It's time for the final of our six continental championships. Our winners so far are USA (North America), Australia (Oceania), Nigeria (Africa), Brazil (South America) and Saudi Arabia (Asia). That leaves Europe. This is of course the continent with the biggest names in it, and will serve as a very interesting prelude to the Draft World Cup later in the year.
Qualifying was quite complicated; 18 teams came through their qualifying groups, with a remaining 6 winning through from play-offs related to last year's Nations League. The 24 teams are put into the following 6 groups:
Qualifying was quite complicated; 18 teams came through their qualifying groups, with a remaining 6 winning through from play-offs related to last year's Nations League. The 24 teams are put into the following 6 groups:
We're going to go through these groups today. As with the African and Asian championships, the top 2 go through, as do the four 3rd-placed teams with the best records. For context, the threshold for qualification in the African Championship was 3 points and a -4 goal difference and in the Asian Championship it was 3 points & a -3 goal difference.
Group A (Italy, Croatia, Israel, Malta)
Italy are one of the big five teams, along with Germany, Spain, England and France. Therefore, one would expect them to win this group, and it's a fairly friendly draw. Croatia are fierce competitors in DWC football, and would also expect to progress. Malta are fairly lucky, getting here through the play-offs despite a poor qualifying group, and will hope to make the most of that break.
Matchday 1
Malta put up a good performance against Croatia, frustrating their opponents. But Croatia eventually broke through in the 77th minute when Mislav Orsic cleverly diverted a floating ball into the goal. However, Malta kept at it and were rewarded in stoppage time when Federico Falcone's cross was placed home by Kabelo Seakanyeng for a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo's 12th-minute header was the only goal as Italy begun with a slightly underwhelming 1-0 win over Israel.
Matchday 2
Italy took on Croatia next, and completely dominated the match. They struggled to convert their chances, but eventually went ahead in the 41st minute when Leonardo Bonucci headed in a free kick, and Ronaldo's second-half penalty completed a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, the group's two underdogs played out an entertaining encounter. After scoring a goal each in the first 8 minutes, Israel went ahead through a long shot from Silas. They were further boosted when Malta's Nenad Sljivic saw red, and they held on for a 2-1 win that put them second in the table. It also confirmed Italy's qualification.
Group A (Italy, Croatia, Israel, Malta)
Italy are one of the big five teams, along with Germany, Spain, England and France. Therefore, one would expect them to win this group, and it's a fairly friendly draw. Croatia are fierce competitors in DWC football, and would also expect to progress. Malta are fairly lucky, getting here through the play-offs despite a poor qualifying group, and will hope to make the most of that break.
Matchday 1
Malta put up a good performance against Croatia, frustrating their opponents. But Croatia eventually broke through in the 77th minute when Mislav Orsic cleverly diverted a floating ball into the goal. However, Malta kept at it and were rewarded in stoppage time when Federico Falcone's cross was placed home by Kabelo Seakanyeng for a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo's 12th-minute header was the only goal as Italy begun with a slightly underwhelming 1-0 win over Israel.
Matchday 2
Italy took on Croatia next, and completely dominated the match. They struggled to convert their chances, but eventually went ahead in the 41st minute when Leonardo Bonucci headed in a free kick, and Ronaldo's second-half penalty completed a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, the group's two underdogs played out an entertaining encounter. After scoring a goal each in the first 8 minutes, Israel went ahead through a long shot from Silas. They were further boosted when Malta's Nenad Sljivic saw red, and they held on for a 2-1 win that put them second in the table. It also confirmed Italy's qualification.
Matchday 3
Italy completed a perfect group stage with a simple 4-0 win over Malta, with goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Bonucci, Ronaldo and Danilo. This meant the equation was simple in the other game; a draw sends Israel through, whilst Croatia needed a win. Jairo's header got Croatia ahead, and unlike in the game against Malta they were able to kill the game off, as Bruno Petkovic added a second. They held on for a 2-0 win to progress.
Italy completed a perfect group stage with a simple 4-0 win over Malta, with goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Bonucci, Ronaldo and Danilo. This meant the equation was simple in the other game; a draw sends Israel through, whilst Croatia needed a win. Jairo's header got Croatia ahead, and unlike in the game against Malta they were able to kill the game off, as Bruno Petkovic added a second. They held on for a 2-0 win to progress.
Group B (Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania)
This is a rough draw for Lithuania, who come into this tournament as the lowest-ranked side. Ukraine and Russia were in the same qualifying group, with Russia squeezing into second place by virtue of goal difference. They present a challenging prospect for deigning DWC champions Germany, who are just one of two teams to win all 10 games in qualifying.
Matchday 1
Germany got underway against Lithuania. Philippe Coutinho poked them ahead, and Marco Reus doubled the lead. Robert Lewandowski got in on the action in first half stoppage time, and in the second half completed a hat trick as Germany started with a 5-0 win. This meant the other game was the key clash between Ukraine and Russia. André Schurrle announced his arrival in the tournament... with an 8th-minute red card. Russia gamely kept Ukraine out until the hour mark, when Marlos' brilliantly volley hit the post and dribbled along the goal line, allowing Junior Moraes to score from approximately 2cm out. This seemed to break Russia's resolve, and goals from Sergiy Kryvtsov, Marlos (x2) and Maycon meant that Ukraine also began with a 5-0 win.
This is a rough draw for Lithuania, who come into this tournament as the lowest-ranked side. Ukraine and Russia were in the same qualifying group, with Russia squeezing into second place by virtue of goal difference. They present a challenging prospect for deigning DWC champions Germany, who are just one of two teams to win all 10 games in qualifying.
Matchday 1
Germany got underway against Lithuania. Philippe Coutinho poked them ahead, and Marco Reus doubled the lead. Robert Lewandowski got in on the action in first half stoppage time, and in the second half completed a hat trick as Germany started with a 5-0 win. This meant the other game was the key clash between Ukraine and Russia. André Schurrle announced his arrival in the tournament... with an 8th-minute red card. Russia gamely kept Ukraine out until the hour mark, when Marlos' brilliantly volley hit the post and dribbled along the goal line, allowing Junior Moraes to score from approximately 2cm out. This seemed to break Russia's resolve, and goals from Sergiy Kryvtsov, Marlos (x2) and Maycon meant that Ukraine also began with a 5-0 win.
Matchday 2
Marlos' excellent tournament continued as his volley put Ukraine ahead against Lithuania. Sergiy Bolbat's penalty and Ismaily's superb volley completed a 3-0 win that effectively put Ukraine through. Russia - this time with 11 men - were much-improved against Germany but ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat thanks to a late goal from Thomas Muller. This means that Ukraine and Germany are already qualified with a game to go.
Matchday 3
Russia may have lost both games, but a good win against Lithuania would put them in a decent position to go through as a 3rd-placed side. They got their first goal of the tournament from the spot, Artem Dzyuba putting it away. But they were stung soon after as Dovydas Virksas levelled for Lithuania, and they held on for a 1-1 draw. Whilst this means Russia have secured a third-placed finish, 1 point is not going to be enough to see them through. Meanwhile, Germany and Ukraine met to see who wins the group. Lewandowski gave Germany an early lead, but like Russia they couldn't hold onto it as Junior Moraes scored at the second attempt. And again, this game finished 1-1 to give Ukraine top spot on goal difference.
Marlos' excellent tournament continued as his volley put Ukraine ahead against Lithuania. Sergiy Bolbat's penalty and Ismaily's superb volley completed a 3-0 win that effectively put Ukraine through. Russia - this time with 11 men - were much-improved against Germany but ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat thanks to a late goal from Thomas Muller. This means that Ukraine and Germany are already qualified with a game to go.
Matchday 3
Russia may have lost both games, but a good win against Lithuania would put them in a decent position to go through as a 3rd-placed side. They got their first goal of the tournament from the spot, Artem Dzyuba putting it away. But they were stung soon after as Dovydas Virksas levelled for Lithuania, and they held on for a 1-1 draw. Whilst this means Russia have secured a third-placed finish, 1 point is not going to be enough to see them through. Meanwhile, Germany and Ukraine met to see who wins the group. Lewandowski gave Germany an early lead, but like Russia they couldn't hold onto it as Junior Moraes scored at the second attempt. And again, this game finished 1-1 to give Ukraine top spot on goal difference.
Group C (England, Switzerland, Bulgaria, North Macedonia)
England, another of the big 5, qualified well with 28 points from a possible 30, whilst in DWC qualifying they won 10 from 10. In qualifying for this the team behind England was North Macedonia, doing very well to qualify ahead of Belgium and Slovenia. To get through they'll have to finish above at least one of Switzerland and Bulgaria, who both are sides capable of troubling the bigger teams.
Matchday 1
England started off against Switzerland. They strongly dominated the game (the eventual shot count was 25-4), but couldn't find a way through. The pressure on Switzerland was eased when Virgil van Dijk picked up a straight red with 14 minutes remaining, and they held on for a 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, Bulgaria struck twice just before half time - Raúl Albentosa scoring from a goalmouth scramble and Martin Kamburov turning a cross in at the near post - as they beat North Macedonia 2-0.
Matchday 2
England once again had much the better of their next game, out-shooting Bulgaria 18-6. But once again, they couldn't find the breakthrough. However, in the 90th minute Albentosa was judged to have pushed Harry Kane and England had a penalty! It was Kane who stepped up to take it, and he put it away to earn England's first win! Meanwhile, Swizerland were ahead against North Macedonia within 4 minutes as Roger Assalé headed in, but Serginho's brilliant header from a corner in the 83rd minute meant that the sides had to share a 1-1 draw.
Matchday 3
Going into the final games no team is certain to claim a top 2 spot, with England and Bulgaria the current custodians. England secured their place as another Kane penalty and two strikes from Mo Salah ensured a comfortable 3-0 win over North Macedonia. This leaves Switzerland needing to beat Bulgaria to ensure qualification (although a draw would likely be enough). They start in brilliant fashion, a flowing move ending with Assalé guiding Miralem Sulejmani's pass beyond Renan. They made it two by the 8th minute as Valentin Stocker finished off another good move. Bulgaria got back into it just after half time as Kamburov's tame header somehow got through Jonas Omlin. In the 82nd minute those two combined to bring Bulgaria level - Kamburov's header hitting the post and going in off poor Omlin. That wasn't the end of it as 7 minutes later Switzerland's Ulisses Garcia fails to clear a cross and Jody Lukoki lashes in a volley to dramatically win it for Bulgaria! They go through, and Switzerland are in a very precarious position.
England, another of the big 5, qualified well with 28 points from a possible 30, whilst in DWC qualifying they won 10 from 10. In qualifying for this the team behind England was North Macedonia, doing very well to qualify ahead of Belgium and Slovenia. To get through they'll have to finish above at least one of Switzerland and Bulgaria, who both are sides capable of troubling the bigger teams.
Matchday 1
England started off against Switzerland. They strongly dominated the game (the eventual shot count was 25-4), but couldn't find a way through. The pressure on Switzerland was eased when Virgil van Dijk picked up a straight red with 14 minutes remaining, and they held on for a 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, Bulgaria struck twice just before half time - Raúl Albentosa scoring from a goalmouth scramble and Martin Kamburov turning a cross in at the near post - as they beat North Macedonia 2-0.
Matchday 2
England once again had much the better of their next game, out-shooting Bulgaria 18-6. But once again, they couldn't find the breakthrough. However, in the 90th minute Albentosa was judged to have pushed Harry Kane and England had a penalty! It was Kane who stepped up to take it, and he put it away to earn England's first win! Meanwhile, Swizerland were ahead against North Macedonia within 4 minutes as Roger Assalé headed in, but Serginho's brilliant header from a corner in the 83rd minute meant that the sides had to share a 1-1 draw.
Matchday 3
Going into the final games no team is certain to claim a top 2 spot, with England and Bulgaria the current custodians. England secured their place as another Kane penalty and two strikes from Mo Salah ensured a comfortable 3-0 win over North Macedonia. This leaves Switzerland needing to beat Bulgaria to ensure qualification (although a draw would likely be enough). They start in brilliant fashion, a flowing move ending with Assalé guiding Miralem Sulejmani's pass beyond Renan. They made it two by the 8th minute as Valentin Stocker finished off another good move. Bulgaria got back into it just after half time as Kamburov's tame header somehow got through Jonas Omlin. In the 82nd minute those two combined to bring Bulgaria level - Kamburov's header hitting the post and going in off poor Omlin. That wasn't the end of it as 7 minutes later Switzerland's Ulisses Garcia fails to clear a cross and Jody Lukoki lashes in a volley to dramatically win it for Bulgaria! They go through, and Switzerland are in a very precarious position.
Group D (France, Turkey, Denmark, Serbia)
France are the other team other than Germany to win all 10 qualifying games. Their main rivals here are Turkey, a side which is definitely in the cluster of teams behind the elite DWC teams. Denmark will expect to finish at least above Serbia, who are competing in their first DWC tournament.
Matchday 1
The two lower-ranked teams are adopting very different strategies. Denmark are very solid and prosaic, whilst Serbia are high-tempo with a number of exciting attackers. So naturally, when the two sides met it was a disappointing 0-0 draw. Fear not, as Turkey and France served up the excitement. Neymar's calm side-footed finish saw France ahead after 78 seconds, and Ángel Di Maria doubled the lead with a delicious curling shot. Kylian Mbappé made it three by the break. Turkey stemmed the flow for a bit, but in the final 15 minutes France added further goals through Marquinhos and second goals for Neymar and Mbappé as they romped to a 6-0 win.
France are the other team other than Germany to win all 10 qualifying games. Their main rivals here are Turkey, a side which is definitely in the cluster of teams behind the elite DWC teams. Denmark will expect to finish at least above Serbia, who are competing in their first DWC tournament.
Matchday 1
The two lower-ranked teams are adopting very different strategies. Denmark are very solid and prosaic, whilst Serbia are high-tempo with a number of exciting attackers. So naturally, when the two sides met it was a disappointing 0-0 draw. Fear not, as Turkey and France served up the excitement. Neymar's calm side-footed finish saw France ahead after 78 seconds, and Ángel Di Maria doubled the lead with a delicious curling shot. Kylian Mbappé made it three by the break. Turkey stemmed the flow for a bit, but in the final 15 minutes France added further goals through Marquinhos and second goals for Neymar and Mbappé as they romped to a 6-0 win.
Matchday 2
France picked up where they left off (my favourite pre-match team instruction on FM) as Marco Verratti lashed them into an early lead against Denmark, with Di Maria heading in a second. Denmark threatened a comeback as Michael Krohn-Dehli pulled one back from the spot at the start of the second half, but Neymar - also from the spot - notched to give France a 3-1 win. Turkey's atrocious tournament continued as they could only muster 5 shots against the group's lowest seeds Serbia, and succumbed to a 1-0 loss as Lazar Markovic headed in Bibars Natcho's free kick.
Matchday 3
France are guaranteed a top 2 spot, whilst Serbia are certain to go through in at least 3rd. But top spot was still up for grabs. They started in very similar circumstances to the game against Turkey as Neymar scored in the 2nd minute, and Mbappé soon added another. Nemanja Pejcinovic's powerful headed brought Serbia back into the contest but Mbappé's second sealed France's second successive 3-1 win. Denmark and Turkey met with a win enough to see either through. Viktor Fischer volleyed Denmark into the lead early on, and in a game of few chances that proved to be crucial. Krohn-Dehli added another penalty in the 78th minute as Denmark won 2-0, a margin of victory that meant they stole into 2nd ahead of Serbia, which should give them a better second round draw.
France picked up where they left off (my favourite pre-match team instruction on FM) as Marco Verratti lashed them into an early lead against Denmark, with Di Maria heading in a second. Denmark threatened a comeback as Michael Krohn-Dehli pulled one back from the spot at the start of the second half, but Neymar - also from the spot - notched to give France a 3-1 win. Turkey's atrocious tournament continued as they could only muster 5 shots against the group's lowest seeds Serbia, and succumbed to a 1-0 loss as Lazar Markovic headed in Bibars Natcho's free kick.
Matchday 3
France are guaranteed a top 2 spot, whilst Serbia are certain to go through in at least 3rd. But top spot was still up for grabs. They started in very similar circumstances to the game against Turkey as Neymar scored in the 2nd minute, and Mbappé soon added another. Nemanja Pejcinovic's powerful headed brought Serbia back into the contest but Mbappé's second sealed France's second successive 3-1 win. Denmark and Turkey met with a win enough to see either through. Viktor Fischer volleyed Denmark into the lead early on, and in a game of few chances that proved to be crucial. Krohn-Dehli added another penalty in the 78th minute as Denmark won 2-0, a margin of victory that meant they stole into 2nd ahead of Serbia, which should give them a better second round draw.
Group E (Portugal, Greece, Austria, Kosovo)
I'd say Euro 2004 was the first international tournament I really got into, and I happened to be supporting Greece from the start thanks to holidaying there that summer. So whenever I see Portugal and Greece paired up I can only think of that brilliant summer. Anyway, this could be a tight three-way group, with Austria on the up thanks to the rising stars at RB Salzburg. Portugal are the only top seed of a group that aren't a big 5 team, but still will expect to win this group.
Matchday 1
The group started with somewhat of a wimper, as Austria and Portugal played out a dour 0-0 draw. There was more entertainment in the other game, as Greece and Kosovo traded goals midway through the first half. Greece re-took the lead just before half time as Marko Livaja volleyed in Vieirinha's cross. They dominated the second half but couldn't add to their lead, but they also held off Kosovo to claim the group's first win.
Matchday 2
Portugal and Greece resumed their rivalry. After a tight first half Portugal got their first goal of the tournament when Pizza finished smartly, and soon after Jesús Corona made it 2-0, which is the way the game finished. Meanwhile, Kosovo lost out narrowly for the second game in a row when Smail Prevljak scored following an 87th-minute goalmouth scramble to give Austria a 1-0 win.
I'd say Euro 2004 was the first international tournament I really got into, and I happened to be supporting Greece from the start thanks to holidaying there that summer. So whenever I see Portugal and Greece paired up I can only think of that brilliant summer. Anyway, this could be a tight three-way group, with Austria on the up thanks to the rising stars at RB Salzburg. Portugal are the only top seed of a group that aren't a big 5 team, but still will expect to win this group.
Matchday 1
The group started with somewhat of a wimper, as Austria and Portugal played out a dour 0-0 draw. There was more entertainment in the other game, as Greece and Kosovo traded goals midway through the first half. Greece re-took the lead just before half time as Marko Livaja volleyed in Vieirinha's cross. They dominated the second half but couldn't add to their lead, but they also held off Kosovo to claim the group's first win.
Matchday 2
Portugal and Greece resumed their rivalry. After a tight first half Portugal got their first goal of the tournament when Pizza finished smartly, and soon after Jesús Corona made it 2-0, which is the way the game finished. Meanwhile, Kosovo lost out narrowly for the second game in a row when Smail Prevljak scored following an 87th-minute goalmouth scramble to give Austria a 1-0 win.
Matchday 3
For the second time, Austria played out a very dull goalless draw, this time against Greece. The result effectively ensures that both teams and Portugal are confirmed as through. It also meant Portugal would win the group as long as they didn't lose to Kosovo. There wasn't much chance of that, particularly after Alex Telles put away an early penalty for Portugal. Rafa headed in a second from point blank range. In the second half Portugal added goals from Bruno Fernandes and Moussa Marega for an easy 4-0 win.
For the second time, Austria played out a very dull goalless draw, this time against Greece. The result effectively ensures that both teams and Portugal are confirmed as through. It also meant Portugal would win the group as long as they didn't lose to Kosovo. There wasn't much chance of that, particularly after Alex Telles put away an early penalty for Portugal. Rafa headed in a second from point blank range. In the second half Portugal added goals from Bruno Fernandes and Moussa Marega for an easy 4-0 win.
Group F (Spain, Scotland, Sweden, Norway)
Scotland were the highest-ranked team to miss out on this year's DWC, although they made up for it with a strong qualification for this tournament. They will mainly be focused on finishing above Scandinavian duo Sweden and Norway rather than topping 2018 DWC champions Spain.
Matchday 1
Luis Suárez grabbed Spain's first goal within 4 minutes of their opening clash with Norway, and Lionel Messi joined in soon after. Eden Hazard added another one from the spot, and Messi made it four by half time. Norway were much more resilient in the second half, and Torgeir Borven even grabbed a late consolation as the game finished 4-1. Meanwhile, Scotland suffered the calamity of seeing Mohamed Elyounoussi pick up a 12th-minute red card against Sweden, and Markus Rosenberg put Sweden ahead just a couple of minutes later. But Scotland showed tremendous character and Tom Rogic levelled with a great shot from the edge of the box. And in the 86th minute he repeated the trick, firing into the top corner to give Scotland a huge victory!
Scotland were the highest-ranked team to miss out on this year's DWC, although they made up for it with a strong qualification for this tournament. They will mainly be focused on finishing above Scandinavian duo Sweden and Norway rather than topping 2018 DWC champions Spain.
Matchday 1
Luis Suárez grabbed Spain's first goal within 4 minutes of their opening clash with Norway, and Lionel Messi joined in soon after. Eden Hazard added another one from the spot, and Messi made it four by half time. Norway were much more resilient in the second half, and Torgeir Borven even grabbed a late consolation as the game finished 4-1. Meanwhile, Scotland suffered the calamity of seeing Mohamed Elyounoussi pick up a 12th-minute red card against Sweden, and Markus Rosenberg put Sweden ahead just a couple of minutes later. But Scotland showed tremendous character and Tom Rogic levelled with a great shot from the edge of the box. And in the 86th minute he repeated the trick, firing into the top corner to give Scotland a huge victory!
Matchday 2
James Tavernier had Scotland ahead against Norway in the 3rd minute, but Ohi Omoijuanfo had equalised 7 minutes later, and 1-1 was the way the game finished. Meanwhile, Spain continued their serene progression by cruising to a 4-0 win over Sweden, with José Gayá, Messi and Hazard (twice) on the scoresheet.
Matchday 3
With Spain and Scotland guaranteed to go through, all eyes were on the battle between neighbours Sweden and Norway, with both needing a win to avoid elimination. It was Norway who took first blood as Hakon Evjen belted a volley into the top corner, and Samuel Adegbenro's deflected strike made it two by the 16th minute. It was already a huge task for Sweden, and Martin Bjornbak's header made it virtually impossible even before half time. Norway were now running riot, and they added two further goals from Evjen and Mike Jensen to humiliate their rivals 5-0. The margin of victory meant that Norway would finish 2nd if Scotland lost to Spain, whilst a Scottish win would see them top the group. Hazard and Messi each scored in the first 10 minutes, but Scotland stunned Spain with a quickfire double - both goals coming from Tavernier free kicks, one scored direct and one headed in by Scott Sinclair. Just before half time Messi restored Spain's lead. This looked to be enough, but in the 84th minute Sinclair cut inside and beat Jan Oblak with a wonderful curling shot. That epic 3-3 draw earns Scotland 2nd place and finally shows a vulnerability in Spain.
James Tavernier had Scotland ahead against Norway in the 3rd minute, but Ohi Omoijuanfo had equalised 7 minutes later, and 1-1 was the way the game finished. Meanwhile, Spain continued their serene progression by cruising to a 4-0 win over Sweden, with José Gayá, Messi and Hazard (twice) on the scoresheet.
Matchday 3
With Spain and Scotland guaranteed to go through, all eyes were on the battle between neighbours Sweden and Norway, with both needing a win to avoid elimination. It was Norway who took first blood as Hakon Evjen belted a volley into the top corner, and Samuel Adegbenro's deflected strike made it two by the 16th minute. It was already a huge task for Sweden, and Martin Bjornbak's header made it virtually impossible even before half time. Norway were now running riot, and they added two further goals from Evjen and Mike Jensen to humiliate their rivals 5-0. The margin of victory meant that Norway would finish 2nd if Scotland lost to Spain, whilst a Scottish win would see them top the group. Hazard and Messi each scored in the first 10 minutes, but Scotland stunned Spain with a quickfire double - both goals coming from Tavernier free kicks, one scored direct and one headed in by Scott Sinclair. Just before half time Messi restored Spain's lead. This looked to be enough, but in the 84th minute Sinclair cut inside and beat Jan Oblak with a wonderful curling shot. That epic 3-3 draw earns Scotland 2nd place and finally shows a vulnerability in Spain.
I really enjoyed those group games. Whilst the top teams were largely untroubled, there was plenty of drama elsewhere, not least in that final round of games.
One of the effects of that final round of games was to see Norway as the final team through as a 3rd-placed team, with Switzerland and Russia missing out. It actually means that every team that won a game progressed.
One of the effects of that final round of games was to see Norway as the final team through as a 3rd-placed team, with Switzerland and Russia missing out. It actually means that every team that won a game progressed.
Next time we're going to see how the draw looks for the next round and see who makes it through to the quarter-finals.