above) and group favorites Belgium (Kevin De Bruyne) can reach the round of 16 on their own - this also applies to Ukraine and Slovakia in Group E, where all teams have three points to their name.
Picture: Keystone

The last places in the round of 16 at the European Championship will be decided on Wednesday. With Portugal, only one team from Groups E and F has secured a place in the knockout phase. Everyone else can hope.

No time? blue News summarizes for you

  • The last group matches at the European Championship in Germany are on the program on Wednesday. Portugal have already secured their place in the round of 16, while the remaining nations still have to tremble.
  • The starting position in Group E promises to be very exciting. Belgium, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine all have three points after two games.

Group E: Will favorite Belgium prevail?

The starting position in Group E, in which all teams have three points ahead of the final matchday, is extremely exciting.

Belgium, who had been considered the clear favorites in this group, rehabilitated themselves after the unfortunate and surprising defeat against Slovakia at the start and delivered a convincing performance against Romania. Now the star ensemble led by Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jérémy Doku needs at least one point against Ukraine to qualify for the round of 16. Otherwise, as at the 2022 World Cup, they face elimination from a supposedly easy group.



For their part,the Ukra inians still have everything in their own hands thanks to an improved performance. Only a win will secure them a place in the next round. Otherwise, a look at the other group game and the calculator will have to shed some light on the situation.

Slovakia and Romania surprised everyone on the first matchday, but were unable to take advantage of their good starting position to advance to the knockout phase and will now face each other in a direct duel. Qualifying for the round of 16 would be a great success for both teams, as they have only managed to do so once before (Romania 2000, Slovakia 2016). A draw would certainly be enough for both teams to progress.

Goal difference could ultimately tip the scales in this evenly balanced group. Romania (3:2) and Belgium (2:1) are ahead of Slovakia (2:2) and Ukraine (2:4).

Group F: Turkey in pole position

In Group F, Portugal are the group winners after two wins. On the final matchday, the Seleçao will face European Championship newcomers Georgia, who have provided a spectacle in their previous appearances but only have one point to their name. The team led by superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia must win to keep their chances of reaching the round of 16 alive.



Turkey and the Czech Republic meet in the parallel match. The Turks are in the best starting position for second place with three points, but the Czechs, who were poorly rewarded with one point for their two courageous performances, will also be aiming for second place with a win.