Switzerland, the only one who defied logic in the Euro Cup

The Euro 2024 in Germany This is the first test for the new format of 24 participating teams (before they played 16 divided into four groups), which raised serious doubts whether it would be a success or something really unnecessary.

It is true that he was given the opportunity to play the European Cup in groups that usually do not belong to them. Georgia Without going any further, he played in the final stage for the first time and made history by reaching the second round, although losing to Spain forced (1-4). THOUGH Romaniawhich since the brilliant generation of 2000 has not reached the playoffs, is also charged with Netherlands which, although finished third in its group, was far superior (0-3).

A rather unique format. In this Euro Cup, more teams have qualified for the round of 16 (16), than those left out (8)and four of the best third parties passed.

The attraction is to see if a smaller team can surprise, but the reality is overwhelming. Only Switzerland broke the logic of leaving Italy, which is important in history and came as a champion, but not exactly in its best moment. It’s not a surprise either, as Switzerland was on the verge of defeating Germany on the final day of the group stage, a match that Füllkrug almost tied in the last game.

There was certainly excitement in the round of 16. But on the level of attractiveness, the game suffered because of the huge difference between the teams. Only Spain, Germany and the Netherlands They got it with a clear and strong result, played well and lost Georgia, Denmark and Romania respectively, in rivalries with little history.

Others went through more hardships. Without going any further Portugal by Cristiano Ronaldo, who eliminated Slovenia in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw (0-0), or Englandwho forced the extension against the Slovakia in the 94th minute with a bicycle kick from Bellingham and ended up winning (1-2). An emotion at the level of the results that opposed the boredom of the duels. With two close-knit teams, with eleven players at the back, they show you the direction football is going as a sport. Only 10 came Slovenia with 28% of possession in 120 minutes against Portugal, while Slovakiaalthough he gave more of the fight with 37% time on the ball, he was so involved in his field that it made for a boring game against an England side that didn’t play well, especially when they were behind the scoreboard and had to continue .

The most equal matches, as can be understood, are those of France against Belgium (1-0), resolved with its own goal in a duel of many alternatives, or the triumph of Turkey in the view of Austria (1-2), which in terms of spectacle is certainly one of the best in the round of 16 with two offensive proposals and some heart-warming final minutes.

You might think that good things will come from the quarterfinals onward, and they do. On one side of the table more than the other, with Spain-Germany and Portugal-France, who already know what it means to win the Euro Cup, while on the other side there are Netherlands-Turkey and England-Switzerland, the nice games. which is expected to occur. Look at a Euro Cup that is getting serious.