There’s no margin for error for teams remaining in the Copa América as the knockout stage starts on Thursday with defending champions Argentina taking on Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Argentina’s stars go into the quarter-final well rested. With the team knowing they already into the last round, several young players got an opportunity against Peru – though regular Lautaro Martínez was the star with a pair of goals in the second half.
The star whose condition everyone is most interested in is, without a doubt, Lionel Messi. Messi rested in the 2-0 win after complaining of adductor pain after Argentina’s second group game, a 1-0 victory over Chile. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who missed the Peru match because of a suspension, said Wednesday that they would see how Messi felt after the final pre-match training session before deciding what his role will be.
He trained with the rest of the team in the portion of training open to the press, so there’s reason to believe Messi will at least play significant minutes. Argentina are a different team when it doesn’t have its superstar available, so fans of the Albiceleste will hope to see the No. 10 earn a starting role – though he may play only the first or second 45 minutes of the contest.
Ecuador had hoped to avoid Argentina in the quarter-final by winning Group B but saw their path complicated by a red card to forward Enner Valencia in the first contest of the group stage. They slipped to defeat in that game, to Venezuela, but then beat Jamaica 3-1 and battled to a scoreless draw with Mexico that earned them second place in the group.
Teenage sensation Kendry Páez has largely lived up to his billing as a do-it-all midfield talent but needs some help and also would love to see manager Félix Sánchez adopt a less conservative posture than he did in the lead-up to the tournament and in the group stage. Alan Minda scored a lovely goal on a late counter-attack against Jamaica when the Reggae Boyz were pushed up, but otherwise goals have come from a set piece, a flukey deflection, and a penalty.
If Ecuador finds a way to the semi-finals, it will be breaking new ground. Argentina have won 11 and drawn five meetings between the teams in Copa América tournaments in the past and have avoided defeat in the last seven meetings between the two teams.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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After a dramatic and thoroughly entertaining group stage, the knockout bracket of the Copa América has been set. So, let us take a look at the strengths, weaknesses and chances of all the teams left standing
World champions Argentina were naturally among the favourites going into the Copa América, and they have certainly not disappointed so far although they have not really been tested to their limits either.
Drawn into a very straightforward-looking Group A, they scored comfortable wins over Canada and Peru to seal the top spot with a game to spare and preserved their perfect record with a rotated line-up against Chile.
The key to their success certainly has been preserving the balance of the XI that led them to World Cup glory in Qatar about two years ago, so there is nothing to suggest that they are anything but well-positioned to defend their Copa crown in the knockouts.
Ecuador
Ecuador’s group stage campaign was a lot rockier than it needed to be as an unfortunate red card led them to lose a match they were otherwise dominating against Venezuela, adding much more pressure to their remaining games. Still, they got the job done with a with over Jamaica and a shutout against Mexico.
That match situation from their opener has completely skewed their statistical record, but do not let their sub 40% possession average lead you to believe that they are no good with the ball. Félix Sánchez has devised a good system that sees his side attack in a 3-2-5 structure with good progression through midfield and attacking threat on either side via Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento on the left and teenage sensation and future Chelsea player Kendry Páez drifting in from the right.
Venezuela
Venezuela are one of just two CONMEBOL teams to have never lifted the Copa, but they might just be dreaming of changing that this time after their best-ever group stage campaign saw them win all their games for the first time in tournament history. Indeed, their performances in the group stage were as good as anyone else’s.
Of course, a big reason behind that is that Group B had the weakest set of teams in the competition. How Venezuela will fare against one of the giants remains a big question mark, but it is not one they have to immediately worry about as their quarter-final tie is against Canada. If they can advance to just their second-ever Copa América semi-final, they will surely hope that their well-drilled defensive approach sets up a platform to do something truly unforgettable.
Canada
Canada had little weight of expectation going into the tournament as this was their Copa América debut and Jesse Marsch’s first tournament in charge, but at the same time, everyone could tell that they had a great opportunity to put together a memorable campaign thanks to the nature of the draw.
The Canucks have not let it slip as they defeated Peru and held out for a draw against Chile to advance to the knockouts. As expected, Marsch employed his favoured 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 formation which led to them keeping two clean sheets in the group, but goalscoring has been an issue.
The solution for that might be something as simple as being more composed in front of goal as Canada have missed as many as eight big chances at the tournament so far, so they have reason to remain optimistic going into their quarter-final.
Colombia
Colombia only have one Copa América title in their trophy cabinet, but they have a golden chance to double their return this time around.
They are perhaps the most in-form team at the tournament, having been on a run of 10 straight games until their last group game – a 1-1 draw with Brazil that saw them seal the top spot. In fact, they are undefeated since February 2022 in a run that includes every match Néstor Lorenzo has overseen.
The Argentine tactician has devised the perfect system to get the best out of his squad, with James Rodríguez as the key attacking figure, thriving in a free role. As the tournament’s joint-second top scorers, Colombia will surely be a force to reckon with in the knockouts.
Panama
Thomas Christensen has done a fantastic job in charge of Panama since taking charge in 2020, almost halving their FIFA ranking. His best achievement to date, though, has to be guiding them to their Copa América knockouts debut.
The Canal Men were undoubtedly lucky to face a shorthanded USMNT and score a crucial win in that match which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams. They showed good attacking intent and quality against Bolivia as well in an expansive 3-2-5 setup, but their defensive frailties will likely hold them back in the knockouts.
Panama have already overachieved big time by getting to the knockouts, but anything beyond this seems a step too far for them to realistically make.
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay have been among the most interesting national teams of late as he led them to consecutive wins over Brazil and Argentina in World Cup qualifying prior to this Copa, where they were being placed among the firm favourites.
Three wins out of three in the group with an aggregate score of 9-1 should be an ominous sign for anyone who stands between La Celeste and the title. They look incredibly well-rounded with Bielsa’s trademark high press sure to cause problems to any opponents and their direct attacking play and quality up front making them the top scorers.
Brazil
Brazil have had a tumultuous couple of years, starting at the last World Cup, and it has not been smooth sailing at the Copa either.
They are yet to taste defeat in seven matches under Dorival Júnior but have only won three of them, including just one in their group. As a result, they wound up in second place, which means they will likely have to defeat all three top contenders in order to lift the title.
The Seleção have been enduring a bit of an identity crisis between their traditional free-flowing style of football and a more rigid risk-averse approach. Their new head coach seems to be trying to get the best of both worlds, but their attack has been rather hot and cold given the level of talent they possess and yet their defence has also been worse than their three chief rivals.
Of course, you can never afford to write off Brazil, but it will take something quite special for them to win the Copa from here.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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After an enthralling group stage and snoozefest-riddled Round of 16, we are down to the last eight teams at EURO 2024. By this stage, everyone very much is in it to win it, so let us take a look at the strengths, weaknesses, and the chances of all the teams left standing.
Whichever way you look at it, Spain have been the strongest team at the tournament so far.
They have won all four of their matches in a thoroughly convincing fashion, dispatching various styles of opponent. La Roja got off to a perfect start with a 3-0 win over Croatia and followed it up with a commanding performance in a 1-0 win over Italy where the scoreline was unflattering to them. Their B team beat Albania with the same score, after which a full-strength side came back from conceding their first goal of the tournament to put four past Georgia.
Having struggled with being too slow for many a year of late, they have suddenly become masters of controlling tempo under Luis de la Fuente. Their deadly wingers can skin any full-back, in transition or in settled possession, while their technically excellent midfielders can retain the ball and regulate the speed of play according to the game state. Their record includes the highest xG tally and joint-fewest goals conceded, so it is tough to envision any opponent stopping them at this point.
Germany
There were high hopes of Germany under Julian Nagelsmann going into their home Euros, and they have not disappointed so far.
The young tactician has devised a great system to get the best out of his most talented players, enabling Toni Kroos to dictate play as a deep-lying playmaker just as he did for Real Madrid by partnering him with Robert Andrich and figuring out a way to effectively play with three number tens in İlkay Gündoğan, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz by using overlapping full-backs.
Nagelsmann’s in-game tactical tweaks could give Germany the edge as he showed by shoring up the defence with a mid-game switch to a back-five in the last round against Denmark, with the normal set-up from the Switzerland game shown above. He will need to get all his calls right to help his side get the better of the Spanish juggernaut in what promises to be a blockbuster quarter-final.
Portugal
Portugal were thoroughly dominant in their EURO qualifying campaign as they won all ten matches with a cumulative score of 36-2 in an admittedly straightforward group, but the tournament proper has proven a lot tougher. They needed a stoppage-time winner to get the better of Czechia and did follow that up with a strong performance against Türkiye, but then surprisingly lost to Georgia (albeit with a rotated side) and huffed and puffed in the Round of 16 tie against Slovenia which went all the way to penalties.
As many expected, Cristiano Ronaldo has been the chief talking point for them. His goal-scoring woes have gotten out of hand as he seemed to be trying far too hard against Slovenia, not only failing to score himself but also taking chances away from his teammates in what is a very exciting attacking line-up.
Diogo Costa’s shoot-out heroics spared the Al Nassr striker’s blushes in the Round of 16, but things will have to change in the significantly tougher ties that await Portugal.
France
“You may not like it, but this is what peak performance looks like” is probably Didier Deschamps’ motto in charge of France. His side set an unwanted record by becoming the first squad in EURO history to not have a single player with even one non-penalty goal after four matches, but the only thing that will matter to them is the fact that they are still in the tournament and remain unbeaten.
The reason behind their attacking struggles obviously is not a lack of talent – just look at the names in their front line – but their head coach’s incredibly risk-averse approach. The upside of it, though, is that Les Bleus have only conceded once in the tournament so far and have the best defence as far as xG is concerned.
While it may be painful to watch at times, such an approach certainly is a wise way to go about things as tournament favourites. As long as France keep the chances of conceding a freak goal as low as possible, they can trust at least one of their supremely talented attackers to come up with a match-deciding moment.
England
Much like their rivals from across the channel, England have really tested viewers’ love for the game with some unbelievably drab performances, but they have much bigger issues causing them.
On the whole, Gareth Southgate has done a very good job in charge of them by employing a pragmatic approach in big tournaments, but he looks shockingly out of ideas this time. Choosing the Euros to experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield seemed a bad idea doomed to fail from the start, but the bigger issue is his refusal to change his side’s left wing dynamics, which are currently non-existent by virtue of having an opposite-footed full-back and inside winger out there.
The Three Lions have defensive issues as well, but they do not show up in the numbers due to the quality of opposition they have faced so far. The biggest concern, though, has to be their almost total inability to create serious goal-scoring chances.
Despite these problems, England are in a fantastic position to lift the title simply because of how favourable the knockout bracket is. They will rarely get a better chance to bring it home, so this is an opportunity they cannot afford to let pass.
Switzerland
Murat Yakin has been on quite the journey in charge of Switzerland, leading them to the Round of 16 of the last World Cup and then these Euros. Their qualifying campaign was pretty turbulent this time, leading to almost an expectation of his dismissal before the tournament. However, he stayed on and completely turned things around to lead them to their best-ever campaign on the continental stage.
A high-intensity approach has been the key to his side’s success as their heavily player-oriented 3-4-3 high-press has unsettled the likes of Germany and Italy, though their balanced possession-play also deserves credit with Granit Xhaka dictating proceedings in midfield and the attackers linking up well enough to score at least once in every match so far.
Efficiency and clinicality have obviously been keys to their success as well, so the Swiss seem to have everything to be serious dark horses at this tournament.
Netherlands
The Netherlands’ group stage campaign was pretty disappointing as they needed a late Wout Weghorst winner to defeat Poland, were decidedly second-best in a goalless draw against France and finally lost to Austria to only scrape through in third place. They might just have saved their best for when it really matters, though, as their Round of 16 showing against Romania was by far their most impressive.
Ronald Koeman’s side did not start overly well but never looked back after Cody Gakpo’s opener. They created a great deal of chances both with settled possession and especially in transition, while their defence hardly broke a sweat and comfortably kept a clean sheet. Of course, this was all against one of the weaker teams in the knockouts, but they are on the easier side of the knockout bracket and could well avoid the big hitters until the final – as long as they manage to get that far.
Türkiye
Türkiye lost all three of their group games at the last Euros despite being the popular dark horse pick at the tournament, but it turns out those predictions were simply made three years ahead of schedule.
Led by a head coach who is not afraid to experiment in Vincenzo Montella and with one of the youngest squads at the tournament, they have been one of the most entertaining teams at EURO 2024. They comfortably got through their group with wins over Georgia and Czechia, although Montella’s changes in the second match against Portugal did not quite come off, setting up a Round of 16 tie with Austria.
That proved to be one of the games of the tournament, as Türkiye took down this edition’s favourite dark horses with two set-piece goals, a lot of deep defending, and some heroic goalkeeping.
Make no mistake, Türkiye were fortunate to get over the line in 90 minutes but they did show good flexibility both in the way they attacked and defended. As long as they get their game plans right, they can pose problems to any opponent given the talent in their side.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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Just like that, the Euro 2024 group stages have come to an end. Those who are into the knockout round now know their fate. But before our attention turns to those games, let’s take a look at who made the FotMob XI for Match Day three.
The Slovenia shot-stopper played his part in taking the match against Portugal to penalties. The 31-year-old made six saves on Monday evening, one of which was a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in extra time. He faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target value of 1.44 but managed to keep a clean sheet. The Atlético Madrid man was powerless in the penalty shootout but it didn’t detract from his overall showing on his way to a FotMob rating of 8.6.
Right-Back: Jules Koundé
Kounde impressed for France in their 1-0 win over Belgium. The Barcelona right-back completed 89% of his passes, won three of his four tackles and came out on top in five of his eight ground duels. The creative side of his game really caught the eye though with Koundé carving out five chances (the most of any player on the pitch) and this included one big chance for Les Bleus.
Centre-Back: Merih Demiral
Demiral was an unlikely hero for Türkiye as they knocked Austria out. The centre-back scored twice in what was a shock 2-1 win. Ralf Rangnick’s side went into the game as favourites but were caught out by two set pieces, with the former Atalanta defender capitalising on two occasions. The 26-year-old also made 17 clearances, made four blocks and won 60% of his aerial duels in what was a dogged defensive showing on his way to a 9.2 FotMob rating.
Centre-Back: Nico Schlotterbeck
The BVB defender has been quietly impressive at Euro 2024. However, his performance against Switzerland, a game Germany won 2-0, is earning him some plaudits. Schlotterbeck completed 91% of his passes and finished with an assist. He won 100% of his tackles, 80% of his aerial duels and recovered the ball on five occasions in yet another clean sheet for the host nation.
Left-Back: Michel Aebischer
The Swiss wing-back is making his second appearance in the Team of the Matchday. The 27-year-old, who plays his football in Serie A with Bologna, played his part in the surprise 2-0 win over reigning champions Italy. Aebischer created two chances and finished the match with an assist. He also completed 95% of his passes and won two of his three ground duels. It was a composed showing.
Midfield: Donyell Malen
Malen only played 45 minutes for the Netherlands in their 3-0 win over Romania but his cameo off of the bench earned him a FotMob rating of nine. He scored two goals, had four shots, created two chances and finished with a pass success rate of 94% having replaced Steven Bergwijn at the break. The 25-year-old also completed 100% of his dribbles, won 80% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels in what was an all action display. Ronald Koeman might find it difficult to leave him out of his XI for the quarter-final tie with Türkiye.
Midfield: Rodri
He’s just a big game player, isn’t he? Rodri levelled things up for Spain after they fell behind early on to Georgia. He put in a composed and dominant showing in midfield for La Roja, attempting 117 passes and creating two chances in the eventual 4-1 win. The Manchester City man recovered the ball 12 times, won two of his three tackles and finished with a 100% success rate in duels. He bossed things in the middle third and gave his side a solid platform.
Midfield: Fabián Ruiz
Another appearance in the FotMob XI for Ruiz. The Paris Saint-Germain maestro finished with a goal and assist, the second time he’s racked up two goal involvements in his last three starts for Spain. The 28-year-old also completed four of his five dribbles while having a remarkable seven shots from midfield. He also carved out two chances and managed to yet again steal the spotlight away from midfield partners Rodri and Pedri.
Attack: Lamine Yamal
He might only be 16 but he’s already a cheat code for both club and country. Yamal registered an assist, his second of the tournament, in what was a creative masterclass against Georgia. The Barcelona winger created the most chances (six) and finished with a pass success rate of 89%. He also had seven shots, missed two big chances, and attempted eight dribbles in what was a whirlwind display from the right flank.
Attack: Kai Havertz
Despite some wanting Niclas Füllkrug to start for the hosts, Julian Nagelsmann is keeping faith with Kai Havertz. He’s being rewarded for it too. The Arsenal forward scored in the 2-0 win over Denmark and his performance earned him the highest FotMob rating of the match (8.2). Havertz was a handful throughout, missing three big chances, while also creating one chance and attempting four dribbles. He’s now on two goals and an assist at the Euros.
Attack: Nico Williams
Williams finished the game against Georgia having completed 100% of his passes. The in-demand Athletic Club attacker scored and assisted in the 4-1 win too. He carved out four chances and had five attempts on goal. He also attempted eight dribbles, had 10 touches in the box, and eight crosses in what was a dominant attacking showing. This performance earned him a FotMob rating of nine, a figure that only Ruiz (9.1) could better in the Spain game.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
Our Major League Soccer expert James Nalton explains his two votes for the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) MLS Player of the Matchday and picks out three more standout players from the latest round of action.
Having received my second vote in the Soccer Reporters ballot last week, Bogusz is top of the bill this time around.
He’s enjoying a remarkably productive run of form, with nine goals and four assists in his last nine games.
This was his first hat-trick of the season, having scored a brace on two occasions, and the goals gave LAFC a 3-0 win over Colorado Rapids.
The three strikes displayed a range of what looked like simple finishes, but they were all about good movement, being in the right places at the right times, and emphatic shooting.
LAFC have taken their spot at the top of the Western Conference, and it looks like they will not relinquish it easily, especially with Bogusz now providing a similar threat to that of star man Denis Bouanga.
9.6 FotMob rating: Brian White, Vancouver Whitecaps
Normally one of the standout goal-poachers in the league, White had failed to find the net in nine games, but made up for the drought with three in a 4-3 win versus St. Louis City.
His hat-trick goal was typical of the type of goal he is used to scoring, heading Ryan Raposo’s cross into the far corner.
White’s movement in the box also helped create the space for Fafà Picault to score what would turn out to be the winning goal.
Following his mini goal drought, normal business was resumed for the Whitecaps striker.
Three more standout performers
9.3 FotMob rating: Diego Rossi, Columbus Crew
First, a nod to Cucho Hernández, a regular in our list of standout MLS players who was once again a star of the show for Columbus Crew as they defeated New England 5-1 in Massachusetts.
He notched a goal and two assists in this game, but he was joined on that front by attacking midfiedler Diego Rossi.
Rossi was the beneficiary of Cucho’s second assist, finishing what was an outstanding Crew team goal.
He then sent in the corner kick that was headed in by Rudy Camacho and then helped round off the scoring, driving forward down the left before crossing for Steven Moreira to score the fifth and final goal.
Rossi finished the game with 100% pass accuracy, having created five chances.
9.1 FotMob rating: Evander, Portland Timbers
Portland’s leaky defence and exciting attack has made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch in MLS this season.
Phil Neville’s team are currently on a good run of form having lost just once in their last nine games, winning six, and have also improved defensively.
Evander is one of those exciting attackers who has helped propel Portland to fifth in the Western Conference, and he’s just one assist and one goal off double figures in both columns.
Minnesota United were 2-0 up in this game but Evander’s goal from the spot got the Timbers back in it.
He was credited with the assist for Santiago Moreno’s equaliser in the second half which was the game’s standout goal, before Jonathan Rodríguez nicked the win for Portland late on, aptly assisted by Darion Asprilla in his final game for the club.
Evander created seven chances in total throughout this game, which he finished having made 110 touches, showing how instrumental he was in the comeback victory.
9.0 FotMob rating: Tayvon Gray, New York City
For a defender considered one who can play both centre-back and right back, the ability to contribute in attack down the flank from the full back position can often be questioned.
Players of this ilk are usually more naturally defensive — think someone like Joe Gomez at right-back for Liverpool or Nathan Aké when he plays left-back for Man City — but Gray has shown signs he’s morphing into a regular attacking rull-back.
There were no more obvious signs of this than his display in New York City’s 4-2 win against Orlando City.
His two assists were carefully considered passes inside to teammates from attacking areas. Not just hopeful, lofted crosses into the box, but passes picked out with purpose.
One assist, for Hannes Wolf, involved some persistent play at the byline before turning the ball inside at the near post, and the other assists, for Agustín Ojeda, was a pinpoint ball to the far post.
He created five chances in total, indicating he is gradually becoming a creative full-back as well as a defensive one, and a very useful player for New York City.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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In a world where the gap between the haves and have nots is gaping, football stands as one of few remaining meritocracies. Hard work and dedication can still get you to the very top, Romania’s impressive Euro 2024 campaign is proof of that.
It’s been a while since Romania have played at a major tournament. They used to be a semi-permanent fixture, who could forget when their whole team, led by the great Gheorghe Hagi, dyed their hair semi-permanent blonde at the 1998 World Cup.
Hagi is a national hero back in Romania, widely regarded as the greatest player the country has ever produced. In the most obvious sense, Hagi’s legacy lives on through his son Ianis but the legendary number ten’s influence on modern Romanian football is so much more than that.
Romania have failed to qualify for a World Cup since Hagi retired. Dismayed by the state of their national team and inspired by his old manager, Johan Cruyff, Hagi started his own academy. Now, he has five graduates in the squad at Euro 2024.
Getting there wasn’t easy. Failure to qualify for the last three finals despite a relatively talented squad meant change was needed. Mirel Radoi departed in 2022 and was replaced by current boss, Edward Iordanescu. Romania haven’t looked back since.
International management is harder than people think. Instilling a winning mentality in players the coach spends limited time with is a tricky thing to do. Iordanescu’s first job was to make his team truly believe in themselves.
Romania were handed a challenging qualifying group, but they won their group, ending the campaign undefeated, beating favourites Switzerland, Israel, and Kosovo on their path to the European Championships.
Again, they were handed a tough group. Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ may be a thing of the past, but Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku can do some serious damage to the best of them. The same can be said for Ukraine and Slovakia, neither should be underestimated.
Ukraine were up first, it was meant to be an even game, it was anything but. Goals from Nicolae Stanciu, Răzvan Marin, and Denis Drăguș secured their first European Championship win in 24 years.
Looking at the stats, it would appear to be a smash and grab. Ukraine controlled the game, but a misplaced pass from Andriy Lunin after 29 minutes took away all their momentum.
Dennis Man intercepted Lunin’s ball and found Stanciu at the edge of the area. The Romanian captain then delivered a stunning first-time shot into the top-left corner. Stanciu nearly doubled the lead by hitting the crossbar directly from a corner as Romania’s confidence grew.
Their second goal came just seven minutes into the second half when Marin capitalised on a loose ball, firing a low shot from 25 yards. The ball slipped under Real Madrid goalkeeper Lunin’s dive and into the bottom-right corner.
That wasn’t all. Ukraine’s troubles compounded just four minutes later when Drăguș stayed onside to tap Man’s cross into an open net following a short corner routine. The win was secured, and Romania went top of their group after matchday one.
Match day two wasn’t quite so easy. After some VAR induced frustration in their surprise 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in their first game, Belgium were in desperate need of a win against the Romanians. Another defeat would mean Dominico Tedesco’s men would be out of the race for a top two finish.
It couldn’t have started any worse for the Tricolorii. Midfielder Youri Tielemans opened the scoring after just two minutes, firing home from the edge of the area following some good hold-up play from Lukaku to score the Red Devils’ fastest ever goal at a major tournament.
If it wasn’t for VAR, Lukaku would be having the tournament of his life, alas, the footballing gods can’t seem to give the big man a break. The 31-year-old thought he’d doubled Belgium’s lead with a smart finish into the bottom-left corner, only to have it chalked off for offside.
Eventually, Belgium’s other main man, De Bruyne did get their second. With 11 minutes to go, the Manchester City man latched on to Lukaku’s flick before guiding his finish past Florin Niță in the Romanian goal. The game ended 2-0 to Belgium. It was a harsh reality check for Iordanescu and his lads.
Going into the last game of the group stage, each team in Group E had won one and lost one. It was anyone’s for the taking, by far the most interesting of the groups at this iteration of the European Championships.
Romania faced Slovakia with one eye on the Ukraine vs Belgium game, knowing that if they didn’t lose, they had a chance to progress to the next round. The minutes ticked by in historic Frankfurt, fans of both countries holding their breath with each kick of the ball.
Slovakia opened the scoring. Ondrej Duda’s 24th minute header sunk the hearts of Romania fans in the stadium and across the globe. With the other game at 0-0, it looked like Romania were heading out.
Then, 13 minutes later, Hagi was brought down right on the edge of the box. It was tight, and the on field decision was a freekick but after VAR intervened, a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Marin to bury the spot kick, leaving Martin Dúbravka in the Slovakia goal helpless.
Marin nearly doubled his tally just after the hour mark with a curling shot that sailed just over the crossbar. Then, Slovakia’s Lukáš Haraslín came close to securing a winner, but his attempt narrowly missed the target. Despite the efforts of both sides, neither side could find a decisive goal.
The final whistle in the Ukraine vs Belgium game went, it ended 0-0. Romania won the group on goal difference with the Belgians in second and Slovakia qualifying as one of the best third placed sides. Four points is usually enough to qualify, Ukraine are unlucky to go out, but the game is the game.
Now Romania face the Netherlands in the round of 16. The Dutch have failed to impress so far this tournament having only just qualified as one of the better third placed sides in the group stages despite their immensely talented squad.
It’s been a long time since Romania have had a good tournament run, 1994 to be precise. The original Hagi led his ‘golden generation’ to the World Cup quarter finals, eventually losing to Sweden on penalties.
This current Romania side have a long way to go if they’re going to emulate what their predecessors have done. Thanks to Hagi and Iordanescu, they’re certainly on the right track.
Dark horses don’t really exist anymore. In the end, it’s overwhelmingly likely that one of the big boys will once again take the silverware home. It’s been 20 years since Greece won the European Championships, and who knows, maybe on the anniversary another underdog will swipe the trophy from one of the favourites.
Either way, Romania should be immensely proud of what they’ve already accomplished at this European Championship. Progress is being made on and off the pitch, let’s just enjoy the ride and see how far they can go.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
The Round of 16 wraps up today at EURO 2024. Here are four talking points ahead of the games that will decide the final two quarter-finalists, Romania vs. Netherlands and Austria vs. Türkiye.
Will the Netherlands stick with Depay, or is it time to release the Wout?
The group stage was not especially auspicious for the Netherlands. They started with a so-so win against Poland and a goalless draw against France. The four points acquired meant that qualification was in the bag before their final match against Austria. Good job, since they were beaten 3-2.
The highlight of their tournament so far was probably Wout Weghorst’s 83rd minute winner against Poland. Weghorst is a player suited to international football, the schedules for which don’t really allow for sophisticated tactical formations to be drilled in. “Lump it up to the big guy” becomes a valid tactical option.
At 6’5” tall, Wout Weghorst is a big guy. He scored against Poland and he came very close against Austria, both times from the bench. Meanwhile Memphis Depay, who has been starting, was ineffective against both Poland and France, but did score against Austria.
But that has only muted criticism of Depay rather than silencing it, and the Dutch have a reputation for speaking their minds. The jury is out on what their frame of mind might be by the time they kick off this evening.
Radu Drăgușin has seized his moment
If the Netherlands have questions over their attackers, it should also be mentioned that the most accomplished performer of Romania’s group stage was a defender, Radu Drăgușin. Romania won their group – albeit a group in which everybody ended up on four points – and he was the star of their show. He’s largely been on the bench in the Premier League for Spurs, but he seems to be making good use of his opportunity to impress.
No-one can say that Austria have had it easy, and that’s what’s so impressive about them
That Austria have played some of the most expansive and progressive football seen at this tournament is an irony that may not have been lost at Old Trafford. This sort of thing, presumably, was why Manchester United approached Ralf Rangnick in the first place.
Turns out that the head coach might not have been the issue there after all, and the same could be said for Marcel Sabitzer, who was loaned to United to little effect, but who has absolutely purred throughout this tournament. And all this with injury problems before the tournament which included losing David Alaba.
Winning a group containing France and the Netherlands has turned a lot of attention upon Austria. No-one could say that they’ve had it easy, but they deserve it; they’re starting to be talked of as among the favourites, and rightly so.
Türkiye can’t afford another collective headloss against Austria
Türkiye may have won their game against Czechia to get through to this stage, but it’s unlikely that this is what this match will be remembered for. The 18 yellow cards (plus two reds) set a new tournament record for one match, and eleven of those yellows were claimed by Türkiye, a full team’s worth.
Sometimes games do just combust, and this isn’t a combustion that the Turks can afford again. Czechia turned out to be lumpen, one of the least inspiring teams in the entire tournament, but Austria have been one of the most impressive of all. There have been one or two gaps behind Austria’s high press. There are gaps to exploit. But it takes discipline, and Türkiye didn’t show much of that against Czechia.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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There have been some wonderful tactical match-ups at Euro 2024 already, but this one might be one of the most intriguing even if the team names don’t immediately draw the eye.
Indeed, the contrast between Austria and Turkey so far hints that this could be one of the ties of the round in the last 16.
First, Ralf Rangnick’s Austrian outfit have been extremely impressive on and off the ball, one of the most cohesive units with clarity of ideas and a manner of progressing the ball which suits both personnel and tactical set-up.
Then there’s Türkiye: all fire and fury, technically excellent but prone to overcommitting, to spells of failing concentration, to feeling they can score every time they attack – but looking vulnerable to mishaps, mindlessness, and mistakes.
And an additional wrinkle, as suspensions hit: Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Samet Akaydin are out, meaning Türkiye miss their presence and – in the case of Çalhanoğlu – his creativity, set-piece prowess and workrate. New routes into the final third must be found, through one of the more impressive defences we’ve seen in Germany so far.
But this match might be more about what Austria do, than what Türkiye provide – as it’ll more than likely be a bit of both worlds from them again: scintillating approach play, incredible atmosphere…slightly missing the mental poise to keep it up all game long while remaining tight at the back.
Austria have won possession 5.0 times per game in the final third, Türkiye 5.7 – but consider the nations they were against so far: France and Netherlands, plus the disappointing Poland. They’ve had it harder, against better players in that area of the pitch, than Türkiye have, but the pressing has been on point and the end product impressive, with seven big chances created, six goals scored, 5.7 shots on target per game and a whopping 20% conversion rate, the best at the tournament so far by a distance.
Rangnick’s side have been excellent so far, but now it’s time for them to make history. They’ve never been to a Euros quarter-final, and even at the World Cup not once since 1954. It’s fair to say the format, and football, has changed a lot since then – and Rangnick has completely changed this side’s fortunes.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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From the quartet of nations in Group E, the least-expected winners would have been not the third-highest ranked country by Fifa, not the team who reached the quarter-finals at the last edition of the Euros and not a nation who have qualified for three straight European Championships.
No, instead the least-fancied of the four would have been one which was not at Euro 2020, which has not been at a World Cup since 1998 and in fact did not have a win at a major men’s tournament to their name in a quarter of a century. That nation is Romania, and yet that same nation finished first.
To be sure, it was a strange group all around. It’s not often they all finish with identical records in points terms, meaning Romania’s first outing – a 3-0 win over Ukraine – proved pivotal in goals scored, just as much as their final meeting ending in a draw would always mean both nations in that game would progress.
But it sure upset the expectations and revamped the look of the knockout phase, with Belgium having been expected to be on that side of the draw – now instead of the world No.3, it’s the world No.47.
But that’s only half the truth of this fixture’s surprise. Netherlands were supposed to be competitive themselves. Second place was meant to be theirs in Group D, which would also have pitted them in the top half of the draw – instead it was third and this sudden opportunity to progress through the finals sits before them…if they can improve significantly.
Because the Dutch have not, thus far, been impressive. There have been spells of excellence, individuals who have shone, but as a cohesive unit they have underperformed and failed to really signify they are a team who can compete. In part that’s unsurprising – the loss of an entire midfield isn’t ideal tournament preparation. But Ronald Koeman hasn’t yet found the right combination in the replacements for Frenkie de Jong et al, with Joey Veerman in particular looking all at sea.
Cody Gakpo and occasionally Xavi Simons have been the attacking standouts, but not to the level that they have been clearly better than their last-16 opponents.
Netherlands have a combined xG to this point of 3.7, to Romania’s 3.3. They are 16th and 18th respectively in that regard at Euro 2024. While they both have scored four, Netherlands have missed six of their eight big chances created. For Romania, it’s two of four.
They will dominate, they will have the ball, they will pin Romania back…but how they deal in transitions and counter-attacks, a failing of the Oranje so far, will determine who reaches the last eight.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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New York City FC showed why they are one of the strongest home teams in Major League Soccer this season with an (almost-)convincing 4-2 win against Orlando City on last Friday night.
Only Los Angeles FC have won more games at home (nine) than NYCFC’s seven so far in 2024.
Nick Cushing’s side were back in New York City following a run of two defeats on the road, in Los Angeles and Nashville, having also succumbed to a rare home defeat to Columbus Crew prior to their trip west.
NYCFC’s season so far can be split roughly into three stages: A difficult start bordering on crisis, a sustained recovery and, most recently, a stumble.
The sustained recovery consisted of five wins on the bounce and eight wins in nine games ahead of the recent run of three defeats (the stumble). That winning run was the kind of form they were looking to get back into against Orlando.
There was a late scare when Orlando brought the score back to 3-2 but Mounsef Bakrar’s strike in the final seconds of the game sealed the win.
The four goals scored by New York City FC means they are now the second-highest scorers in the Eastern Conference in games at home with 23, behind Inter Miami’s 28, and the third-highest in MLS overall.
A team that struggled for goals earlier in the season is now finding the net regularly, especially in New York.
It is an element of the game they appear to have been working on this season, having failed to get much going in attack last year when only the bottom teams in each conference — Colorado Rapids and Toronto FC — scored fewer goals than NYC.
They were regularly unable to convert sustained possession into advantageous attacking situations, often hogging the ball in the middle of the field but unable to progress it into dangerous areas.
One stat that demonstrates the turnaround in this regard in 2024 is the number of touches in the opposition box.
Cushing’s side are second for this stat throughout the whole of MLS this season, with a total of 575 touches in the opposition box so far, just behind Los Angeles FC, having been 20th for this stat in 2023.
This season there is a feeling that the gameplan is more flexible. If the moment calls for it the team can still keep possession, putting together simple passing moves to keep the ball and attempt to take some control of the game by doing so.
But, perhaps unexpectedly for a City Football Group-owned side, this team is no longer defined by possession.
With their group of direct wingers, plus the creativity of players like Santi Rodríguez and the recently returned from injury Maxi Moralez, the team can look to break opposition defences down much earlier in moves.
The ball playing in front of defence from James Sands and the box-to-box-ness of Keaton Parks contribute to this flexibility, too.
Just as they aren’t a possession side, per se, New York City could not be described solely as a pressing, counter-attacking team either, but they still have these elements to their game. They are not overly reliant on set pieces but have scored a few goals from such situations.
There is a bit of everything in their play, which is perhaps needed in MLS given the various squad-building restrictions and limitations of a salary cap.
The goalkeeping of Matt Freese has also been key to New York City’s improvement this year.
There have been plenty of occasions when he has saved them points by making saves at key moments in games, and he has been the only player to have performed at a high level during each of the three stages of NYCFC’s 2024 season mentioned earlier.
The most recent win at Yankee Stadium puts NYC at a crossroads which could determine where they end up come the end of the regular season.
It is a key moment. Win this week’s game against Montreal at Citi Field, and it would signal the start of another run of wins to propel them further up the Eastern Conference and secure that all-important home advantage in the playoffs. Lose, and the win against Orlando will go down as part of another inconsistent spell.
These type of runs, the peaks and the troughs, can be the nature of MLS as a league that, through its rules and regulations, strives for some kind of parity. But some teams still understandably have higher expectations than others.
A franchise based in New York City and part of an ownership group such as City Football Group is one such team. Good home form helps them live up to these expectations, and this is something they have recovered in 2024 following last season’s blip.
