Euro 2020 | Group Stage Breakdown

Enjoying the tournament so far? it is now time to breakdown the events of the group stage.

Group A Final Standings
1. Italy
2. Wales
3. Switzerland
4. Turkey

While Italy played some entertaining football, scoring some excellent goals along the way, there is a valid argument that they didn't really play anyone of quality in the group and that is no disrespect to the other three teams involved. Congratulations to Wales and Switzerland for also making it to the knockout stages, Turkey were a massive disappointment though after they were tipped to go far by many.

Group B
1. Belgium 
2. Denmark
3. Finland
4. Russia 

Belgium were strong favourites to win this group from the start, Denmark qualified in second as you can see, despite losing Christian Eriksen for the rest of the tournament due the unfortunate incident against Finland on Matchday One. Football is moved to the side when these things happen, the main thing is he is okay. Finland played well in their debut tournament, they will not progress due to being one of the worst third best placed teams. Russia couldn't follow up great memories from the World Cup, they were a shadow of the team two years ago.  

Group C
1. Netherlands 
2. Austria 
3. Ukraine
4. North Macedonia

The Netherlands attacking style of play has been one of the best I have watched in the Euros so far, there are one or two issues in their defence, they will aim to put that right before their next game. David Alaba's experience helped Austria qualify. Ukraine join them. Credit to North Macedonia for playing good football, they will look to build on this for the future. 

Group D
1. England
2. Croatia 
3. Czech Republic
4. Scotland

England topping Group D looks impressive, the football has been the exact opposite, it has been slow and lacklustre, a resemblance of Manchester United from the past season,  they will have to raise their game if football wants to come home this summer. Luka Modric was mentioned in the preview, especially how important he is to Croatia, we will see more of him in the last 16. Czech Republic's journey so far will be remembered by the Goal of the Tournament from Patrik Schick against Scotland, who finish last in the Group.

Group E
1. Sweden 
2. Spain 
3. Slovakia
4. Poland

Sweden have some quality players, namely Emil Forsberg and Alexander Isak. Clubs across Europe will no doubt be interested in signing them this summer. Spain have not been that great in all honesty, they have missed a lot of chances, plenty of time for them to put that right. Slovakia had a chance to go through, they blew it by losing 5-0 to Spain, a game which will be remembered by the Martin Dubravka own goal. Poland have also been eliminated.

Group F
1. France
2. Germany
3. Portugal
4. Hungary

The "Group of Death" ended with France winning the group, it looks like they are stepping up a level game by game, Germany likewise, Cristiano Ronaldo has now levelled the all time international goalscoring record of 109 goals, with former Iranian forward Ali Daei, he will look to make the record his own in the next round. Hungary provided us viewers with great moments, good luck to them for the World Cup qualification.


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