Bleacher Report
And just like that, the group stage of the 2024 European Championship has concluded.
Groups E and F wrapped up Wednesday to finalize the full field in the round of 16.
The last day offered plenty in the way of twists and unexpected surprises as Georgia and Slovenia both upset the odds and punched their ticket to the knockout stages. Czechia, on the other hand, suffered last-minute heartbreak at the hands of Türkiye and was sent packing.
Knockout Stage Schedule (All times are ET)
Round of 16
- June 29: Switzerland vs. Italy, 12 p.m.
- June 29: Germany vs. Denmark, 3 p.m.
- June 30: England vs. Slovakia, 12 p.m.
- June 30: Spain vs. Georgia, 3 p.m.
- July 1: France vs. Belgium, 12 p.m.
- July 1: Portugal vs. Slovenia, 3 p.m.
- July 2: Romania vs. Netherlands, 12 p.m.
- July 2: Austria vs. Türkiye, 3 p.m.
Quarterfinals
- July 5: 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- July 6: 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Semifinals
- July 9: 3 p.m.
- July 10: 3 p.m.
Final
- July 14 at 3 p.m.
Note: The full tournament bracket is available to view at UEFA's official site
Euro 2024 Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook)
- England: +400
- Spain: +450
- Germany: +500
- France: +550
- Portugal: +700
- Netherlands: +1300
- Italy: +1600
- Austria: +1600
- Belgium: +2800
- Switzerland: +3500
- Türkiye: +5000
- Denmark: +6500
- Romania: +10000
- Slovakia: +15000
- Georgia: +15000
- Slovenia: +20000
Betting odds are always an inexact science in terms of forecasting the outcome of an event because they're partially structured to encourage more wagers. The Euro 2024 title odds do at least point to two things.
England is a very real threat to lift the trophy despite a lackluster group stage that culminated in its own fans booing the team at the conclusion of a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
The soccer gods have smiled upon the Three Lions because they dodge pretty much all of the strongest contenders until the final.
It's also easy to forget how little the group stage can matter as long as you advance to the next phase. Portugal was third in its group after three straight draws at Euro 2016 and then went on to win the whole thing. At Euro 2020, the Netherlands built up a head of steam with three wins in the group and then suffered a 2-0 defeat in the round of 16.
As much as England coach Gareth Southgate looks bereft of ideas to improve his squad, he has perhaps more talent at his disposal than any other coach. Combine a solid defense — England allowed one goal in the group — with world-class individual stars and you have a recipe for success in a knockout format.
The other truth the odds highlight is that so many teams that were either painted as possible Euro 2024 winner or even a dark horse have failed to meet expectations.
James Sharman @jamessharmanEasy to focus on England's lacklustre <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Euro2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Euro2024</a> so far, but the same applies to France, Belgium, Netherlands and Croatia. I take great comfort in this. <a href="https://twitter.com/footy_prime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@footy_prime</a>
Portugal looked great in its first two games before losing 2-0 to Georgia on Wednesday, while Türkiye left it until the fourth minute of added time to put away 10-man Czechia.
Neither the Netherlands nor France won Group D. They both fell flat in their final games with performances that raised doubts about them in the knockout stage.
Germany and Italy needed goals in second-half stoppage time on matchday 3 to avoid what would've been costly defeats.
Belgium, which boasts Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard among others, scored just two goals in the group.
Aside from Spain, there isn't another top team that inspired a lot of confidence to this point in the tournament, and La Roja will have to navigate the minefield that's the top half of the draw in order to reach the final.
You wouldn't necessarily feel good about picking England to go all the way, yet the Three Lions might be the pragmatic choice all things considered.
For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.
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