The group stages are over and 24 teams have become 16 going into the knockouts. We say goodbye to 8 sides in Germany and I’m going to take a further look at those sides to see whose leaving disappointed and who may retain some hopes going forward.
Scotland
Opening the tournament against the hosts, Scotland were up against it the moment a ball was kicked this tournament. They found themselves two goals down to Germany within 20 minutes before a red card for Ryan Porteous saw them down to 10 men and 3-0 down at half time as the resulting penalty was converted. They went on to lose 5-1 which whilst Germany were the favourites in this group was a disappointing showing from Scotland. They followed this up with an improved performance against Switzerland, Scott McTominay’s deflected effort opening the scoring before Shaqiri fired the Swiss level. That’s how it would stay to leave Scotland on 1 point with one game to go. A draw against Hungary would see them finish third but 2 points would not be enough to qualify (albeit this was unknown at the time it was very much expected to not be enough) meaning Scotland had to beat Hungary to qualify. However they struggled to create many opportunities and a late counter attack saw Hungary take all 3 points and send Scotland out.
Skewed by the Germany defeat, Scotland ended the tournament with the most goals conceded with 7 goals, however going forward was probably a bigger issue for them. Their only two goals came from an own goal and a wicked deflection, whilst against Hungary where they needed a win they had 4 shots and 0 big chances. In their squad it’s McTominay and McGinn who have the most goals for Scotland but both are midfielders, only 2 out and out strikers were taken in Ché Adams and Lawrence Shankland but both players struggled to make any impact with Shankland having 0 shots in just 25 minutes of action, whilst Adams only had 2 in his 209 minutes. Scotland persisted with a 5 back throughout the tournament but they struggle up the pitch and the strikers can be rather isolated.
They will be disappointed in their showing this summer despite the tricky group. In qualifying they looked a much more capable side but they never really recovered from the opening day hammering by Germany. Going forward there are a few injured players who will look to force their way into the squad on their returns plus they have a Nations League, League A campaign to see out 2024 which will allow them to step against Poland, Portugal and Croatia where they will look to address some of the issues they faced this summer against good opposition.
GRADE: E. Disappointingly looked out of their depth and its another European Championship where they failed to get out the group.
Hungary
Fellow Group A side Hungary followed Scotland out in the group stages but had an agonising wait to see if they would qualify as a third place side. I was optimistic for Hungary this summer with them having had a promising few years coming into this tournament but they got off to a disappointing start against Switzerland. They found themselves 2 goals down to the Swiss at half time where they hadn’t really got themselves going, but after half time they looked much more like the side who could have been potential underdogs this summer. Varga pulled one back and Hungary continued to push, but the equaliser didn’t come and a mistake at the back allowed Embolo through on goal and he put the game to bed. Next up was the hosts and whilst they created a few good chances against Germany they couldn’t break them down and were undone twice leaving them bottom of the group on 0 points after 2 matches. Their minus 4 goal difference was also looking ominous for them even if they were able to beat Scotland. As mentioned above they did grab the victory late on thanks to a goal from Kevin Csoboth and they finished third and had a long wait for the other groups to finish to see if it would be enough. It wouldn’t be however as they finished as the fifth best fourth placed side, behind Slovakia on goal difference.
Hungary will be disappointed and I think it is the first half showing against Switzerland that has cost them here. That may be over simplifying it but they came out too slow and found themselves two goals down against a side they would be fighting with for that second automatic spot. They looked much better in the remaining two and a half games but the damage was already done and they found themselves on 0 points and more importantly 3 points behind Switzerland. They gave Germany a few scares and whilst their goal against Scotland came with the Scots over committing for a corner they were the better side through the game. They have a rematch with the Germans coming up in League A of the nations league, along with games against Netherlands and Bosnia where they will look to bounce back and stay amongst the League A ranked sides.
GRADE: D+. Some positives but they will be disappointed to not have made it out of the group.
Croatia
One of the toughest groups on paper saw 2 sides eliminated from it this summer. Croatia and Albania were joined by Spain and Italy in Group B. Croatia started the tournament with a game against Spain and seemed to be getting a foothold in the game. However they were torn apart in the final 15 minutes of the first half finding themselves 3-0 down at the break. They came out with more purpose though Spain were able to sit off and defend their lead. Croatia were then given a penalty with 10 minutes to play but Petković saw his spot kicked saved and the follow up was ruled out for a penalty box infringement as Spain held on for the clean sheet. In the game against Albania they were again up against it after falling behind early on and went into half time a goal down. This time they came into the second half with more fight and they eventually broke Albania’s resistance with 2 quick-fire goals which saw them take the lead. With a 2-1 lead they looked to be heading into the final game in a good position but a late late Albania goal saw 3 points turn into 1 and a victory against Italy was necessary for qualification. 10 Minutes into the second half and Croatia were awarded a penalty but Donnaruma saved Modrić’s spot kick to leave the scorers level. It would take less than a minute however for Modrić to make amends and fire Croatia ahead. On the brink of qualification Croatia were undone and Zaccagni superbly curled in an effort to send Italy through and Croatia out.
A bitter blow to take for Croatia having seen qualification snatched from them so late into the game. Looking back on their tournament they will be disappointed with how it unfolded. A poor showing against Spain and 2 late goals in the following 2 games saw them turn 6 points into 2 points. They finish as the worst third place side but minutes away from second place in Group B.
With an ageing squad this could potentially have been the last tournament together for main core of the squad. Their midfield is especially in need of a new core with Luka Modrić most probably moving on whilst Brozović and Kovacić are hitting the end of their primes. Perisić is another for whom this may well have been a final tournament. Croatia will now head into the Nations League and it will be interesting to see if they have an eye on the future for those upcoming games.
GRADED: C-. Holding on in either the Italy or Albania game would have seen them through, mistakes cost them and they will feel this was a missed opportunity, fearing a final opportunity for the current core.
Albania
Fellow Group B side Albania were set to be the whipping boys of the group having been put in with difficult opposition. However a record breaking start against Italy saw them score the fastest ever goal at the European Championships to open the scoring in just 23 seconds. However Albania couldn’t hold out and 15 minutes later Italy had turned it around and were 2-1 in front. That’s how it would stay and whilst it was a promising opening it was clear that Albania would have their work cut out. It wasn’t quite as quick a start against Croatia as this time it took Albania 11 minutes to go in front. Again they conceded to quick-fire goals but this time had held out until the 74th minute before conceding. Also this time they had more to show, a 95th minute equaliser saw Albania pick up a 2-2 draw to give them a chance of qualifying. Spain were the final opponents who whilst they were able to rest players were still a daunting opposition. It was a gutsy display but a brilliant Ferran Torres goal saw Spain take all three points leaving Albania in last place on a single point.
That point was still more than many would have predicted and whilst each game was a battle Albania showed they were here for more than to just make up the numbers. Going into the final game with a chance at qualifying was a positive for Albania and they will hope to build on this tournament and Sylvinho will have earned a lot of plaudits. They should look to take this progress into their Nations League campaign later this year in League B.
GRADE: B. Evident positives in a tough group. Ultimately beaten out by better sides but something to build from.
Serbia
On to Group C and Serbia were the side to exit the tournament. They opened this years competition with a 1-0 loss to England following a physical battle. An early Bellingham goal was enough to settle the contest and whilst causing England problems Serbia where unable to fashion any real opportunities. This was the big issue throughout for Serbia despite having some highly rated goalscorers at club level. They followed up this result with another battling performance with Slovenia but fell behind in the second half. However a last gasp Luka Jović goal saved a point for Serbia and a tightly contested group meant they still had a chance of qualifying could they beat Denmark. However, I wouldn’t be writing about them today if they did beat Denmark. Another blunt performance sent Serbia out with a 0-0 draw. They end the tournament as the lowest scorers with just 1 goal and with the group ending as tightly as it did had they have been able to create more opportunities they would not be in this write up.
As they look to the Nations League later this year questions will be asked of manager Dragan Stojković not being able to get more out of this squad. Serbia have an experienced squad with many of their players in or towards the end of their prime. They will be in League A for the Nations League and will compete against Denmark, Switzerland and Spain but any more toothless displays will see them relegated.
GRADE: D-. Expected more from Serbia this summer. Whilst it was a tight group this will feel like a missed opportunity.
Poland
Another tough group on paper awaited Poland as they drew France, Netherlands and Austria in Group D. Netherlands were up first for Poland and they got off to a good start as Adam Buksa put them in front whilst the Dutch missed chances. But they’d get their goal as Gakpo levelled and from here there only looked like being one winner. Weghorst sealed it in the final 10 minutes for Netherlands but with no Lewandowski it was still a positive showing for Poland. A few days later Poland again found themselves going into half time at 1-1 against Austria. However Austria had too much for Poland in the second half as 2 goals saw them take a 3-1 victory. A draw between France and Netherlands ultimately sent Poland home after just 2 games with a final game against France left to restore pride. In fact I would say it did, as Poland came out firing against a strong French side who were looking to top the group. In potentially his last international tournament game Robert Lewandowski fired in a penalty (after a retake) to cancel out Kylian Mbappe’s own spot kick prior as Poland left with a draw.
In tough circumstances it was a competitive display from Poland, having been one of the sides to come through the play off route. Whilst they would have been disappointed with their original qualifying campaign it feels as though Poland are in the middle of starting a new cycle as a few of their players come to the end of their international careers. As they head into the Nations League they will be hoping to avoid relegation to League B whilst putting in more competitive displays against the top sides.
GRADE: C-. Ultimately just the fourth best team in a very difficult group and grading them lower would feel harsh.
Ukraine
From one of the more competitive groups to one of the more open groups with Ukraine joining Belgium, Slovakia and Romania. Ukraine were much fancied to qualify here and Romania were up first, but what followed was a massive shock. After an even 29 minutes where Ukraine looked to be edging it but Romania tried to counter, Stanciu fired in a great strike from 20 yards into the top corner to put Romania ahead after Lunin gave it away in the Ukraine goal. Another Lunin mistake in the second half saw him let in a long range strike from Marin which went through his hands. A third goal before the hour mark saw Romania lead 3-0 against a shellshocked Ukraine. Now up against it Ukraine faced Slovakia who had stunned Belgium in game one and got off to a good start here too. Schranz put Slovakia in front in the 17th minute and Ukraine faced elimination after just 2 games. However in the second half they came out much more like the team they have looked like and turned the game around. Shaparenko and Yaremchuk fired Ukraine in front to remarkably put all 4 teams in Group E on 3 points with 1 game to go. A final game showdown with Belgium awaited and with Ukraine bottom on goal difference a point would not be enough for them unless there was a winner in Romania v Slovakia with the other 3 sides knowing a point would be enough as the third placed team would have enough points to qualify. Slovakia went ahead but Romania soon equalised and with the scores level Belgium also closed in on qualification. However probably the most disappointing part of Ukraine’s campaign was the final 15 minutes where Belgium sat off them happy with a point. Ukraine offered nothing with elimination staring them in the face, they had no answers and a very lacklustre finale saw the, exit the competition.
Elimination on 4 points would be hard to swallow, finishing last on goal difference whilst level on points with first would be even more so. It’s hard to judge their tournament as it was such a unique way to be eliminated, however you also have to deal with current game state (or tournament state) as the tournament goes on. Against Romania they were all over the place trying to defend the counter and against Belgium they were again second best. In fact it probably isn’t too much of. a stretch to say that if Belgium needed a win to qualify then they would have gotten it as they sat off late on. With this in mind their only good 45 minutes were the second half against Slovakia, which isn’t enough to see you through. There is a good group of players there which is why this campaign will disappoint Ukraine.
GRADE: D+. Despite getting 4 points they were only good against Slovakia and just did not show enough in the other 2 games. Disappointing.
Czechia
Last but not least, Czechia and Group F. Alongside Portugal, Turkey and Georgia, Czechia would have fancied their chances of qualifying here but faced Portugal in their first game, arguably the most difficult fixture. However Czechia were resilient and provided a threat to Portugal, taking the lead after an hour. It didn’t last long as an own goal less than 10 minutes laster saw Portugal draw level as both sides headed for a point. However, a late blow to the Czech’s saw Portugal take all 3 points and it was on to Georgia next. A game which the Czech’s dominated but they found themselves a goal down right before half time and had it all to do to stay in the competition. Patrick Schick equalised to become Czechia’s record goalscorer at European Championships but they couldn’t get a winner that would’ve left them in a great position to qualify. Instead it was on to Turkey in the final game where anything but a win would see Czechia eliminated. What followed was a 90 minute spectacle. An early red card for Czechia put them up against it and shortly after half time Turkey broke the deadlock as Czechia had it all to do. However they weren’t dead and buried and Souček fired them level after an hour as they looked to regain control of the tie with just 10 men. Yellow cards aplenty in a feisty contest saw the game spiral into a battle but a point wouldn’t be enough for Czechia. With Georgia winning a Czechia win would send Turkey home as the final 10 minutes heated up. However it would be Turkey who would land the final blow as Cenk Tosun worked his was into the box to strike home and send Czechia home.
Far from a vintage Czechia team there was still talent in the squad an an exit, especially with Georgia qualifying at their first attempt, is an underwhelming showing. Ultimately they were second best to Portugal but they should have beaten Georgia whilst an early red card for 2 yellows for Antonín Barák was a poor showing of discipline and ultimately a disappointing way to end their disappointing showing.