Euro 2024: Underwhelming teams, dark horses as Round of 16 kicks off

In a substantially extended format for the competition, Euro 2024 had 24 teams for the first time.

Even if many fans have expressed that they don’t enjoy the games, they have at least taken pleasure in some unexpected outcomes, speedy VAR decisions, breathtaking goals, and several own goals.

Spain has performed admirably. The only squad to qualify with all nine possible points was La Roja. Austria proudly and valiantly held the dark horses label.

But so far, sides like France and England haven’t impressed, with Les Bleus barely scraping by.

“It’s been a highly competitive edition compared to previous years and it seems like the underdogs are as hungry for success just like the usual favourites are,” Ope Adebari, a sports analyst, reporter and producer with News Central tells BETA NEWS.

“It’s good to see teams like Georgia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania advance to the next stage at the expense of teams like Croatia and Ukraine.

“However, we’re yet to see the tournament favourites, France and England kick into full gear. The major surprises for me have been Spain and Germany.

“Both teams seem to be more thirsty and hungry compared to other tournament favourites.”

Nwosu Michael Izuchukwu, a podcaster and digital marketer, further states: “The best games have been played by teams you wouldn’t exactly look forward to watching.

“At least until qualification for the round of 16 came down to the final match day of the group stage.

“Croatia vs Italy game really produced a wowzer. But generally, it’s been very underwhelming (at least for me).

“Shoutout to Austria though. They really rocked my world, qualifying ahead of both France and Netherlands in Group D.

“And then there’s the madness that happened in Group E, where everyone finished with four points.”

Regarding the most notable last-16 match, both fans and analysts appear to agree.

“It must be the match between France and Belgium. Adebari stated, “I believe the game will bring out the best in both teams and their outstanding players.

Belgium and France were considered the favorites to win the trophy before the competition began.

However, one nation will be eliminated prior to the quarterfinals.

What teams, then, should we anticipate emerging victorious?

It will be difficult to decide because of the way some of these ‘favorites’ have been performing in this competition.

Izuchukwu responded, “But I’ll say: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Netherlands, Austria, England, and Switzerland.”