Euro 2024 has been an amazing success up to now. Group levels at tournaments, particularly these that includes at the very least 24 groups, will be fairly predictable. In spite of everything, the highest groups usually breeze by means of the smaller sides on their approach to the knockout spherical. This present competitors, nonetheless, has been full of stellar objectives and dramatic moments.
The group stage of Euro 2024 simply accomplished on Wednesday with a pair of fascinating matchups. Georgia topped powerhouse Portugal in what was the most important upset in event historical past. On the similar time, Türkiye edged the Czech Republic in a tense fixture that broke data for probably the most playing cards handed out in a sport.
Regardless of the early successes of the competitors in Germany, there are additionally some controversies as effectively. When UEFA made the choice to incorporate 24 groups within the event in 2016, they allowed 4 of the six third-placed groups within the group stage to qualify for the knockout spherical.
Romania-Slovakia draw highlights Euro 2024 points
Gianni Infantino, now FIFA’s president, was working for UEFA on the time of the choice to develop the event’s format. When the transfer was made, Infantino described permitting third-placed groups within the knockout spherical as “not excellent.” This in the end comes down to groups figuring out prematurely of their last group sport precisely what consequence they want. Groups might additionally enter a matchup each figuring out they want a draw to advance on.
This explicit situation isn’t what followers or event organizers need. Nonetheless, it occurred throughout a current sport between Romania and Slovakia. Each groups entered their last Group E sport needing only a level to qualify for the knockout spherical.
Forward of the fixture, former Romania worldwide Danut Lupu even asserted that the 2 sides mutually agreed to share the factors. Romania and Slovakia ultimately completed out their group stage with a 1-1 draw. Each objectives within the fixture had been scored within the first half.
Ukraine eradicated regardless of incomes extra factors than knockout-bound Slovenia
Not solely has UEFA opened up a can of worms concerning groups probably agreeing to a scoreline forward of time, however there are different points with the present format as effectively. For example, groups taking part in their third and last group stage matchup later have a bonus over different sides. These taking part in later within the event know precisely what number of factors they should surpass different third-placed groups.
The format also can make sure groups really feel slighted. For example, Ukraine has been eradicated from the competitors regardless of incomes 4 factors within the group stage. This determine is similar quantity as Romania, the group’s winner. All 4 groups in Group E completed with the identical variety of factors.
Whereas they completed fourth of their group, Ukraine grabbed extra factors than Slovenia, a staff that has certified for the knockout spherical by being third in Group C on three factors.
Euro 2024 could also be one of many higher competitions within the event’s current historical past. There are nonetheless some points with the present format although. UEFA is, nonetheless, unlikely to make any actual adjustments to the competitors. The event is now on a break till the spherical of 16 begins on Saturday, June twenty ninth.
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Euro 2024
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