The Euro 2020 group stage is complete, and there is now an agonising two day wait for the knockouts to begin. So far, Euro 2020 has lived up to the hype that fans expect of international tournament football. There have been quality goals, outstanding performances, and plenty of other talking points. And we’re only at the halfway stage!
Euro 2020 Group Stage Review
Group A: Italy Exert Their Dominance
Italy kicked off the tournament at the Stadio Olimpico and quickly showed Europe that they are a force to be reckoned with. It’s hard to say which was more inspiring; Italy’s performance, or Andrea Bocelli in the opening ceremony. They beat Turkey 3-0 and followed that up with another 3-0 over Switzerland. The Italians rounded off their group stage by making it three wins out of three, after defeating Wales 1-0.
Italy’s strong start extends their incredible run, now winning each of their last ten games without conceding a goal. Many people now believe that Italy could go all the way and win the competition.
Behind them, Wales and Switzerland both finished on four points, with Wales claiming second place thanks to their superior goal difference. They played out a 1-1 draw in their opening game before they both got the better of Turkey.
Before the tournament, Turkey were many people’s dark horses for the tournament. However, their performances fell flat, to say the least, and they will go home as the worst-performing side of Euro 2020.
Group B: Danes Qualify to Do Christian Eriksen Proud
Denmark’s performances were the least of their concern when Christian Eriksen collapsed during their opening game against Finland. The Inter Milan midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest, but the speedy intervention from medical staff, and Denmark captain Simon Kjaer, means he is now recovering well. Controversially, the Danes had to resume their match against Finland that same evening, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat.
Belgium came into the tournament favourites to win the group and did so with minimal fuss. They won every game, conceding just one goal, in their game against Denmark, a match in which question marks were raised over their defensive capabilities. Romelu Lukaku has turned in some inspiring performances, scoring three goals.
Denmark, Finland and Russia finished with one win each, meaning the three were separated by goal difference. Finland pipped Russia to third place, however did not do enough to finish as one of the best third-placed teams.
Group C: Netherlands Cruise as Pandev Signs Off
Much like Belgium, Netherlands lived up to their expectations by winning their group in consummate fashion. They join Italy and Belgium as the only teams to take a 100% win ratio into the knockout stages. In a group where Austria and Ukraine threatened to upset them, the Netherlands overcame them comfortably. Captain Georginio Wijnaldum continued his excellent habit of scoring goals for his country, grabbing three in the Euro 2020 group stage.
Austria finished as the best of the rest, and in doing so, reached the knockout stages of the European Championships for the first time in their history. They finished ahead of Ukraine, who squeezed out of the group as the fourth-best third-placed team.
Despite finishing at the bottom of the group, and failing to amass a single point, it was a memorable tournament for North Macedonia, specifically for their veteran captain Goran Pandev. Manager Igor Angelovski convinced Pandev not to retire in 2015, assuring him that he could lead North Macedonia to their first-ever tournament.
Pandev grabbed a goal against Austria too, before playing his final international against the Netherlands. He was given a guard of honour by his teammates, as their leading goalscorer played for his country for the final time.
Group D: England Progress as Scotland Fail On Their Return to the International Stage
They may not have done it in style, but England managed to top their group which included the 2018 World Cup runners-up. Gareth Southgate has received constant criticism for his team selections, however progresses without conceding a goal. England achieved 1-0 wins against Croatia and the Czech Republic thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling.
It means England will once again square up to Germany at Wembley. Nothing to worry about, England have only lost *checks notes* six of the last seven games against Germany at Wembley. It’s still coming home.
Scotland were participating in their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup. An occasion the Scots couldn’t wait for ended in bitter disappointment. They fell short to the Czech Republic and Croatia on home turf, inspired by Patrick Schick and Luka Modric performances.
Croatia stumbled to second place in Group D. They looked a shadow of their World Cup final side in their first two games but were back to their best at Hampden Park. The Czech Republic also progressed as a third-placed side, also thanks to their win over Scotland. The game featured the longest goal ever seen in Euros history, courtesy of Patrick Schick.
Group E: Spain Get There in the End
Group E was expected to be something of a walk in the park for Spain, although it ended up being far from that. The two-time European champions stuttered against Sweden and Poland, drawing both games, and looked bereft of attacking quality. However, they were revitalised against Slovakia, scoring five in the biggest win of Euro 2020 so far. Mind you, they were set on their way thanks to a calamitous own goal from Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka.
It was another tournament to forget for Poland. Just like at the 2018 World Cup, they finished bottom of their group. A decent-looking team on paper were reliant on their goalscoring giant Robert Lewandowski. And whilst he did deliver, scoring 75% of his country’s goals, it inevitably wasn’t enough.
It also wasn’t enough for Slovakia, despite their impressive win over the Poles. They were also reliant on their talisman in Marek Hamsik, but a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Spain proved they aren’t deserving of a place in the last 16.
Sweden are arguably the overachievers of the Euro 2020 group stage. They were the only team not considered favourites to win the group to do just that. They held on to a 0-0 draw against Spain, despite having just 15% possession, before grinding out victories in their remaining two games. Sweden can be very thankful to Emil Forsberg, who has popped up with three goals. Meanwhile, Alex Isak’s performances have drawn attention from clubs all over Europe.
Group F: Hungary Come So Close in the Group of Death
Group F was the group of death to end all groups of death. The reigning European champions, and the two previous World Cup winner, all in the same group as poor old Hungary. The Hungarians can be immensely proud of their performances. They held Portugal for 84 minutes, drew 1-1 with France, and led the Germans twice in Munich. On another day, they might be preparing for a knockout game with England.
France ended up topping the group, thanks in large to their 1-0 opening win over Germany. After they failed to beat a resilient Hungary, they played out one of the most entertaining group games, which had only the three penalties. Avoiding defeat extends Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante’s incredible partnership. They have now started 30 games together for France and never lost. A scary stat for opposition teams heading into the knockouts.
Germany avoided consecutive tournament humiliations by the skin of their teeth. They were nearly humbled by Hungary until Leon Goretzka equalised six minutes from time. They showed how deadly they are when they’re at their best when they put four past Portugal, a performance just to remind everyone what they’re all about.
Will history repeat itself? Portugal qualified in third place, just as they did in 2016. There should be no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo is still their main threat. He’s in record-breaking mood at this tournament. He has more goal than anyone in the history of the Euros – 14 and counting. Ronaldo has also now equalled Ali Daei’s record of 109 international goals, and it’s only a matter of time before the record is his own.
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