by Georgia and Romania are the top teams that defied odds to advance to the knockout stages of UEFA EURO 2024.
The group stage of UEFA EURO 2024 has ended, with the knockout stages set to begin in Germany. Germany’s victory over Scotland marked the start of the tournament, with the final 16 teams to progress being determined on June 26.
Football is a sport with underdog stories, and despite the majority of big names qualifying for the round of 16, some teams overcame the odds to secure a place in the knockout stages of the Euros, as seen in the surprising yet spectacular performances from the group stage of UEFA EURO 2024.
5. Slovakia
Slovakia entered the tightest group of the competition but started well by beating Belgium in their first match. By the third matchday, all four teams in Group E were level on points, with a chance of advancing to the next round.
Slovakia earned four points and a spot in the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Romania. They demonstrated a good performance in the group stages and now face England in the round of 16 of EURO 2020, marking a historic moment.
4. Slovenia
Slovenia, led by star players Jan Oblak and Benjamin Sesko, secured a berth in the round of 16 by securing a 0-0 draw with England in the final matchday, marking their first qualification for the knockout stage of a major tournament.
Slovenia progressed to the next round unbeaten but missed second place in Group C due to a marginally inferior disciplinary record to Denmark. They face EURO 2016 winners Portugal in Frankfurt on July 1.
3. Romania
Romania, despite a 3-0 win over Ukraine in their qualifying group, made a statement on the continental stage with their impressive three goals. Their second match against Belgium resulted in a defeat, but a stalemate with Slovakia secured their passage through the final day, thanks to a healthy goal difference. The title of the surprise package remains debatable.
Romania, as Group E winners, is set to face the Netherlands in a crucial Euros match on July 2. Both teams qualified with four points, and Romania aims to reach its first European quarterfinal in 24 years.
2. Austria
Austria, a team containing France, the Netherlands, and Poland, faced a challenging group to progress to the knockout stages. Despite a narrow loss to France, under coach Ralf Rangnick, the national team showed their best performance, winning 3-1 against Poland at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Austria won a crucial match against the Netherlands, securing a 3-2 victory and securing a group of deaths. This victory is a testament to Rangnick’s work with Austria, and they will confidently advance to the knockout stages. Their round of 16 opponents are Türkiye, whom they will face in Leipzig on July 2 for a chance at a first-ever Euros quarterfinal.
1. Georgia
Georgia has achieved a significant achievement in their football history by qualifying for the knockout stages of UEFA EURO 2024. They reached the Euro qualifying play-offs through the UEFA Nations League and beat Greece on penalties to qualify for their first major tournament. Despite an opening-day defeat to Turkey, Georgia’s spirits remained high as they secured a 1-1 draw with Czechia to advance to the final matchday against Portugal, a tournament favorite and powerhouse.
Georgia secured a 2-0 victory in Gelsenkirchen after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored their first goal of the tournament. The team held onto the lead until the break, but a second-half penalty from Georges Mikautadze gave them breathing space. Georgia have reached the knockout stages for the first time, announcing their arrival on the continental stage on their debut. They face Spain in a round of 16 clash.
