Former Ukraine and Shakhtar Donetsk player Oleh Matveyev summarizes the results of the Euro 2024 group round.
Cristiano Ronaldo (photo: uefa.com)- Tactics played a decisive role. The coaches built the matches so competently that it was difficult for the giants to face potential outsiders. Even teams such as Albania and Georgia fought the flagships of world football. And it was not only due to tactics, but also to dedication. As a matter of fact, there were no boring matches in the group tournament. Almost all the games were surprisingly interesting.
However, it seems that the defenders at the European Championships are much better than the forwards. Although I liked the individual actions of many players. In particular, I admired the Germans Musiala and Kroos, the Croatian Modric, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Most experts thought that at the age of 39 he would be a burden for Portugal, but Crist showed that he was still very strong.
England, on the other hand, impressed with pale football. The French and Dutch looked good. Finally, Italy also has a fighting spirit, even though it saved the match against Croatia only in the last minute. But I consider the Croats to be the biggest disappointment of the tournament, as the team managed to score only two points. In my opinion, Scotland and Poland also deserve the reputation of the biggest losers. These teams have strong performers, but for some reason they have become clear outsiders of the tournament," Expres quotes the expert.
