As the group stages of EURO 2024 come to a close, pre-tournament favorites France and England continue to underwhelm, while Ralf Rangnick’s Austria has emerged as a surprising force to be reckoned with.
Austria: The Real Dark Horses?
Austria has been a breath of fresh air in the tournament so far, playing an exciting brand of high-tempo football that has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. Their 3-2 win over the Netherlands was a thrilling encounter that showcased their attacking prowess, and they have earned a favorable draw in the round of 16.
France’s Struggles Continue
Despite being touted as one of the favorites to win the tournament, France has yet to find their footing. Even with the return of Kylian Mbappe, their attack has lacked cohesion and quality, with only two goals scored in the group stages – an own goal and a penalty. Their 1-1 draw with Poland has set them up for a challenging path forward, with potential matchups against Spain, Germany, and Portugal looming.
Underwhelming Group C
Group C has been a disappointment, with all four teams struggling to find their rhythm. The final two matches of the group stage saw two goalless draws, with England, in particular, failing to impress. Despite being guaranteed a spot in the next round, England’s lethargic performances have left much to be desired. Serbia’s elimination will be a tough pill to swallow, given that one goal would have changed their fate.
As the tournament moves forward, it’s hard to see any of the teams from Group C making a deep run. Austria, on the other hand, is a team to watch, with their exciting brand of football and favourable draw making them a dangerous opponent for anyone in the round of 16.
