5 pleasant surprises of the groups: the underrated Slav player, the German B team and the debutants

A Euro full of miracles for the underdogs, that’s how the group stage of the European Championship could be described. Black horses such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Serbia, Croatia or Ukraine have already finished in the group, while many smaller football selections continue. Who impressed pleasantly?

Team Romania

It is probably not to be dwelt upon that Romania won their group, having the same points as last-placed Ukraine. But the performance certainly pleased the impartial fan. In the first game, Nicolae Stanciu and co. let their opponents play, then hit basically everything dangerous themselves.

Although on paper Romania’s defence was a big unknown, they confirmed their reputation as a selfless wall that works as a team. Against Slovakia, it could have easily been three points, and the Romanians didn’t lose to Belgium either.

The master of big moments Schranz

Perhaps the most unassuming player in the Slavie squad, he is always written about before derbies with Sparta and cup battles as a key man. Ivan Schranz proved it again at the Euros, scoring two goals to secure Slovakia’s promotion after a numerically poor season in the red and white.

Meanwhile, the coach uses Schranz mainly because of his running ability. He played the most minutes of the offensive trio each time, never being substituted before the 75th minute. A goal-scoring dribbler is a dream type of footballer for any coach.

Slovenia outshined its stronger brother

Those who have been following the European national teams for a long time know that the Slovenians, despite a population of only 2,000, have to advance in time for the big tournament. But getting through a group with three participants from the last two World Cups is certainly a pleasant surprise.

The Slovenians have impressed with their directness. How little space was enough for the offensive duo of Benjamin Šeško, Andraž Šporar to threaten the opponent’s goal… Even on paper, the unknown defence held out, and now Cristiano Ronaldo and co. The Slovenians have left behind the stronger Serbs for a long time.

A dream debut

Portugal may have gone nowhere, but who cares? Georgia secured promotion to the top 16 teams of the tournament with a win over the big favourite, and given their performances against both the Czech Republic and Turkey, it’s basically deserved. And even if it wasn’t, with Georgia’s debut appearance at the Euros, there’s nothing to do but smile.

Georges Mikautadze finished the group as the tournament’s top scorer with three shots, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili became the first goalkeeper in European Championship history to face 12 shots on target against the Czech Republic without conceding. Georgia will face a spirited Spain.

Germany’s B team

The Austrians would probably be offended by that adjective, but their lineup really consists of average and slightly above average Bundesliga players. After all, they even beat the Germans a year ago and beat the Dutch in this tournament.

The great progress of the Austrians over the last years can easily result in the semi-finals, after all, in the first round of the play-offs they will face the Turks, who have shown much less so far.

Source: Euro 2024