As Euro 2024 unfolds in Germany, fans have been treated to thrilling matches, standout performances, and surprising upsets. Here’s a look at the hits and misses of the tournament so far.
Kante Rolls Back the Years in Vintage Display
N’Golo Kante proved that age is just a number with a man-of-the-match performance in France’s 1-0 victory over Austria. Despite the influx of young talent in the French midfield, Kante, now playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, showed why Didier Deschamps trusted him for this crucial opening match.
Kante’s relentless energy and precise tackling were pivotal. No French player won more tackles, and only William Saliba surpassed him in ball recoveries and possessions won in defensive and middle thirds. His crucial intervention five minutes from time, thwarting Patrick Wimmer, exemplified his enduring quality.
“It was like a younger version of himself,” remarked Roy Keane, reflecting on Kante’s World Cup-winning form from six years ago. If Kante continues this way, he could be instrumental in France’s quest for European glory.
Rangnick’s Pressing Offers Austria Hope
Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, showcased a front-foot approach that troubled France. Despite losing 1-0, Austria’s high press and aggressive tackling, with 27 tackles in the first half alone, made for an engaging match. Although lacking in individual quality, their pressing game indicates they could still progress from Group D with upcoming matches against Poland and the Netherlands.
Romania’s Stunning Start
Romania kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over Ukraine. Nicolae Stanciu’s brilliant goal and Radu Dragusin’s commanding defensive performance highlighted their comprehensive victory.
Dragusin, a £26.7m signing for Tottenham, was a standout, making 10 clearances and neutralizing Ukraine’s attacking threats. Romania’s collective defensive effort and efficient counter-attacks were key, setting a strong foundation for their tournament journey.
Belgium’s Underwhelming Start
Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ once again struggled to meet expectations, suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Slovakia. Romelu Lukaku’s wastefulness, Kevin de Bruyne’s off-color performance, and Leandro Trossard’s ineffectiveness underscored their issues.
Despite creating several chances and having two goals disallowed by VAR, Belgium failed to impress. Their reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play remains a glaring issue, and they must improve to avoid another early exit like in Euro 2022.
Slovakia’s Veteran Triumph
Slovakia delivered the tournament’s first major upset by defeating Belgium 1-0. Veterans Peter Pekarik, Juraj Kucka, and Martin Dubravka played crucial roles. Dubravka, in particular, was outstanding, making five key saves.
This victory gives Slovakia a strong chance of advancing from Group E. The experienced trio’s performance exemplified that age can be an asset in such high-stakes matches.
Ukraine’s Costly Mistakes
Ukraine’s 3-0 loss to Romania was marked by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s errors. His lapses in concentration led to two goals, highlighting his struggles under pressure. Despite a decent start, Ukraine’s inability to convert possession into chances and their defensive frailties were exposed. Coach Serhiy Rebrov faces a tough decision regarding Lunin’s future in the tournament.
Euro 2024 has already provided a mix of vintage performances, tactical surprises, and unexpected results. As the group stage progresses, teams will need to adapt and improve to keep their tournament hopes alive. With standout players like Kante and surprising upsets like Slovakia’s win over Belgium, the excitement is sure to continue.
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