Fans were treated to stunning strikes and upsets during the first week of Euro 2024 setting up a tasty tournament ahead.
The biggest upset in European Championship history has already been produced a major star has suffered a serious injury and 34 goals were scored in the opening 12 games.
Here are the key takeaways from Matchday 1 and what teams need to do moving forward.
Group A: Germany Keen to Continue Dazzling
Hosts Germany started with a bang, thrashing Scotland 5-1. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala were key in this fluid display. Germany showed their depth and youth, making them one of the most comfortable sides after Matchday 1. They face Hungary next and hope to maintain their high level.
Scotland, shell-shocked after the heavy loss, must regroup for their must-win clash with Switzerland. The Swiss, having beaten Hungary 3-1, look to keep their momentum. Hungary, frustrated by their loss, needs captain Dominik Szoboszlai to inspire them against a dominant Germany.
Group B: Topsy-Turvy Group of Death
Spain sits atop Group B, looking fluid and confident after a 3-0 win over Croatia. Fabián Ruiz starred, while Croatia’s midfield looked aged. Meanwhile, Albania stunned everyone by scoring against Italy within 23 seconds. Italy eventually won 2-1 but faced more resistance than expected.
Spain faces Italy next in a potential group decider. Croatia, seeking redemption, faces Albania. Can the underdogs pull off another upset?
Group C: Lacklustre England Must Find Their Spark
England, despite winning 1-0 over Serbia, looked shaky. Jude Bellingham shone, but Phil Foden and Harry Kane disappointed. A group-deciding match against Denmark is next, where both teams need to step up.
Denmark, despite dominating against Slovenia, only managed a draw. Slovenia and Serbia now face off in a must-win match for both.
Group D: How Will France Adapt Without Mbappe?
France won 1-0 against Austria but lost Kylian Mbappé to injury. The Netherlands, leading the group, pulled off a comeback win over Poland. France vs. Netherlands is the next big clash, with the Dutch hoping to capitalize on Mbappé’s absence.
Poland and Austria face off, both looking for their first points. The Eagles hope Robert Lewandowski will be fit for the match.
Group E: Are Belgium Pulling … a Belgium?
Belgium suffered a historic upset, losing 1-0 to Slovakia. They now face a tough match against Romania, who beat Ukraine 3-0. Slovakia, buoyed by their win, face Ukraine next.
Ukraine, like Scotland, must find their courage and confidence quickly.
Group F: Portugal Needs a New Formula to Survive
Portugal struggled to a 2-1 win over Czechia, with questions about their scoring ability. They face Turkey next in a potential group decider. Turkey looked strong in their 3-0 win over Georgia, showing quick counters and resilience.
Czechia faces Georgia next, hoping to secure their first win. Georgia, debuting at the Euros, looks to build on their first goal with a first point.
Group Stage Scenario so far and who will advance to Round of 16
Group A: Germany and Switzerland Battle for Top Spot
Germany has already secured their place in the Round of 16. They will win the group with a draw or win against Switzerland. Switzerland advances with a win or draw against Germany; a win gives them the top spot. They can also advance with a loss if Scotland loses or draws, or if Scotland wins but Switzerland remains ahead on goal difference.
Scotland can advance if they defeat Hungary, Switzerland loses, and Scotland finishes ahead of Switzerland on goal difference. They will be eliminated with a draw or loss. Hungary can only advance with a win over Scotland, finishing third at best, and must win tiebreakers among other third-place groups.
Group B: Spain and Italy Vie for Supremacy
Spain will advance and win the group with a victory over Italy. Similarly, Italy will advance and win the group with a victory over Spain. Croatia and Albania are in limbo; they cannot advance or be eliminated until other results play out.
Group C: England Eyes Top Spot, Serbia in Peril
England advances with a win over Denmark and can secure the top spot with a win and a draw between Serbia and Slovenia. Denmark and Slovenia’s fates are still undecided; they cannot advance, be ruled out of the top two, or be eliminated yet.
Serbia will not finish in the top two with a loss to Slovenia and will be eliminated if they lose and Denmark beats England.
Group D: Netherlands and France in Crucial Clash
The Netherlands advances with a win over France and will win the group if Poland wins or draws with Austria. France advances with a win over the Netherlands and will top the group if Austria wins or draws with Poland.
Poland and Austria’s situations are similar; neither can advance or be eliminated yet, but they will not finish in the top two if they lose their matches and the Netherlands or France win.
Group E: Romania and Slovakia Aim for Progress
Romania advances with a win over Belgium and secures a top-two finish if Slovakia wins or draws against Ukraine. Slovakia advances with a win over Ukraine and secures a top-two finish if Romania wins or draws against Belgium.
Belgium and Ukraine are in precarious positions; they cannot advance or be eliminated outright, but they will not finish in the top two if they lose their matches and other results go against them.
Group F: Turkey and Portugal Clash for Group Lead
Turkey advances with a win over Portugal and will win the group if Georgia wins or draws against Czechia. Portugal advances with a win over Turkey and will top the group if Czechia wins or draws against Georgia.
Czechia will be eliminated if they lose to Georgia and Turkey wins or draws against Portugal. Georgia faces elimination if they lose to Czechia and
Portugal wins or draws against Turkey.
Predictions for Round of 16
As things stand, Germany and Spain look like strong candidates to progress far in the tournament. England and the Netherlands are also poised to advance, while Turkey and Portugal’s clash will be pivotal. Each group remains competitive, and the next round of matches will be crucial in determining who moves on.