Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

Euro 2024/Group E/Round 3

Relief for Belgium as they found a way through to the knockout stages although not in the most convincing fashion. Ukraine changed their approach to stifle Belgium in attack but couldn’t take their chances to win.

Ukraine had success against Belgium, playing through their structure and finding space in the middle. The back five was key to this. Lukaku, De Bruyne and Tielemans pressing forward leaning Onana caught between two midfielders in the middle. Both CBs occupied.

Limiting the influence of Kevin De Bruyne was key to Ukraine defending against Belgium. Tracking him directly is not easily done but they could shut down his passing options instead.

Ukraine made quick adjustments out of possession against Belgium. Shifting their back five to a back four when Belgium moved the ball to one side. Doubling up on Doku when needed with Shaparenko coming across to support Tymchyk.

The added physicality of Mangala in the second half helped Belgium win second balls and regain possession. They had Doku on the flank and the hold up play of Lukaku to get into the final third but not the final pass to kill the game.

The draw for Belgium means they face France in the round of 16 on Monday night (17:00 GMT). An opportunity for either side to get a big win, France have not yet scored directly from open play and Belgium have not been clinical in the final third.

Georgia 2-0 Portugal

Euro 2024/Group F/Round 3

Not being careful on the ball meant Georgia could jump on the mistakes of Portugal to score. Opening up the game in the second minute and getting the whole stadium behind them for a historic win.

Against Turkey we saw Portugal press incredibly well but against Georgia it disappeared for a relaxed approach. That could be partly due to them qualifying and the change in team but it’s exactly what let Georgia stay in the game.

They were free to buildup comfortably in their own half. Ronaldo won’t be applying pressure at the striker at his age. Conceicao and Felix came inside. Joao Neves and Palhinha occupied with other players movement.

Dias, Bernardo and Vitinha will all return to the line up in the next game so they will press far better and look after the ball for Portugal. Still, I have concerns given the way this manager sets up the team and it’s only against Turkey that I’ve been impress by their performance.

Slovenia (1st July, 20:00 GMT) is a match Portugal should win but after that against France/Belgium they’ll lose if they play like they did against Georgia.

Georgia make history progressing to the knockout rounds let alone winning a match. Their reward is a tournament favorite in Spain (30th June, 20:00 GMT). The expectation will be Spain progressing but I can assure you the fans of Georgia will believe in their team to achieve the impossible.

Czechia 1-2 Turkey

Euro 2024/Group F/Round 3

Heart break for Czechia and celebrations for Turkey. 20th minute dismissal of Antonin Barak meant that Turkey had to find a way past the ten men of Czechia if they wanted a spot in the knockout rounds.

A game filled with two red cards and 16 yellow cards set a record for the Euros. Calhanoglu scored, Soucek responded and then Tosun wrapped up the win for Turkey in stoppage time.

Calhanoglu picked up a yellow card so he will miss the round of 16 tie for Turkey against Austria (2nd July, 20:00 GMT). Big miss for them. The last game of the round and one not to miss.

Slovakia 1-1 Romania

Euro 2024/Group E/Round 3

Slovakia and Romania both progress into the round of 16 but it’s Romania that go through as group winners. Built off their brilliant performance against Ukraine. Being bold in transition. A draw suited both teams on the day.

Slovakia have been well organised in their shape out of possession as well as having a midfielder like Lobotka that can help progress the ball under pressure. They will take on England (30th June, 17:00 GMT) in the next round and will not be giving them an easy game.

Romania are on the same side of the draw as Slovakia and will take on the Netherlands (2nd July, 17:00). A team that is the football equivalent of spinning a roulette wheel. Making the knockout rounds is remarkable for Romania but they will fancy their chances of reaching the quarter finals.

Team of the Group Stages

Here is my selection for the best players during the knockout stages. A number of players missed out on this team, Austria had several candidates for starters and Spain could argue their whole team should be included!

Who would make your team?

LAST WORD👋

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