The new format of the Euro? Motivates the underdogs, three third-placed teams make it through to the quarter-finals

Since 2016, in addition to the first and second-placed teams, the top four teams from the third-placed teams also qualify from the European Championship groups. The outsiders benefit from this, this year three teams from the third basket made it to the quarter-finals.

The first advancing team from the third place played its match on Sunday. The Czech Republic defeated the Netherlands 2: 0 and made it through to the top eight. Considering the performance, it was well deserved.

Monday offered two excellent matches. First, the Spaniards advanced over the Croatians after extra time, then the Swiss knocked out the favoured French on penalties. It was the Swiss who went into the play-offs from third place in Group A.

Despite gaining only three points, the Ukrainians also reached the eighth round. They were slightly the worse team in the match against the Swedes, but the red for the Swedish stopper helped them. The game was decided in extra time and they advanced.

Ironically, the only nation not to advance were the biggest favourites of the aforementioned four, the Portuguese. Ronaldo and co. didn’t score a single goal against Belgium, and thanks to Thorgan Hazard’s goal, they are out of the championship.

Interestingly, five years ago it was the other way around. Portugal also came from third place, along with Ireland, Northern Ireland and Slovakia, and were the only ones to make it past the eighth finals, and what’s more, they won the whole tournament.

Source: Twitter