The group stages of the European Championship had plenty of drama, and saw a few big names crash out, most dramatically Turkey. There are six group winners, six runners-up and four lucky 3rd-placed teams. This is how they are drawn for the knockout stages:
We're doing the second round today, taking us down from 16 to 8 teams...
Ukraine vs Greece
These two sides haven't met since the first year of DWC, when Greece did the double over Ukraine in qualifying. It's a rum draw for Ukraine, who got here through beating Germany to top spot in Group B, whilst Greece finished 3rd in their group behind Portugal and Austria.
The two sides offered an interesting in their tactics, with Ukraine focusing on their wingers and Greece adopting a narrow Christmas tree formation. Ironically, it was Greece's threat from the wings that brought early chances, with RB Omar Elabdellaoui particularly creative. Greece's packed midfield resulted in a lot of frustrating blocked shots for Ukraine. Immediately before the interval, we had the chance for a breakthrough as Ukraine were given a penalty for a clumsy challenge by Emanuel Insúa. Marlos took it... and found the bottom corner!
Ukraine vs Greece
These two sides haven't met since the first year of DWC, when Greece did the double over Ukraine in qualifying. It's a rum draw for Ukraine, who got here through beating Germany to top spot in Group B, whilst Greece finished 3rd in their group behind Portugal and Austria.
The two sides offered an interesting in their tactics, with Ukraine focusing on their wingers and Greece adopting a narrow Christmas tree formation. Ironically, it was Greece's threat from the wings that brought early chances, with RB Omar Elabdellaoui particularly creative. Greece's packed midfield resulted in a lot of frustrating blocked shots for Ukraine. Immediately before the interval, we had the chance for a breakthrough as Ukraine were given a penalty for a clumsy challenge by Emanuel Insúa. Marlos took it... and found the bottom corner!
Now it was Ukraine's turn to get players back and block Greek shots. Elabdellaoui had a decent chance from out wide, but Mykyta Shevchenko did enough to push the shot behind. It was as close as Greece came, and Ukraine held on for a single-goal win to become the first team into the quarter finals.
Italy vs Bulgaria
Bulgaria are a competitive team capable of giving anyone a good match. Italy know this since the two sides beat each other 1-0 in qualifying for this event. Italy won all three group games without conceding, whilst Bulgaria took 6 points from a group that looked tough on paper.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic went close twice in the early stages for Italy, as Bulgaria particularly struggled to contain Italy's two wing backs. Those two combined to nearly score at the end of the first half as Alex Sandro's cross was headed over by Danilo.
The pattern continued in the second half, with the wing backs helping pin Bulgaria into their own third, and Milinkovic-Savic being Italy's main threat. And it eventually brought the opening goal, as Alex Sandro got the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo in the box, who laid it off for Milinkovic-Savic to smash home! Italy slowed down a bit after that, but were still able to kill the game off late on when Paulo Dybala volleyed in via the underside of the bar. A 2-0 margin of victory flattered Bulgaria more than it did Italy.
Italy vs Bulgaria
Bulgaria are a competitive team capable of giving anyone a good match. Italy know this since the two sides beat each other 1-0 in qualifying for this event. Italy won all three group games without conceding, whilst Bulgaria took 6 points from a group that looked tough on paper.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic went close twice in the early stages for Italy, as Bulgaria particularly struggled to contain Italy's two wing backs. Those two combined to nearly score at the end of the first half as Alex Sandro's cross was headed over by Danilo.
The pattern continued in the second half, with the wing backs helping pin Bulgaria into their own third, and Milinkovic-Savic being Italy's main threat. And it eventually brought the opening goal, as Alex Sandro got the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo in the box, who laid it off for Milinkovic-Savic to smash home! Italy slowed down a bit after that, but were still able to kill the game off late on when Paulo Dybala volleyed in via the underside of the bar. A 2-0 margin of victory flattered Bulgaria more than it did Italy.
Spain vs Israel
Spain looked very ominous in the group stage, although they were stunned by Scotland in a 3-3 draw. This gives Israel a bit of hope, although they themselves weren't particularly impressive in finishing 3rd in Group A, with their only points coming from a win against bottom side Malta.
Spain set up camp in Israel's half, with Luka Modric testing Ernestas Setkus with a 30-yard shot. However, Israel's defence excelled themselves, denying Spain any space in the box and holding firm up to the break.
Spain continued to press in the second half, and Israel continued to hold firm. But Spain had Lionel Messi, and he provided the moment of magic Spain needed as he curled a lovely free kick from a wide angle into the near post. And before Israel could gather themselves Spain had another, as a minute later Messi's cross found Eden Hazard who headed in his side's second in as many minutes. The game had suddenly been taken away from Israel, and they never looked like threatening at the other end, as Setkus has to produce a number of saves to deny Spain any more. Overall, Israel finished with just one shot as the game finished 2-0.
Spain looked very ominous in the group stage, although they were stunned by Scotland in a 3-3 draw. This gives Israel a bit of hope, although they themselves weren't particularly impressive in finishing 3rd in Group A, with their only points coming from a win against bottom side Malta.
Spain set up camp in Israel's half, with Luka Modric testing Ernestas Setkus with a 30-yard shot. However, Israel's defence excelled themselves, denying Spain any space in the box and holding firm up to the break.
Spain continued to press in the second half, and Israel continued to hold firm. But Spain had Lionel Messi, and he provided the moment of magic Spain needed as he curled a lovely free kick from a wide angle into the near post. And before Israel could gather themselves Spain had another, as a minute later Messi's cross found Eden Hazard who headed in his side's second in as many minutes. The game had suddenly been taken away from Israel, and they never looked like threatening at the other end, as Setkus has to produce a number of saves to deny Spain any more. Overall, Israel finished with just one shot as the game finished 2-0.
Denmark vs Austria
Both of these sides finished 2nd in their group. Denmark finished above Serbia on goal difference, whilst Austria remained unbeaten in a pretty tough Group E. This should be a very even pairing. With Denmark playing with two banks of four, and Austria finishing the group stage with an aggregate goal count of 1 for and 0 against, this could be an attritional encounter.
The match started badly for Denmark as Karlo Bartolec brings down Hwang Hee-Chan in the box, and Michael Liendl put the spot kick away to give Austria a 5th-minute lead. Erling Haaland hit the post soon after with a strong header, as Austria kept up the pressure. Denmark occasionally troubled Austria at the back, but couldn't get any clear sights at goal.
Early in the second half Haaland had a good chance to score his first of the tournament, but his volley from Filip Stojkovic's cross was tame and straight at Sten Grytebust. At the other end Denmark got closer as Evander's long range shot twanged off the crossbar. The game started to open up, as Grytebust had to deny Hee-Chan when one-on-one. It felt like a goal was coming, and it finally did in the 83rd minute when Liendl let fly from 25 yards, beating Grytebust for pace to double Austria's lead! It's yet another 2-0, and on balance Austria deserved the win.
Both of these sides finished 2nd in their group. Denmark finished above Serbia on goal difference, whilst Austria remained unbeaten in a pretty tough Group E. This should be a very even pairing. With Denmark playing with two banks of four, and Austria finishing the group stage with an aggregate goal count of 1 for and 0 against, this could be an attritional encounter.
The match started badly for Denmark as Karlo Bartolec brings down Hwang Hee-Chan in the box, and Michael Liendl put the spot kick away to give Austria a 5th-minute lead. Erling Haaland hit the post soon after with a strong header, as Austria kept up the pressure. Denmark occasionally troubled Austria at the back, but couldn't get any clear sights at goal.
Early in the second half Haaland had a good chance to score his first of the tournament, but his volley from Filip Stojkovic's cross was tame and straight at Sten Grytebust. At the other end Denmark got closer as Evander's long range shot twanged off the crossbar. The game started to open up, as Grytebust had to deny Hee-Chan when one-on-one. It felt like a goal was coming, and it finally did in the 83rd minute when Liendl let fly from 25 yards, beating Grytebust for pace to double Austria's lead! It's yet another 2-0, and on balance Austria deserved the win.
Portugal vs Serbia
Portugal's reward for winning Group E is a tie against the lowest-ranked team to get through the group stage. Serbia were solid, with their highlight being a win over Turkey.
The first third of the match was a quiet affair, with the only moment of note being a Pizzi header going just over the bar. But in the 33rd minute a wonderful early cross from Gabriel found Rafa, and his header had enough on it to beat Milan Borjan and give Portugal the lead!
Whilst Serbia were defending well, they weren't offering much up front. And the game was taken further away from them midway through the second half when Rafa crossed for Pizzi to fire in Portugal's second. A minute later and a length-of-the-pitch run from Pizzi nearly added another. It didn't matter, as a few moments later Portugal had a penalty which Alex Telles put away. Serbia were just trying to limit the damage by now, but they couldn't prevent Carlos Vinicius heading Portugal 4-0 up in injury time to seal a comprehensive win.
Portugal's reward for winning Group E is a tie against the lowest-ranked team to get through the group stage. Serbia were solid, with their highlight being a win over Turkey.
The first third of the match was a quiet affair, with the only moment of note being a Pizzi header going just over the bar. But in the 33rd minute a wonderful early cross from Gabriel found Rafa, and his header had enough on it to beat Milan Borjan and give Portugal the lead!
Whilst Serbia were defending well, they weren't offering much up front. And the game was taken further away from them midway through the second half when Rafa crossed for Pizzi to fire in Portugal's second. A minute later and a length-of-the-pitch run from Pizzi nearly added another. It didn't matter, as a few moments later Portugal had a penalty which Alex Telles put away. Serbia were just trying to limit the damage by now, but they couldn't prevent Carlos Vinicius heading Portugal 4-0 up in injury time to seal a comprehensive win.
France vs Scotland
The Auld Alliance. Their only previous encounter was a friendly that finished 4-3 to France. Despite their good group showing, remaining unbeaten, Scotland have the daunting task of trying to end France's 13 game winning streak.
With both teams pushing their full backs up, there was space out wide. And it was Scotland who benefited first from this first, as James Tavernier burst down the right and crossed for Odsonne Edouard headed Scotland ahead! Kylian Mbappé had a golden chance to level immediately, but Allan McGregor produced a great block. But France were still leaving space at the other end, as Edouard had a clear sight of goal but fired straight at Keylor Navas. No matter, as in the 14th minute Tavernier again was given space to put in a cross, and he found Callum McGregor who finished at the near post! France's run was in major danger now. The last 5 minutes had been utterly chaotic, but the game settled down, much to Scotland's advantage. However, they couldn't keep their lead up to the break as Marco Verratti's shot deflected into the path of Pablo Sarabia who raced through and blasted it past McGregor.
The Auld Alliance. Their only previous encounter was a friendly that finished 4-3 to France. Despite their good group showing, remaining unbeaten, Scotland have the daunting task of trying to end France's 13 game winning streak.
With both teams pushing their full backs up, there was space out wide. And it was Scotland who benefited first from this first, as James Tavernier burst down the right and crossed for Odsonne Edouard headed Scotland ahead! Kylian Mbappé had a golden chance to level immediately, but Allan McGregor produced a great block. But France were still leaving space at the other end, as Edouard had a clear sight of goal but fired straight at Keylor Navas. No matter, as in the 14th minute Tavernier again was given space to put in a cross, and he found Callum McGregor who finished at the near post! France's run was in major danger now. The last 5 minutes had been utterly chaotic, but the game settled down, much to Scotland's advantage. However, they couldn't keep their lead up to the break as Marco Verratti's shot deflected into the path of Pablo Sarabia who raced through and blasted it past McGregor.
Scotland still had a single-goal lead to protect, and they did a good job of doing that as the second half ticked by. But, like Spain, France were bailed out by a free kick. This time it was Neymar's set piece that McGregor could only parry straight to Mbappé, who tapped into an empty goal! This was the only moment of note in the second half, as we went through to extra time for the first time this tournament.
Extra time was poor, with few chances either way. But in the 115th minute that man Tavernier curled in a free kick and it was met at the far post by Edouard who volleyed in! France couldn't carve out an equaliser, and last year's DWC runners-up are eliminated! A magnificent win for Scotland, and a magnificent game - the two sides shared 51 shots between them. It's also the first defeat of a big five team this tournament!
Extra time was poor, with few chances either way. But in the 115th minute that man Tavernier curled in a free kick and it was met at the far post by Edouard who volleyed in! France couldn't carve out an equaliser, and last year's DWC runners-up are eliminated! A magnificent win for Scotland, and a magnificent game - the two sides shared 51 shots between them. It's also the first defeat of a big five team this tournament!
England vs Norway
England never got out of second gear in the group stage. It was enough to finish top, but they didn't look like the tournament favourites some would consider them to be. Norway have recovered from a ranking dip - falling as low as 54th - to go on a very solid run. Their defeat to Spain in the group stage is their only loss in 16 games.
Norway's solid shape did a good job of denying England in the early portion of the match, and they threatened at the other end as Magnus Wolff Eikrem flashed a shot wide. It was as close as either team came in the first half as we went into the second period goalless.
It took England less than 5 minutes of the second half to eventually get their breakthrough. Despite their fluent passing in possession it came from a simple corner routine, as Kevin de Bruyne's cross was headed in by Sadio Mané. With the lead England appeared much more relaxed, and Mané could have made it two when the ball ricocheted to him in the box, but his shot was tame. A minute later, and England had a penalty for a trip by Aloui Coly, and Sergio Aguero confidently put it away to give England full control of the match. Norway couldn't create anything at the other end, and in the game's dying moments Harry Kane intercepted a loose ball and ran through to score a lovely solo goal. At times it looked like hard work, but ultimately England progress with a 3-0 win.
England never got out of second gear in the group stage. It was enough to finish top, but they didn't look like the tournament favourites some would consider them to be. Norway have recovered from a ranking dip - falling as low as 54th - to go on a very solid run. Their defeat to Spain in the group stage is their only loss in 16 games.
Norway's solid shape did a good job of denying England in the early portion of the match, and they threatened at the other end as Magnus Wolff Eikrem flashed a shot wide. It was as close as either team came in the first half as we went into the second period goalless.
It took England less than 5 minutes of the second half to eventually get their breakthrough. Despite their fluent passing in possession it came from a simple corner routine, as Kevin de Bruyne's cross was headed in by Sadio Mané. With the lead England appeared much more relaxed, and Mané could have made it two when the ball ricocheted to him in the box, but his shot was tame. A minute later, and England had a penalty for a trip by Aloui Coly, and Sergio Aguero confidently put it away to give England full control of the match. Norway couldn't create anything at the other end, and in the game's dying moments Harry Kane intercepted a loose ball and ran through to score a lovely solo goal. At times it looked like hard work, but ultimately England progress with a 3-0 win.
Croatia vs Germany
These two have history, as Croatia were humiliated 6-1 on their DWC finals debut by Germany in 2018. Additionally, they lost out to Germany in this year's DWC play-offs, so there is some revenge to be extracted here. Germany were the only top seed to fail to win their group, but still finished a very strong second.
A good German move resulted in Thiago poking in the opening goal in the 7th minute, but Croatia struck back immediately as Mislav Orsic took advantage of Manuel Neuer's misjudgement to head into an empty goal. Croatia pushed Germany hard, as Mile Skoric clipped the bar with a header. However, they shot themselves in the foot in the 32nd minute when a short goal kick backfired, allowing Serge Gnabry to hare through and finish unchallenged.
These two have history, as Croatia were humiliated 6-1 on their DWC finals debut by Germany in 2018. Additionally, they lost out to Germany in this year's DWC play-offs, so there is some revenge to be extracted here. Germany were the only top seed to fail to win their group, but still finished a very strong second.
A good German move resulted in Thiago poking in the opening goal in the 7th minute, but Croatia struck back immediately as Mislav Orsic took advantage of Manuel Neuer's misjudgement to head into an empty goal. Croatia pushed Germany hard, as Mile Skoric clipped the bar with a header. However, they shot themselves in the foot in the 32nd minute when a short goal kick backfired, allowing Serge Gnabry to hare through and finish unchallenged.
Croatia were fluent in possession, and continued to test Germany's defence. And they found a way through in the 57th minute when Orsic once again was able to head in a cross at the far post! As the game entered the final 15 minutes it was anybody's game, and it was Germany who took the lead - for a third time - when substitute Thomas Muller rose highest to head in Gnabry's cross. Orsic set up Mirko Maric for a half-chance, but he could only fire over, and Germany were able to see out the rest of the game to come through a difficult game 3-2 winners.
So that's the 8 winners through to the next round, this is how the tournament looks:
So that's the 8 winners through to the next round, this is how the tournament looks:
Scotland's win is the only surprise of the round, whilst England and Germany set up a very exciting quarter final. We'll see how that goes next time, as we play out the rest of the tournament.