Disappointments of the Group Stage: Teams That Fell Short

Euro 2024 has been full of surprises, with thrilling matches and standout performances. However, not every team has lived up to expectations. The group stage saw several notable teams fall short, failing to progress to the knockout rounds and leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. Here’s a look at the teams that disappointed […]

Euro 2024 has been full of surprises, with thrilling matches and standout performances. However, not every team has lived up to expectations. The group stage saw several notable teams fall short, failing to progress to the knockout rounds and leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. Here’s a look at the teams that disappointed in the group stage and the factors behind their early exits.

Italy: The Holders Stumble

Coming into Euro 2024 as the defending champions, Italy was expected to make a deep run in the tournament. However, their performance in Group B was lackluster. After an opening 2-1 win against Albania, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain and could only manage a 1-1 draw with Croatia. This left them third in their group, missing out on the knockout stages by a narrow margin.

Several factors contributed to Italy’s early exit. Injuries to key players, including Marco Verratti and Federico Chiesa, hampered their ability to dominate the midfield and create scoring opportunities. Additionally, their defense, usually a strong point, looked vulnerable against high-quality opposition. The Azzurri’s failure to convert chances also highlighted their struggles in front of goal.

Belgium: A Golden Generation’s Last Hurrah?

Belgium, often cited as having a “golden generation,” failed to impress in Group E. They started with a shocking 1-0 loss to Slovakia, followed by a 2-0 win against Romania, and a goalless draw with Ukraine. These results left them in third place, not enough to secure progression as one of the best third-placed teams.

The Red Devils’ issues stemmed from an aging squad and a lack of cohesion on the pitch. Despite the presence of stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, Belgium struggled to break down organized defenses. Their defensive frailties were also exposed, as the team appeared slow and disjointed at the back. This disappointing performance has raised questions about the future direction of Belgian football.

Croatia: Falling Short Again

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, had high hopes entering Euro 2024 but couldn’t make it past the group stage. In Group B, they drew 2-2 with Albania, lost 3-0 to Spain, and drew 1-1 with Italy. This left them at the bottom of their group, a surprising outcome for a team with such pedigree.

Croatia’s downfall can be attributed to several factors. The aging core of their squad, including Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić, struggled to keep up with the pace and intensity of the tournament. Additionally, they lacked a cutting edge in attack, often failing to convert their possession into meaningful chances. Defensive lapses further compounded their problems, leading to their early exit.

Denmark: From Heroics to Heartbreak

Denmark, who captured hearts with their remarkable run to the semi-finals in Euro 2020, failed to replicate that success in 2024. In Group C, they managed only draws against Slovenia and Serbia, and a 2-1 defeat to England. These results saw them finish third in their group, not enough to advance to the knockout rounds.

The Danes struggled with consistency and injuries, which disrupted their campaign. Star player Christian Eriksen, who made a heroic return to international football, was not at his best due to fitness concerns. The team’s inability to hold onto leads and convert chances into goals proved costly. Despite a strong defensive unit, their lack of offensive firepower was evident.

Poland: Another Early Exit

Poland’s Euro 2024 journey ended in disappointment as they failed to progress from Group D. After an opening 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw with France, and a 1-1 draw with Austria, they finished third in their group, narrowly missing out on qualification.

Poland’s reliance on Robert Lewandowski was apparent, and when he didn’t fire, neither did the team. Their midfield struggled to provide the necessary support, and defensive errors cost them dearly in crucial moments. The lack of a cohesive team strategy and over-reliance on individual brilliance were key factors in their early exit.

These teams entered Euro 2024 with high hopes and the backing of passionate supporters but ultimately fell short in the group stage. Their early exits serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and competitiveness of international football. As they reflect on what went wrong, these nations will look to rebuild and come back stronger in future tournaments.