Romania head coach Edward Iordanescu was left furious after suggestions his side could manipulate a draw with Slovakia to ensure Euro 2024 progression.

With all four sides level on points heading into the final matchday, a point apiece in Romania's game would have ensured both teams went through to the last 16 regardless of Belgium's result against Ukraine.

Iordanescu's men ultimately prevailed as unlikely Group E winners after their 1-1 draw with Slovakia, coupled with Belgium's goalless stalemate on Wednesday.

Yet Iordanescu noted claims his team would play for – or attempt to manipulate – a share of the spoils, blasting those suggestions after the match.

"I believe it was clear that both teams gave everything for 80 minutes," Iordanescu told reporters. "Everybody gave their best.

"To speak before a game and to throw mud to the teams and to the players and to our work and to our dignity is shameful.

"They should have waited and seen and then judged us, so this was shameful, it was not nice. They threw this garbage to us but not just to us but to the team, to our fans and to everybody.

"We showed that we have character. Romania all the time fights with character and if we were going to lose and go home, we would have gone home but with our dignity intact."

Former Romania international Danut Lupu had previously said in an interview with AS.Ro that a draw had been arranged and there was no point risking a loss.

Any such suggestions were rubbished come kick-off as the pair fired 22 shots between them, with nine on target in a close-fought encounter in Frankfurt.

Romania's reward will be a last-16 meeting with the Netherlands, while Slovakia will face England.

Iordanescu is certain to have the backing of the travelling Romanians again.

"Almost the whole stadium was yellow," he added. "They were so close. They followed us at the train station, at the hotel, when we went on trips, training, when we got back to the hotel.

"That's absolutely incredible. And I really hope that this will continue."

And with that, the Euro 2024 group stages conclude on yet another dramatic day of action across Germany. 

Turkiye, Georgia, Romania, Belgium and Slovakia were the final teams to secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament. 

Here, we unpack the best of Wednesday's social media clips from the football at the European Championship.

Germany eyeing Denmark task

Julian Nagelsmann's side now know their opponents for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 following the conclusion of Group C on Tuesday.

The hosts will travel to Dortmund this Saturday to play Denmark at the Westfalenstadion for a place in the quarter-finals. 

Having had two extra days of rest compared to their opponents, Germany will be hopeful of continuing their impressive start to the tournament. 

Varga returns to Hungary

Following a successful operation, Hungary striker Barnabas Varga has been discharged from hospital and returned home to continue his recovery. 

The 29-year-old was left with multiple broken facial bones and a concussion after colliding with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn last Sunday. 

Varga's club side, Ferencvaros, posted a picture to X of the striker waving to the camera upon his return back.

Skills on show from Zinchenko

Ahead of Ukraine's meeting with Belgium in Stuttgart, defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was seen showing off his skills. 

The Arsenak full-back was introduced as a second-half substitute against the Red Devils, but was unable to prevent his side from finishing bottom of Group E. 

Ukraine became the first side in European Championship history to fail to progress to the knockout stages of the competition after claiming four points. 

A night to remember for Kvaratskhelia

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia starred in a landmark triumph for Georgia over Portugal, and was able to grab a souvenir to remember the occasion. 

In a video posted to his Instagram, the Napoli forward managed to grab Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt at full-time.

With that memento to cherish, Kvaratskhelia will hope to power Georgia through Sunday's last-16 meeting with Spain, the only side still boasting a 100 per cent record in Germany.

Nagelsmann's future number one?

Germany confirmed top spot in Group A on Matchday 3, coming from a goal down to draw with Switzerland in Frankfurt. 

Manuel Neuer has kept one clean sheet from his three games, but could have found his future replacement in goal. 

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was seen sharing a moment with a ball boy prior to kick-off, with the youngster approving of Neuer's throw to him with a thumbs up. 

De la Fuente thanks Spanish journalists

The relationship between footballers and journalists can often come into question but that is not the case for Spain manager Luis de la Fuente. 

La Roja's head coach met with the Spanish media to thank them for their coverage of Spain's perfect start to the tournament, even sharing food and drink with them. 

Kane ready for important part of Euro 2024

After failing to dazzle in their three group games, England captain Harry Kane insists his side are ready to shine in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. 

The Bayern Munich striker joined Josh Denzel on Wednesday's episode of the Lions' Den, discussing finishing top of Group C and controlling their destiny moving forward. 

"Got a game on Sat!"

The Azzurri face a stern test in the last-16 as they look to retain their European Championship crown. 

Luciano Spalletti's side face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday, with Italy's social media account quick to remind them of getting back into training. 

Ferdinand backs Mainoo and Palmer to take England to glory

There were perhaps only two positives from England's draw with Slovakia; topping the group and the introductions of Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer. 

The Three Lions young guns made their case for a starting spot against Slovakia in their last-16 fixture on Sunday.

And Rio Ferdinand believes Gareth Southgate must start the pair in Gelsenkirchen, and for the rest of the tournament to stand any chance of success. 
 

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first European player in history to make 50 appearances at major tournaments.

The Portugal captain hit the impressive landmark in their Group F encounter against Georgia at Euro 2024 on Wednesday.

Ronaldo made his major tournament debut at Euro 2004, helping hosts Portugal on their run to the final before the shock defeat to Greece, and has been an ever-present in Euros and World Cup action since.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner eventually got his hands on an elusive Euros trophy in 2016, winning his first major tournament honour with the national side.

Ronaldo is no stranger to making history and has already broken records at this tournament – playing in his sixth European Championship aged 39.

Despite not scoring at Euro 2024 heading into the final group matchday, Ronaldo's assist for Bruno Fernandes in Portugal's 3-0 victory over Turkiye was his seventh in the competition, the most by any player.

Ronaldo is already the record appearance-maker at the Euros, with his start against Georgia his 28th game in the competition.

Only two outings have been from the bench, with both coming at the start of Euro 2004 – he scored his debut goal in the competition as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Greece in Portugal's opener.

That was the first of his record 14 goals – scored from 146 shots – in the European Championships, five more than France great Michel Platini, whose nine goals all came at Euro 1984.

The delayed 2020 edition was an individual best as Ronaldo scored five goals to win the Golden Boot award for the first time, sharing it with Czechia's Patrik Schick.

Though Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer has always proved a threat to any goalkeeper, he has also created 46 chances (including assists), managing five of those in the opening two matches of this edition.

Though a European Championship trophy added to Ronaldo's impressive career haul, the veteran forward has still not managed to get his hands on the World Cup.

The closest the 39-year-old came to lifting the illustrious Jules Rimet trophy remains when he made the first of his 22 appearances in Germany in 2006, helping Portugal to fourth place.

Like at the Euros, only two of his appearances at the World Cup have been off the bench, but those came in the most recent edition as Portugal were knocked out of Qatar 2022 by Morocco in the quarter-finals.

Over the course of five World Cups, the former Real Madrid star has scored eight goals from 102 shots, but only in one edition has he found the back of the net more than once (2018 – four).

Yet FIFA's top prize will not be on his mind now as Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez's men eye European glory.

Belgium limped into the Euro 2024 knockout stages after Wednesday's goalless draw with Ukraine, setting up an enticing last-16 meeting with France. 

Domenico Tedesco's side had several golden opportunities but were unable to make them count as Ukraine were eliminated from the competition on goal difference, as all four Group E teams finished level on points.

Romania's 1-1 draw with third-placed Slovakia was enough to send them through as group winners on goals scored, while Belgium finished second due to a superior goal difference.

Romelu Lukaku threatened to open his tournament account early on after being picked out by Kevin De Bruyne but failed to trouble Anatolii Trubin with his effort. 

The Red Devils continued to dominate possession but failed to convert it into gilt-edged chances, with De Bruyne's inventive near-post free-kick the closest Tedesco's side came.

Ukraine posed a threat on the break, however, and almost took the lead when Roman Yaremchuk's cross narrowly evaded Artem Dovbyk in the six-yard box.

De Bruyne and Lukaku combined again in the second half, but the same result followed as the Red Devils' all-time top scorer saw his tame attempt easily gathered. 

The introduction of Yannick Carrasco sparked Belgium into life, with his stinging effort palmed away by Trubin as they looked to find a winner. 

Yet Ukraine went the closest late on as Ruslan Malinovskyi's audacious corner-kick almost caught Koen Casteels out at his near post. 

However, the winning goal for both sides ultimately eluded them, with Belgium now facing the difficult task of facing the two-time Euros champions on Monday in Dusseldorf.

Data Debrief: Lack of clinical edge punishes the Red Devils

Belgium can only have themselves to blame after failing to capitalise on several promising opportunities, registering just four shots on target from 10 attempts, underperforming their expected goals (xG) by 0.28. 

Lukaku's woes continued in front of goal and he is still yet to find the target at Euro 2024. The Belgium striker had the joint-most shots (two) and shots on target (two) but should have done much better with his opportunities. 

Romania progressed to the Euro 2024 knockout stages as unlikely Group E winners as Slovakia also made it through with Wednesday's 1-1 draw in Frankfurt.

Razvan Marin's first-half penalty cancelled out Ondrej Duda's early header before the two sides shared the spoils, as was the case in Belgium's goalless draw in the other group game with Ukraine.

Serhiy Rebrov's side were the unfortunate losers as all four teams remarkably finished on four points, with Domenico Tedesco's side sneaking through in second and Slovakia in third.

Romania topped the group on goals scored and will face the best third-place side from Group A, B, C or D in Munich on Tuesday, while Slovakia will meet either England or Spain in the next round.

Despite knowing a draw would be enough, Slovakia came flying out the blocks and wasted a flurry of chances before finally getting the breakthrough.

A backtracking Duda rose brilliantly to thump a header back across goal into the bottom-right corner after Juraj Kucka's angled cross from the right-hand side.

Ianis Hagi was brought down on the perimeter of the box shortly after, with the VAR overturning the onfield decision for a free-kick, and Marin emphatically buried the spot-kick to leave Martin Dubravka helpless.

Marin almost doubled his tally just after the hour mark, with his curler sailing just over the crossbar, while Lukas Haraslin whipped his attempt to get a winner narrowly wide as neither side could find a decisive goal.

Data Debrief: Mind the gap

Marin's goal was his second at the Euros – he has now scored twice in his last three games for Romania across all competitions, as many as he managed in his previous 54 appearances combined.

Meanwhile, Kucka assisted Slovakia's opening goal in this match, his second at a major tournament, with his other coming 14 years and two days ago (against Italy at  the2010 World Cup). It is the biggest gap between assists at a major tournament for a European player.

Duda also became the first Slovakian player to score at two major tournaments after netting as well at Euro 2016.

Phil Foden has left the England squad to fly back home 'temporarily' due to a pressing family matter, an FA spokesperson confirmed. 

The Manchester City star played 89 minutes in the Three Lions' final Group C fixture against Slovenia on Tuesday night. 

Foden has started in all three of Gareth Southgate's side's group fixtures, featuring in England's win over Serbia and 1-1 draw with Denmark. 

After confirming top spot in Cologne, the Three Lions last-16 fixture will take place this Sunday at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen. 

Austria midfielder Leopold Querfeld is confident his side can beat anyone at Euro 2024 after reaching the knockout stages in Germany. 

Querfeld, who represented his nation twice before the start of the tournament, made his European Championship debut in Austria's win over the Netherlands on Tuesday. 

The defender played 26 minutes as Ralf Rangnick's side finished top of Group D following France's 1-1 draw with Poland. 

"It's by no means something that can be taken for granted, but it's definitely something we thought we could do," Querfeld said. 

"The evening after the game was extremely nice. We brought friends and family to the hotel, were able to spend a cozy evening together and had a really nice time," 

Austria will watch this evening's action with interest to discover who their opponents will be at the Leipzig Stadium next Tuesday. 

Rangnick's side will face the runners-up of Group F, with Turkiye, Czechia and Georgia all in with a shout of progressing to the knockout stages on Matchday 3. 

But given their performances in the tournament so far, Querfeld is confident that Austria can reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. 

"No matter what opponent we get, they will have a very difficult time against us," he said. 

Gareth Southgate pleaded for England's supporters to "stay with the team", after venting their frustration following the goalless draw with Slovenia.

The Three Lions advanced to the Euro 2024 knockout stages as Group C winners, despite winning just one of their opening three games and scoring two goals. 

Southgate's side, who came under scrutiny following their 1-1 draw with Denmark, did little to silence those critics with another underwhelming performance against the Slovenians.

Despite dominating large periods of the contest with 74% of possession, it yielded an expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.87, with the front three of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden registering just two shots on target between them.

Sections of England fans jeered their team at the final whistle, while hurling empty drinks cups in the direction of Southgate as he applauded them.

The Three Lions boss empathised with the supporters, but urged them to point the finger of blame at him, rather than his players.

"I understand it. I'm not going to back away from it," he told reporters during his post-match press conference. "The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.

"I understand the narrative towards me, and that's better for the team than it being towards them. But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.

"[The players] kept composure in a game where they've come into a really challenging environment. Of course, we'd love a couple of goals that sends everybody home happy. But we were definitely an improvement on what we did in the last game."

"I think the changes we made had a positive effect on the game tonight. We weren't able to find the right pass, the final finish. But we are improving."

Despite the disappointment at their performance levels, England have managed to avoid the half of the draw that includes the likes of France, Germany, Spain and Portugal.

The Three Lions will play either the Netherlands, who finished third in Group D, or Group E's third-placed side in the round of 16 in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

And Southgate knows a positive atmosphere within the camp will be crucial as the Euro 2020 finalists target another deep run in this competition.

"You never want to look back having not topped the group and spiral into tough matches where people can then accuse you that, because you didn't win the group, you've ended up with a tougher draw," he added.

"We have made England over the last three or four years fun again. I think it has been enjoyable for the players, and we have got to be very, very careful that it stays that way."

Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand is relishing the opportunity of facing Euro 2024 hosts Germany in the knockout stages of the tournament this Saturday. 

The Danes concluded their Group C campaign with a goalless draw against Serbia in Munich, finishing second behind England in the standings.

"The last seven, eight minutes (against Serbia) were just defending, so I think our defence was really good, Hjulmand said after the game.

"We had to fight through the game at the end. But I think we showed character and there are so many things from the game that I'm happy about.

"There are a few things in the attack that we have to tweak in order to succeed but I know that we can we can do that. We have some great players there."

Denmark drew all three of their group games, finishing ahead of Slovenia based on their disciplinary record, ultimately coming down to Milivoje Novakovic, a member of Matjaz Kek's coaching staff, being shown a yellow card against the Danes. 

It sets up a meeting with Germany, a side they have failed to beat in their last four meetings, with their last triumph coming in an international friendly in March 2007.

"I really love football here in Germany and playing against Germany with the Danish team, it can't be better, I can't wait. It's a great team. But we're a great team as well. And when we play the big nations, we always step up," Hjulmand said.

Gareth Southgate acknowledged it is "hard work" for England so far at Euro 2024, but attempted to focus on the positives despite another underwhelming draw for his side, this time against Slovenia.

The goalless clash in Cologne on Tuesday was enough for the Three Lions to secure top spot in Group C ahead of Denmark, who also drew 0-0 with Serbia.

Southgate's side therefore avoided a last-16 tie against Germany, but struggled once more to find an attacking spark.

The front three of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden managed just two shots on target between them, while also registering just nine touches in Slovenia's penalty box.

England came under heavy criticism following their 1-1 draw with Denmark last week and there were boos from sections of their supporters following the full-time whistle in this game.

But Southgate insisted his side had performed better in their final group outing. 

"I thought we were much-improved with the ball," he told ITV. "We've created some good openings.

"At the moment, it's hard work for us. We're not quite getting that break in front of goal.

"We've had the discipline to keep a clean sheet, which has ended up meaning we top the group. I understand some reactions, but it's a strange environment we're playing in.

"We wanted to win the game, as you saw from the attacking changes we made. There were lots of things we can build on from the game and a lot of things are starting to come together.

"We looked more dangerous and we had a good impact from our subs. We've now just got to convert those chances."

The Three Lions boss praised the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon for their displays from the bench, and also explained his decision to replace Conor Gallagher - the sole change to the starting line-up from the Denmark game - at half-time.

"They're really young players, so we're balancing blooding them in a difficult environment, but they used the ball really well for us," he said.

"We started with Conor, who presses well, and I thought we did that better at the start of the game. We then felt Kobbie's ability to move the ball through the middle of the pitch was going to be helpful, which he did.

"I don't think we were going to go from where we were to winning 3-0 or 4-0; it's not realistic in the intensity in the game that we had. But there were a lot of things I was really pleased with."

England now await the identity of their last-16 opponents, which will either be the Netherlands - who finished third in Group D - or the third-placed nation in Group E.

The Euro 2020 finalists have avoided the half of the draw containing the likes of Germany, Spain, Portugal and France.

However, Southgate was quick to sweep aside any suggestions his side have been handed a more straightforward path towards a potentially deep run in the competition.

"We have to take it a step at a time," he added. "This was an improvement, but we've got to improve to win in the next round clearly.

"We have topped the group, and that was the objective at the start.

"We've got to play well and whoever we play, it's going to be a really tough game. We shouldn't be seduced by which half of the draw we're in."

England finished first in Group C at Euro 2024 but again disappointed during their goalless draw with Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday.

The Three Lions endured another flat display in front of goal, with Bukayo Saka's ruled out first-half effort the only real moment of quality from Gareth Southgate's side.

An injection of pace from substitute Cole Palmer threatened to spark England into life, but a winning goal eluded them as they finished with just five points from their three group games.  

Despite the draw, England topped Group C following Serbia's goalless draw with Denmark, meaning they avoided a last-16 tie against hosts Germany. Matjaz Kek's side, meanwhile, secured their place in the knockout stages for the first time ever at a major tournament.

With hopes of a fast start from the Three Lions, it was Slovenia who registered the first effort as Benjamin Sesko saw his header comfortably gathered by Jordan Pickford. 

England thought they had taken the lead when Saka rounded off a slick attacking move, only to see what would have been his 12th international goal ruled out for offside.

Kieran Trippier came close to providing the opening goal, but his teasing delivery evaded both Conor Gallagher and Harry Kane inside the Slovenia penalty area. 

The introduction of Kobbie Mainoo for Gallagher at half-time aimed to add some attacking impetus, with his presence instantly sparking the absent pace from the England midfield. 

John Stones almost marked his 75th England appearance with a goal as he saw his header cleared off the line, with Marc Guehi unable to keep the loose ball alive. 

England continued to create a flurry of potential opportunities, with Declan Rice flashing an effort wide of Jan Oblak's goal and substitute Cole Palmer also seeing his effort repelled by Slovenia's number one. 

The result for Southgate's side confirmed Croatia's elimination from the tournament, with the full-time whistle greeted with frustration by the England support as Slovenia celebrated a remarkable achievement.

England yet to dazzle, but get the job done

With the expectations of England's plethora of attacking options possibly being enough to win the tournament on their own, it was yet another underwhelming display. 

A front three of Kane, Saka and Phil Foden managed just two shots on target between them, with the trio also managing just nine touches in Slovenia's penalty box. 

With much of the focus surrounding Jude Bellingham, the Los Blancos star was a shadow of the man who scored 23 goals for Real Madrid this season. 

The 20-year-old completed 86% of his 57 passes, the second-lowest of England's midfield behind Gallagher (85%) and an improvement will be needed regardless of whoever England's last-16 opponents end up being.

Resilient Slovenia get their rewards

Despite failing to win a game at Euro 2024, Slovenia proved difficult opponents for each of Group C's sides and have received their just rewards. 

Slovenia are now undefeated in their last 4 games in the Euros, their longest unbeaten streak in the competition (since at least 1992).

Kek's side can also take pride from maintaining their unbeaten record arriving into the tournament, and have now not tasted defeat in their last nine matches in all competitions (W4 D5), matching the longest ever unbeaten run in their history (9 games between September 2020 and March 2021).

It remains to be seen who awaits Slovenia in the next round, but they can take pride with their sensational achievement on the international stage. 

Edward Iordanescu wants Romania to embrace the "greatest moment in our careers" by securing a place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages.

Tricolorii top a tight Group E, in which all four teams are locked on four points heading into the final matchday, by virtue of scoring the most goals, having put three past Ukraine in their opener.

A draw against Slovakia in Frankfurt on Tuesday will likely be enough for Romania to progress beyond the European Championship group stage for only the second time, also achieving the feat in 2000.

However, Iordanesu insists his side are fully focused on holding onto first place.

"We can't control what people talk about, but we have full concentration on the game tomorrow," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"We are playing to qualify, and we do want to finish first. If we win the group, at least theoretically, you have a certain advantage in terms of extra rest days and a [weaker] opponent.

"But the most important thing is to qualify. This is our main objective. This is an historic moment for the national team, a moment that is special and the greatest moment in our careers.

"Slovakia are one of the best organised teams at this tournament," he said. "I have studied them a lot in the qualification campaign and here in Germany. Their coach has built a clear identity and a balanced team with experience.

"They have had an extra day of rest, but tomorrow, we won’t care about tiredness or pressure, it is only the heart that matters. There is no other scenario for us, we want to qualify, no matter how."

Ronald Koeman said he will take responsibility for the Netherlands' defeat to Austria as pressure continues to mount on the Oranje head coach.

The Netherlands twice came from behind in Berlin thanks to goals from Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo and looked set to finish as runners-up in Group D. 

However, Marcel Sabitzer's late strike secured Ralf Rangnick's side top spot, as Koeman's team finished in third following France's 1-1 draw with Poland as a potential meeting with England in the last-16 beckons. 

"I am ultimately responsible. I put this team together because I thought it was the best. But that wasn't the case," said Koeman.

"I'm also disappointed in myself that we're starting (games) like this. I thought the beginning was a poor performance, but not the entire match.

"We knew that they play with high backs, so we indicated: close that passing line. Then the back zone must hold. But if one or the other doesn't happen, this is what you get.

"During the match I also tried to say that central defenders should pick up the emerging backs. The communication was also one of the bad things, especially at the beginning of the match."

The Netherlands lost their first group stage game at the Euros since 2012 against Portugal (2-1), and captain Virgil Van Dijk insists that something has to change quickly heading into the knockout rounds. 

"We started the match weakly, in possession of the ball and in our duels. Then you are behind the game. We lacked energy.

"We talked about it at halftime. This is incomprehensible, at a finals tournament. I have no explanation for this at the moment. We all have to do a lot more for this is bad.

"If we want to achieve something at this European Championship, something has to change very quickly. We are all responsible for this."

For Austria, they have now reached the knockout stages in their last two appearances at the European Championships, having failed to do so in their previous two editions of the competition (2008 and 2016).

Sabitzer, who became the first Austrian to play 10 matches at the European Championships, knows his side must now calm down ahead of the knockout rounds. 

"If you beat the Netherlands and win the group, then you can't be that bad," Sabitzer said. "For us, the most important thing was to advance, and we managed that. Now we need to calm down, clear our heads and then keep attacking.

"In football, things often happen quickly, you have ups and downs. I think that's normal. The question is how you deal with it.

"I've worked very well in the last few days, the team supports me very well. When you win like that, win the group, score the winning goal, it doesn't get any better than that.

"I give everything for the team, always want to help with assists and goals, and if that happens as a side effect, it's very nice.

"You can see that we rotate through the team and nothing is missed, everyone knows their position and what they have to do."

Ronald Koeman said he will take responsibility for the Netherlands' defeat to Austria as pressure continues to mount on the Oranje head coach.

The Netherlands twice came from behind in Berlin thanks to goals from Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo and looked set to finish as runners-up in Group D. 

However, Marcel Sabitzer's late strike secured Ralf Rangnick's side top spot, as Koeman's side finished in third following France's 1-1 draw with Poland as a potential meeting with England in the last-16 beckons. 

"I am ultimately responsible. I put this team together because I thought it was the best. But that wasn't the case," said Koeman.

"I'm also disappointed in myself that we're starting (games) like this. I thought the beginning was a poor performance, but not the entire match.

"We knew that they play with high backs, so we indicated: close that passing line. Then the back zone must hold. But if one or the other doesn't happen, this is what you get.

"During the match I also tried to say that central defenders should pick up the emerging backs. The communication was also one of the bad things, especially at the beginning of the match."

The Netherlands lost their first group stage game at the Euros since 2012 against Portugal (2-1), and captain Virgil Van Dijk insists that something has to change quickly heading into the knockout rounds. 

"We started the match weakly, in possession of the ball and in our duels. Then you are behind the game. We lacked energy.

"We talked about it at halftime. This is incomprehensible, at a finals tournament. I have no explanation for this at the moment. We all have to do a lot more for this is bad.

"If we want to achieve something at this European Championship, something has to change very quickly. We are all responsible for this."

For Austria, they have now reached the knockout stages in their last two appearances at the European Championships, having failed to do so in their previous two editions of the competition (2008 and 2016).

Sabitzer, who became the first Austrian to play 10 matches at the European Championships, knows his side must now calm down ahead of the knockout rounds. 

"If you beat the Netherlands and win the group, then you can't be that bad," Sabitzer said. "For us, the most important thing was to advance, and we managed that. Now we need to calm down, clear our heads and then keep attacking.

"In football, things often happen quickly, you have ups and downs. I think that's normal. The question is how you deal with it.

"I've worked very well in the last few days, the team supports me very well. When you win like that, win the group, score the winning goal, it doesn't get any better than that.

"I give everything for the team, always want to help with assists and goals, and if that happens as a side effect, it's very nice.

"You can see that we rotate through the team and nothing is missed, everyone knows their position and what they have to do."

Serhiy Sydorchuk is hopeful of keeping Ukraine's fairytale journey at Euro 2024 alive heading into their final group game against Belgium. 

The Blue and Yellow conclude their Group E campaign in Stuttgart on Tuesday, knowing a win will secure their place in the last-16 of the tournament. 

Slovakia face Romania in the other game, and with all three sides level on points heading into Matchday 3, the emphasis on winning has heightened. 

Sydorchuk said his team know a triumph in their first meeting with the Red Devils would see them through to the last-16 as one of the top two, but he did not want to tempt fate.

"When you say something very loudly, the echo will be very loud as well, so I think we should be silent and we should do what we can do, and we'll see tomorrow at 8 PM what we could do," Sydorchuk said.

Ukraine are looking to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for a third time, having done so at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2020.

All four of their final group stage games have ended 1-0 – winning the first in 2006 against Tunisia but have lost their last three (vs England at Euro 2012, Poland at Euro 2016, and Austria at Euro 2020).

Sydorchuk knows the importance of a victory for the people of Ukraine and is hopeful that securing qualification alleviate some of the misery caused by the Russian invasion of his homeland.

"What will it mean for the country is that we will go on with this fairytale, this really fantastic fairytale for several more days for the whole country, because we are at war for almost 900 days," Sydorchuk said.

"For the Ukrainians, every game, every event like that means a lot, it means for them that they can come back to the usual pre-war times."