The 2024 Euros have brought about some unexpected results, with one of the most surprising being Romania’s 3-0 victory over Ukraine. This win marked Romania’s first victory in the competition in decades, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. The margin of victory over Ukraine was the largest in Romania’s Euro history, highlighting their dominance in the match.
Dennis Man played a crucial role in Romania’s victory, becoming the first Romanian player since Gheorghe Hagi in 1994 to record two assists in a major tournament match. His performance not only helped secure the win but also solidified his place in Romanian football history. Despite only possessing 29% of the ball possession, Romania managed to come out on top, showcasing their ability to capitalize on their opportunities.
Belgium’s Upset Loss to Slovakia
Belgium, considered one of the favorites in the tournament, suffered a shocking 0-1 defeat to Slovakia. Ivan Schranz’s goal proved to be the difference-maker, as Belgium failed to capitalize on their scoring chances. Romelu Lukaku, who has been a standout player for Belgium, experienced a frustrating match with two goals overturned by VAR and missing three big chances. This defeat raised concerns about Belgium’s ability to convert their opportunities.
Furthermore, Belgium’s struggles in major tournaments were highlighted by their inability to score in their last three games, despite accumulating a high expected goals (xG) tally. The team’s lack of efficiency in front of goal has been a concerning trend, with their last 47 shots in major tournaments failing to find the back of the net. This disappointing performance contrasts with Lukaku’s impressive goal-scoring record in Euro qualifying, raising questions about Belgium’s consistency on the big stage.
France’s Narrow Victory and Mbappe’s Injury
Favourites France began their Euro 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Austria, courtesy of a Maximilian Wober own goal. This victory marked Didier Deschamp’s 100th win as the manager of France, solidifying his position as one of the most successful managers in French history. France’s ability to secure a win despite not scoring themselves showcased their defensive prowess and ability to grind out results.
However, the win was marred by Kylian Mbappe’s injury, as the star forward was forced off with a broken nose. Mbappe’s absence could pose a significant challenge for France, as his goal-scoring record and influence on the team are unmatched. Since making his debut in 2017, Mbappe has been a consistent presence in the French national team, leading the team in goals scored. France’s goal-scoring rate drastically decreases in games where Mbappe does not play, underscoring his importance to the team.
The 2024 Euros have already delivered a host of surprises and memorable moments, from Romania’s historic win to Belgium’s upset loss and France’s narrow victory. The tournament has showcased the unpredictable nature of football and the impact that individual players can have on a team’s performance. As the competition progresses, it will be interesting to see how these results shape the rest of the tournament and which teams will emerge as contenders for the title.
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