Match 33 - Belgium 0-0 Ukraine
With all the teams in this group being on 3 points from their first two games Ukraine knew their goal difference had them bottom of the group and in most danger of failing to qualify. Yet, it wasn't until the last ten minutes or so that the game opened up and it looked like Ukraine were trying to do the job they needed. Before then a less than slick Belgium offered glimpses of the skills within the squad, but they faliled to shine through and that profligacy is demonstrated by the team only scoring two goals in the group stage, and qualifying second.
Match 34 - Romania 1-1 Slovakia
While Romania edged the game stats-wise, and the group in a similar manner, this is a game mostly to be remembered by two unfancied teams doing the work required to make it through to the second round.
While a few of the draws in this stage of the tournament have been dour affairs this match had plenty of attacking play and a party atmosphere generated by the fans overshadowed any technical deficiecies on the pitch.
Match 35 - Portugal 0-2 Georgia
On being told there was a goal inside two minutes in this game an assumption that it was Portugal getting off to a flyer would be the normal one. Except it was Georgia capitalising on a poor backpass.
Ten Years after Cristaino Ronaldo met a young Khvicha Kvaratskelia at a training camp in Georgia acquaintances were renewed on the pitch although it's unlikely the passionate Madeiran was pleased with the critical finish the Georgian provided. Although it was nice to see they exchanged shirts at match end.
While Portugal hugged and puffed Georgia were not blown away and, after an extensive VAR check, added a penalty to their tally. The shock win was enough to secure advancement to the next round
Match 36 - Türkiye 2-1 Czechia
Türkiye were greatly helped by Antonin Barak recieving two yellow cards and a subsequent red inside the first 20 minutes. Still, it took until the 51st minute for them to take advantage, and even the Czechia managed to equalize fifteen minutes later.
And it was the Czech's pushing to find a goal that may have kept them in the competition which allowed the space for Türkiye's winner.
The 18 cards, including 2 reds, which were shown in this game is likely to linger long in the memory of fans and this is set to become a grudge match for the ages any time the two teams happen to be drawn together in groups.
| Match Number | Teams | 1st Half Score | 2nd Half Score | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Belgium v Ukraine | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| 34 | Slovakia v Romania | 1-1 | 0-0 | 1-1 |
| 35 | Portugal v Georgia | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-2 |
| 36 | Türkiye v Czechia | 0-0 | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Total Matchday Goals | 3 | 4 | 7 | |
| Total Tournament Goals | 42 | 41 | 83 |
With the group stages over there's now a few days for the teams to rest and strategise before the knock-out stages begin on Saturday. The next post will have a look at the Round of Sixteen games
text by stuartcturnbull art by UEFA & altered by stuartcturnbull