Euro 2024: Germany, Spain, Portugal through to Round of 16, Belgium bounce back as England struggles on match day 2

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The Euro 2024 championship is gradually taking shape and each group is beginning to recognize who is superior and the separation has begun.

As the young players make their marks, the veterans are still producing impeccable performances. Legends such as Toni Kroos of Germany, Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne and Portugal’s football icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe gave it their all in some of the concluding days of their presence with the national team.

On match day 2, the only team that has been confirmed to be out of the competition is Robert Lewandowski’s Poland. After losing their opening two matches to Netherlands and Austria respectively, their elimination was confirmed.

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Let’s see how the match day 2 of the Euro 2024 unraveled:

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Group A

In Group A, the Euro 2024 host, Germany defeated Hungary to solidify their authority among the bunch and confirm their spot in the round of 16.

They will only require a draw to finish as the top of the group in the last group match against an impressive Switzerland side.

Scotland will be vying for all three points against a Hungary side that is yet to garner a single point in this tournament. A draw would confirm the elimination of both teams.

Group B

Three times European champions, Spain defeated Italy to confirm that they will finish atop of Group B. This is regardless of the result against Albania in the last group match.

The Croatian national team had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Albania to rescue themselves from an early elimination from the competition, they’ll be going into the final game against Italy to seek all three points, a draw would be dangerous as it could lead to early exit.

Group C

England is the only team that has recorded a win in Group C and it was Jude Bellingham’s goal in the 1-0 win over Serbia. Pundits and fans alike have criticized England’s coach, Gareth Southgate for failing to utilize the massive talents in his squad.

They will be vying against Slovenia in the final group game as Denmark will be playing against Serbia.

There is still everything to play for in Group C.

Group D

One of the most exciting group in the tournament thus far. France without the influential Kylian Mbappe and Netherlands settled for a goalless draw, the first with that score line in this tournament.

Austria came from behind to defeat Poland 3-1 in the second group match, an impressive way to bounce back after losing their opening match to France.

Asides from Poland’s elimination, nothing has been confirmed yet about the group thus far.

Group E

Everyone in Group E is on 3 points. Yes, read it again c everyone in this group has won and lost, nothing has been confirmed yet.

A Kevin De Bruyne’s inspired Belgium side defeated Romania 2-0 following a 1-0 loss to Slovakia on the opening day.

In the other group match, Ukraine came from behind to defeat Slovakia 2-1 to take the fiercely contested group to match day 3.

Group F

Portugal will finish Group F as the group winners following their 3-0 win over Turkey on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic and Georgie settled for a draw in the other group F match.

Portugal has proved to be too much for the other contenders in the group, hence, the second spot will be what the other teams will be vying for in the coming days.