Little room for error as teams enter crucial Euro 2024 knockout stage

Following the conclusion of a particularly memorable group phase for the likes of France, England and the Netherlands — despite their qualification for the round of 16 — there is little room for error from the powerhouses in the 2024 European championship.

Despite being one of the nations favoured to win their first European title since 2000, France had a below-par group stage showing. At least by the lofty standards that the 2018 Fifa World Cup winners have set for themselves under current coach Didier Deschamps.

During the mini-league phase of the Germany-hosted continental tournament, the French squeezed past Austria 1-0, via an own goal. They then drew their two remaining group games to finish second in Group D, one point behind the Austrians.

Les Bleus vs Red Devils

Les Bleus’ first (and possibly last) match in the knockouts will be extremely challenging. They face a Belgium side whose “golden generation” is on its last limbs after a number of years comprising unfulfilled potential and near-misses on the international stage.

It won’t be an easy match for either star-studded nation. Whoever wins it will walk away with an abundance of confidence to carry into the cutthroat knockout stage.

Deschamps knows exactly what is required from his charges after their lukewarm group phase performance.

“We need to score more goals, we need to be more clinical, and I am looking for that,” Deschamps stated on what his team needs to improve upon ahead of the tussle with the Belgians — who also finished second in the group — behind minnows Romania.

“We can improve. But that’s it. We need to hit them where it hurts but we have always had a goal average that is quite impressive, for these three group games it wasn’t quite there,” Deschamps said.

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One thing that was there for Les Bleus is the constant brilliance of N’Golo Kanté. The Saudi-based midfielder has been one of the few standout stars for the French at this tournament — covering every inch of the pitch with his typically tireless running.

These displays have earned him the player of the match in two of three games France has played so far at Euro 2024.

“You have to savour it. It’s nice to be back in the [French] jersey, the supporters, the competition, and to receive the praise. But it’s still a long way [to go],” Kanté said on his solid Euro displays thus far.

Against a Belgium side with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard — who can all be lethal on their day — Kanté’s contribution will be crucial.

N’Golo Kante of France controls the ball whilst under pressure from Pawel Dawidowicz of Poland during their Euro 2024 clash at Football Stadium Dortmund in Dortmund, Germany. 25 June 2024. (Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Home, sweet home

Of the powerhouse nations that made it through to the round of 16, Spain and Germany looked the most convincing. They each won their groups to set up clashes with Georgia and Denmark respectively.

The Germans had to. They are playing on home soil after all. In addition, for a nation that has won four World Cups and three European titles, the last couple of years have been rather poor for the Germans.

In the last two World Cup editions, they have been ousted in the group stage. During the 2020 Euros they failed to make it to the semifinal stage for the first time since 2008 — losing 2-0 to eventual silver medallists England.

Germany’s midfield maestro Toni Kroos, who has dictated the tempo for his country in what is his victory lap as he prepares to retire from soccer, believes the hosts have put behind their recent tournament form.

“It has been rare in recent tournaments that we won the first two matches. We had a few difficulties. But we overcame them well,” Kroos said.

“We started in March to overcome difficult moments or being behind on the scoreboard. The team then starts to believe they can overcome such moments ... I feel we have a good sense of unity and I hope this will carry us far,” the 34-year-old added.

The Spanish were the only nation to win all three of their group games. They did this without conceding a single goal, while scoring five. They leapt to the front of the tournament favourites queue as a result.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shoots whilst under pressure from Giorgi Gvelesiani of Georgia during the Euro 2024 group stage at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. 26 June 2024. (Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images)

With their scintillating form in mind, Spain will be out to inflict pain on tournament debutants Georgia. The Georgians reached the knockouts as one of the four best third-placed finishers after shocking Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal 2-0 in their final group game.

“When you’re the small team, you know you have nothing to lose,” said Georgia coach Willy Sagnol after his team’s knockout qualification during their European debut.

“It’s difficult when you’re France, when you’re England, when you’re Spain, when you’re Portugal. You’re under pressure, because people expect you to win,” the former France defender added.

“The only responsibility we had was to make the Georgian nation proud of their players. And we’ve done it the best way.”

In the unlikely event that they upset Spain, they will add another chapter to what has already been an amazing debut campaign at the European soccer spectacle. DM

Euro 2024 round of 16 fixtures

Saturday, 29 June:

Switzerland vs Italy (6pm)

Germany vs Denmark (9pm)

Sunday, 30 June:

England vs Slovakia (6pm)

Spain vs Georgia (9pm)

Monday, 1 July:

France vs Belgium (6pm)

Portugal vs Slovenia (9pm)

Tuesday, 2 July:

Romania vs Netherlands (6pm)

Austria vs Türkiye (9pm)