Up until 2016, UEFA’s Euro tournaments had a fixed 16-team format. The change to add eight more teams started from the 2020 edition onwards, while the ongoing edition is just the second time 16 teams will qualify from the groups.
Adding incentive to the third place in the groups was done with a view on making each game more exciting, with teams fighting for every moment as they look to increase their chances of progression. This format also allows some of the lower-ranked teams to put a string of wins together and have a great tournament.
Having said that, let’s take a look at the four third-placed teams that made it to the Euro 2024 Round of 16.
The Netherlands: Table-toppers among third-placed teams
Ronald Koeman and his Dutch side were nowhere near the favourites before this tournament began, with most backing them to make the quarter-finals at best. However, a favourable draw could be on the cards now that they have finished third and moved to the right side of the bracket.
They started off well, defeating Poland 2-1 in their first game, before a drab 0-0 draw against France in the second game. They fell to a 3-2 defeat against Austria in their last game but ranked first among the third-placed teams by virtue of goals scored, with four in total.
Now, they will take on dark horses Romania in Round of 16 and will hope to progress.
Georgia: Debutants become history-makers
Georgia made their debut at a major international tournament having qualified after defeating Greece 4-2 on penalties in the playoff final. Most people had them locked on finishing bottom of their group but they came up with a huge surprise.
Led by ‘keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and striker Georges Mikautadze, they have done well so far. They lost 3-1 to Turkey in the opening game but bounced back with a spirited 1-1 draw against Czech Republic. They then secured arguably the biggest result in their history as they defeated Euro 2016 champions Portugal 2-0 in their final Group F game.
They will take on juggernauts Spain in the Round of 16.
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Slovakia: Efficiency and dogged defending
Slovakia have had a mixed tournament so far at Euro 2024 but have made it to the Round of 16. They secured an early upset in the tournament after defeating Belgium 1-0 in the opening game, before falling 2-1 to Ukraine in Round 2. However, they bounced back with a decent performance against Romania and secured a 1-1 draw in their final Group E game.
Ivan Schranz and Lukas Haraslin have spearheaded the team into the knockouts and they will look to cause an upset in the Round of 16 as they take on England.
Slovenia: Winning is overrated!
The only team alongside Denmark from the same group to make it to the knockout rounds without winning a single game, Slovenia will look to make the most of this stroke of luck.
They are also one of the lowest-scoring sides in the tournament, having found the back of the net just twice so far. They kicked off the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Denmark, followed by the same result with the same scoreline against Serbia. Slovenia showed spirit against England in their final group game but it was not enough for either team to grab a result.
They will now face Euro 2016 winners Portugal in the Round of 16.
Hungary & Croatia: So close, yet so far
Both Hungary and Croatia had hopes of making it to the Round of 16 in Euro 2024 in the immediate aftermath of their respective games ending, with other groups yet to play theirs. However, as results would have it, other teams leapfrogged them into the qualification spots, eliminating the two Balkan nations as a result.
Ukraine: Notable mention of an unwanted record
Ukraine achieved a unique, yet heartbreaking feat as they bowed out of Euro 2024. They had four points from their three games, which is more than three of the third-placed teams, but it was impossible to qualify.
This is because they became the first-ever nation to fail to qualify to Euro knockouts having earned four points in the group stage as they finished last in their group. In fact, all four teams in Group E ended with the same tally but teams progressed or dropped out based on the goals scored and conceded.
Knockout Ties for Third-Placed Teams
| Date | Kick-Off Time (GMT) | Third-Placed Team | Opponent | Venue |
| 30th June 2024 | 3:00 AM | Slovakia | England | Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen |
| 30th June 2024 | 1:30 AM | Georgia | Spain | RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne |
| 1st July 2024 | 1:30 AM | Slovenia | Portugal | Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt |
| 2nd July 2024 | 3:00 AM | Netherlands | Romania | Allianz Arena, Munich |
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