Romania and Netherlands face off in last 16
While it might not be a surprise to see Romania and the Netherlands facing each other in the last 16, it perhaps is to see them in this fixture after the former came top of their group and the latter finished third in theirs.
That’s what happened, though, with Romania topping Group E on just four points ahead of Belgium, while the Netherlands came third in Group D on the same number of points, below Austria and France.
This is the first time Romania have reached the knockout stage of a major tournament (World Cup/Euros) since Euro 2000, when they were eliminated by Italy at the quarter-final stage. The Tricolorii have only progressed from one knockout tie in major competitions in their history, beating Argentina 3-2 in the 1994 World Cup last 16.
The Netherlands have lost each of their last three knockout-stage matches at the UEFA European Championship, beaten by Portugal in the 2004 semi-finals, Russia in the 2008 quarter-finals, and Czech Republic in the last 16 of Euro 2020. They could become only the second nation to lose four consecutive knockout matches in the tournament’s history, after Yugoslavia from 1968 to 2000.
It was a tricky group stage for the Dutch, coming from behind to beat Poland 2-1, before a 0-0 draw with France was followed by a chaotic 3-2 defeat to Austria. They led for just 12 minutes and 27 seconds across their three matches, the fewest of any side to qualify for the knockout stage
Cody Gakpo has been the main threat for Ronald Koeman’s men, scoring two of the Netherlands’ four goals in the group stage. The Liverpool forward could become the sixth Dutchman to score three or more goals in a single edition of the finals.
Credit: theanalyst.com
Dark horses Austria and Turkey clash at Leipzig
Both into the last 16 following an eventful climax to their group-stage campaign, Euro 2024 dark horses Austria and Turkey convene in Leipzig on Tuesday evening.
The nations’ first major-tournament meeting features a substantial prize: the winner will qualify for a quarter-final against either Netherlands or Romania.
Having arrived in neighbouring Germany as one of Europe’s form sides, Austria qualified for the knockout rounds of Euro 2024 as Group D winners by beating Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling contest at Berlin’s Olympiastadion last Tuesday.
Ralf Rangnick‘s men were handed a tough draw alongside the Oranje and favourites France, but they accrued six points from a possible nine to finish top of the pile, ahead of France.
Rangnick’s high-energy side are now trying to reach Austria’s first European Championship quarter-final, and recent results suggest they could be ready to break new ground: they have now won 14 of their last 19 matches, losing just two.
In competitive meetings, though, Turkey are unbeaten in their last five games against Tuesday’s opponents, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion; albeit this will be the first such encounter since a 0-0 draw in Euro 2012 qualifying.
The Crescent-Stars set up this latest clash by claiming a dramatic 2-1 win over Czech Republic in their final Group F game on Wednesday evening.
A talented Turkish squad possess the tools to unlock almost any opponent, but they remain defensively vulnerable and will sorely miss their skipper in Leipzig.
Austria are no longer under the radar, but providing they can overcome heightened expectations, one of the best-organised teams in the tournament should make it through to the last eight.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Uefa investigating Bellingham over gesture
Uefa is investigating England midfielder Jude Bellingham for a gesture he made following his late equaliser against Slovakia in Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie.
European football’s governing body said it is looking into a “potential violation” of “the basic rules of decent conduct” by Bellingham.
Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring an overhead kick in stoppage time.
The Real Madrid player denied it was aimed at England’s opponents, saying on social media that it was an inside joke directed towards some close friends.
If found to have breached the rules, the 21-year-old could face a suspension, a fine or both.
The rule in question is article 11/2b, which requires anyone subject to Uefa regulations to respect the “principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship”.
Anyone whose conduct is “insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct” could be in breach.
England won 2-1 after extra time to set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland on Saturday.
Responding to the incident on social media, Bellingham said: “An inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Bellingham has made a similar gesture when playing for Real Madrid and after scoring a late equaliser for England in a friendly against Belgium in March.
Cristiano Ronaldo was fined but avoided a ban for making a similar gesture while celebrating a goal for Juventus against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of a Champions League last-16 tie in 2019.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone was also fined for making the gesture during the first leg.
Credit: bbc.com
Romania 17:00 Netherlands
