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."
John Stones understands the frustration of England supporters, but firmly believes the Three Lions are on the right track.
England drew 0-0 with Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday, though with Denmark drawing against Serbia by the same scoreline, Gareth Southgate's team still topped Group C.
That means they avoid a last-16 tie with hosts Germany and find themselves in what appears to be the kinder side of the draw, also evading Portugal, France and Spain.
England had 74% possession and recorded 12 shots, though their expected goals (xG) value of 0.87 shows clear chances were once again at a premium.
Their possession figure is the highest the Three Lions have had in a single match at a major tournament without scoring (since Opta have tracked such data, from 1966 onwards for the World Cup, and 1980 for the Euros).
That being said, England's combined 1.13 xG against through their three matches is the lowest of any team in the tournament, as they continue to impress defensively.
And Stones feels there were clear improvements from the opening two fixtures.
Speaking to ITV Sport, Stones said: "Well, we wanted to win, but the objective was to top the group and we've done that, so I'm extremely pleased.
"It's not always going to be easy, especially not when everyone's got a target on our back to beat us.
"Two clean sheets out of three, a great positive for us to take into the next stage, and there was a lot of improvement from the other two games. We were free-flowing, we found the pockets [of space], created more chances, and I believe it's another step in the right direction.
"I can understand some of the fans' frustration with us not scoring, or not taking chances, that's football."
Stones, who is the only outfield player to have started all 22 matches for England at major tournaments under Southgate, added that the squad will be critical of their own displays, however.
"[We're] very close [to clicking]," he continued.
"We've got to focus on us and what we can control, and be harsh on ourselves about the game, what we could have done better. I do feel we took a step in the right direction. Not the result we wanted but I'm so pleased we top the group.
"We've got to beat whoever is put in front of us. No matter who we play, we've got to believe and step up when it counts."
Captain Harry Kane echoed his team-mate's sentiment.
Kane said: "That was the aim before the start of the tournament. Come top of the group and control our destiny. I thought we played a lot better than the other games. We couldn't just find that finish but we look forward to the next one.
"We created some half chances and there were some that we could maybe have done better.
"These games are tough. We have been here before and stepped it up in the past when we have got to the knockouts. All games in this tournament are tough. It is going to be a difficult challenge ahead and we have enough ability to keep pushing."
England will face either the Netherlands or any of the four teams from Group E in the next round.
Slovenia, meanwhile, will go through as one of the best third-placed sides, with Croatia from Group B officially eliminated as a result of Tuesday's matches.
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.
Denmark booked their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 as they drew 0-0 with Serbia, who were eliminated.
The Danes went into the last matchday of Group C knowing a victory could see them through as winners, but instead Kasper Hjolmund's team had to settle for second, meaning they will take on hosts Germany on Saturday.
Serbia, on the other hand, needed a win to stand any chance of progressing, but with Novak Djokovic watching on from the stands in Munich, Dragan Stojkovic's could not get over the line.
They had their chances. Luka Jovic had a goal disallowed and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who had two penalty appeals waved away, curled just wide.
Dusan Vlahovic also went close with a late header that looped onto the roof of the net, but the Danes got the job done, despite not winning a match in Group C.
England, who also drew 0-0 with Slovenia in the other game, top the group.
Data Debrief: Serbia's major slump
Serbia are winless in their last eight major tournament matches (drawn two, lost five) since a 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the 2018 World Cup. They last had a winless run as long as this at tournaments between 1974 and 1982 as Yugoslavia (eight games).
Indeed, since winning four consecutive matches between January and June 2023, Serbia have only won four of their 14 games in all competitions (drawn four, lost six) and have kept just two clean sheets during that span.
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."
Roberto Martinez confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will start against Georgia in their final Euro 2024 group game to make a landmark appearance.
The Portugal captain is set to become the first European player to make appear in 50 games at major tournaments in his next match, and a start against Georgia will take him to 28 caps at the Euros.
The Selecao have already confirmed their place in the last 16 as Group F winners with a 3-0 victory over Turkiye last time out, after beating Czechia 2-1 in their opener.
So, Martinez was expected to make changes to his starting line-up with one eye on the knockout stage, but the Spaniard was happy to confirm Ronaldo would not be one of them.
"I can say that the captain will be in the starting team. It's important," said Martinez. "He only played one preparation match.
"His season was very consistent, and he has played every game, has had a lot of minutes at his club. To continue with the competitive rhythm, it's not good to stop now and then reactivate in six days.
"We prepared the game to win. I believe the integrity of the tournament is essential.
"It is an important match because the result will show who will and will not be qualified. Georgia had a very interesting European Championship, could have beaten the Czech Republic in the last play of the match.
"They were very competitive against Turkey. We need to maintain the same focus and win."
Portugal were the victim of multiple pitch invaders against Turkiye as fans tried to get close to Ronaldo.
While the 39-year-old took the time to take a photo with one young fan but appeared frustrated as the trend continued.
Martinez added: "He's a very experienced player, he's been with the team for over 20 years.
"He knows the kind of support fans provide, but not just Portugal fans, football fans. I hope there won't be any pitch invasions - this is dangerous and it's not good for football, it's not a part of the game that we want to see."
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."
Daniele De Rossi has signed a new deal to keep him as Roma coach until 2027.
De Rossi, who spent 18 seasons at Roma as a player, took over the Giallorossi in January, following Jose Mourinho's departure.
The 40-year-old ultimately guided Roma to a sixth-place finish in Serie A as well as a Europa League semi-final, which they lost to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Roma said: "Before the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, the owners – the Friedkin Group – had announced in a note their desire to continue with De Rossi.
"The club's intentions then turned into a three-year contract, which the coach signed with enthusiasm, continuing the natural symbiosis with this team, his team. Rome."
As well as confirming De Rossi's new deal, Roma announced that striker Andrea Belotti had completed a move to newly promoted Como, who are coached by Cesc Fabregas.
Didier Deschamps says he is not frustrated since their "first objective is achieved" after a 1-1 draw with Poland in their final Euro 2024 group game.
Kylian Mbappe netted his first goal at the European Championships from the penalty spot, but Les Bleus were denied all three points by Robert Lewandowski, who also netted from 12 yards on the second attempt.
While France's place in the knockout stage was confirmed pre-match, after a win over Austria and a goalless draw with the Netherlands, Deschamps' side needed to win to top the group.
Instead, they finished second behind Austria, who got an impressive 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in the other group game.
They will now face the runners-up of the tightly contested Group E in the last 16, and though France have not hit the heights they are capable of so far, Deschamps remains calm.
"I'm not frustrated," he told TF1. "The goal was to take first place, but we had to win.
"From the moment we don't win, we have to accept it. We did what we had to do, we had opportunities. We have to appreciate what we did.
"The first objective is achieved even if we don't have the place we wanted. We could have done better in terms of efficiency, even if the goalkeeper made some good saves. We weren't able to take cover."
France have scored just twice so far in the tournament, with Mbappe the first Frenchman to hit the back of the net after Maximilian Wober's own goal sealed their win over Austria.
Unlike his head coach, Adrien Rabiot bemoaned the team's struggle to finish their chances as they failed to see out the victory.
"The evening was frustrating, we didn't do enough to win tonight," the midfielder said. "We had everything between our feet, and we didn't do enough.
"The goalkeeper was good, we had a good opposition, but we have to do much better to score, we still have this problem of efficiency. We have not achieved the objective of first place."
It was a goal fest in the NBGC Premier League on the weekend with a total of 26 goals scored among the five matches on the cards.
The Premier League moved to the NBGC Technical Center on Friday June 21, when Azul Cayon Rockets crushed demoted Trafalgar Southstars 5-0.
The goals came from Devontay Carty in the 24th minute, Vinceroy Nelson in the 31st minute, Evansroy Barnes one minute before halftime, Jahmarli Connor in the 63rd minute and Shaqkeem Butler six minutes later.
After the match, Coach Anthony Nets Isaac of Cayon said he is satisfied with the win, though he was hoping to score more goals in the event goal difference plays a role in the playoff positions.
“At training and coming to the game, we decided we had to get at least seven to eight goals. Because remember the second-place team, which is (Old Road) have been scoring goals regularly, and they are way ahead in goals. But for us to catch up, depending on how the table stand, we want to be there when it comes to goal averages...we didn't get the amount that we wanted, but we're satisfied still,” Isaac said.
Manager of Trafalgar Southstars, Akins Phillip said with his team relegated to Division 1, he is aiming for his team to earn some points before the end of the season.
“The plan for the rest of the season is to try and get some points. We can't leave without getting at least three or six points. We're going to try our best,” Phillip said.
On Saturday June 22, DBSKN St. Peters FC, edged Honda Newtown United 3-2, to maintain their spot in the Final Four playoff race.
St. Peters took the lead in the sixth minute through Devion Harvey before, eight minutes into the second half, Jabari Isaac equalized for Newtown.
Shaquille Barzey and Dionis Stephens scored in the 62nd and 68th minutes, respectively, to put St. peters up 3-1 before Shamar Powell gave Newtown hope of a comeback with eight minutes to go.
In Saturday’s second game, S.L Horsfords St. Paul’s United came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw with MFCR Old Road United Jets.
Goals from Tiquanny Williams in the 34th minute and Geovanni Lake four minutes later gave Old Road a 2-0 lead going into the halftime interval.
Keithroy Freeman cut the lead in half for St. Paul’s in the 67th minute before Petrez Williams secured a point for his side in the 90th minute.
Captain of Old Road Jets Nequan Browne explained that the team lost concentration and managed the game poorly which led to them giving up the 2-0 lead.
“We lost concentration in the game. Time management was a problem with us. We should have managed the ball better, move it around better, instead of playing into St. Paul's hands. I just feel like the inexperience of the team, maybe took a toll on us. But we will regroup and come again,” Browne said.
Jamal Jeffers, goalkeeper for St. Paul’s spoke to his team’s resilience, which spurred them to walkway with a point from a losing position.
“A lot of fans know it and the community of St. Paul's knows that St. Paul don't go out without a fight. Many times, we have been in this position but we kept our cool. We concede two early goals but regardless, that's how football goes. We just have to keep calm, we just have to continue playing. Coach talked to us; we made some tactical changes and came out and played a way better second half and we managed to get away with a draw,” he said.
On Sunday June 23, Tropical Blossom Hotsprings Bath United made its claim for a spot in the playoffs when they defeated SKELEC Garden Hotspurs 2-1.
Spurs took the lead in the 23rd minute though a Justin Claxton own goal before Aljay Newton equalized for Bath two minutes later.
Bath’s winning goal came from Jeremy Richards six minutes into the second half.
Richards was very satisfied with the performance of his teammates and the result of the match.
“I think we've had a desire to come and perform as a team. We have some goals to meet for the season and that has been our main focus. So, it was an important three points...and we move forward,” Richards said.
Spurs Coach George “Yellowman” Isaac said he is doing his best to motivate the players as they are facing the unprecedented situation of relegation from the premier league.
“That's a hard one, but I try my best every day to motivate these players every day in training. To work hard, to play hard, because the position we in, we’ve got to make sure we come out, but it’s just getting harder and harder,” Isaac said.
The final match of the weekend was an exciting nine goal thriller as defending champions Rams Village Superstars came from 1-0 down to win 5-4 against Conaree.
Village went up 3-1 at half time, with a brace by the league’s leading goal scorer Kimaree Rogers in the 23rd and 36th minutes and a goal from Dahjal Kelly in the 33rd minute in response to a 20th minute strike from Conaree’s Errol O’Loughlin.
Caaja Burnham made it 4-1 in the second half in the 58th minute, but O’Loughlin led the Conaree fightback, rounding out his hat trick in the 70th and 74th minutes.
Samani Williams, however, extended Village’s lead in the 80th minute but Conaree, not to be outdone, scored a 4th goal in the 7th minute of stoppage time before the match ended 5-4.
Coach Stephen Clarke of Village said the win was a show of the heart and grit of his team, but they must do a better job defensively.
“Certain parts of how we play, especially in the first half, the chances we created, moments on the ball; it's been missing for quite a while. With that said though, giving up four goals, it was, I must say, uncalled for. We didn't see out the game,” Clarke commented.
Assistant Coach of Conaree Sven Korte, said despite the loss, he is proud of his players.
“I'm proud of my team. They've given everything. Congratulations to Rams Village Superstars. Great performance; the win is okay, because overall I think pass accuracy, speed of players, and bridging the midfield was definitely in their favor,” he said.
The NBGC Premier League is on a break this week due to the St. Kitts Music Festival, but the teams return to action in the first weekend of July at the NBGC Technical Center.
Marcel Sabitzer's stunning effort ensured Austria finished as winners of Euro 2024 Group D following an enthralling encounter against the Netherlands in Berlin.
Ronald Koeman's side twice came from behind thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, but the Austria captain had the final say on Tuesday.
Austria opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Donyell Malen's attempt to cut out Alexander Prass' cross ended up in his own net.
Malen almost atoned for his earlier error but could only scuff his shot wide of Patrick Pentz's far post.
But it took the Oranje just 71 seconds to restore parity after the break as Xavi Simons laid the ball off for Gakpo to curl home his 11th international goal.
However, the Dutch joy was short-lived as Austria retook the lead 12 minutes later when Florian Grillitsch found Romano Schmid, who headed in, despite the best efforts of Stefan de Vrij on the line.
Depay's stunning effort levelled proceedings once more, with the goal given after a VAR check, with referee Ivan Kruzliak initially disallowing it for offside.
But the decider came 10 minutes from time, with captain Sabitzer picked out by Christoph Baumgartner before firing the ball high into the Netherlands net, with the Dutch condemned to third place and a possible meeting with England.
Data Debrief: Sabitzer marks record-equalling Austria appearance in style
Sabitzer made his 10th major tournament (World Cup/Euros) appearance in Berlin, with the five previous players to reach 10 such appearances for Austria all doing so in the early 1980s.
Austria have now scored their most goals at the Euros (six) and most in a major tournament (World Cup/Euros) since the 1978 World Cup (seven).
Kylian Mbappe's first goal at the European Championships was in vain as France were held to a 1-1 draw with Poland in their final group game at Euro 2024.
Mbappe curled home from the penalty spot in the 56th minute, but Robert Lewandowski, in possibly his final Euros game, hit back for Poland.
Lewandowski's goal also came from 12 yards, with the Barcelona striker converting at the second attempt to earn Poland's only point of the tournament.
France have finished second in Group D after Austria's win over the Netherlands in the other match, with Poland's fate already set.
Playing for pride, Poland made a bright start to the game, with Piotr Zielinski's half-volley forcing Mike Maignan into a smart stop early on.
Lukasz Skorupski was alert when called upon at the other end as he stuck out a foot to keep Theo Hernandez's effort before smothering Ousmane Dembele's strike 10 minutes later.
Lewandowski, making his first start of the tournament, also came close but could only thump a powerful header wide of the near post.
Mbappe had two glorious chances to break the deadlock just before half-time – his first flashed across the face of goal with help from a fingertip stop from Skorupski, who then made himself big to deny France's captain.
The battle between Mbappe and the goalkeeper carried into the second half, as Skorupski got a strong hand to a curler.
Yet Jakub Kiwior's clumsy challenge gave France the opening they needed when he clumsily brought Dembele down inside the box, and Mbappe made no mistake this time, sending Skorupski the wrong way.
Lewandowski gave Les Bleus a scare shortly after, picking Jules Kounde's pocket before firing a pacy shot just wide of the near post.
And Poland's talisman stepped up when Dayot Upamecano brought down Karol Swiderski, and though Maignan initially saved the VAR-awarded penalty, he came off his line early, and Lewandowski picked out the bottom-left corner on the second attempt.
Mbappe finally on the scoresheet
It was yet another game where France created a lot of chances but struggled to finish them off, or at least, that is how it looked in the first half.
Mbappe finally ended his European Championships goal drought in the 56th minute, with what was his 23rd shot in the competition.
Indeed, that was Mbappe's 13th goal at major tournaments for France, equalling Just Fontaine's record, with only Michel Platini (14) scoring more for Les Bleus.
Among European players since 2018, only Harry Kane (13) has scored as many goals as Mbappe, who France sorely missed in their goalless draw with the Netherlands last time out.
Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann got his own slice of history as he made his 33rd appearance at major tournaments, the most by an outfield player for France, overtaking Lilian Thuram.
Poland make their point
It has been a tournament to forget for Poland, who exited Euro 2024 without earning a single win.
Talisman Lewandowski was back in the fold after his thigh injury and had the most shots for Poland, and ensured they did not go home empty-handed.
The 35-year-old is the only player so far to have netted at the last four editions of the tournament, and is just the third player in history to score in four or more European Championships (along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric).
He also salvaged some pride as Poland avoided losing all three group games at a major tournament for the first time in their history.
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."
Czechia head coach Ivan Hasek insisted he has players ready to replace Patrik Schick in their must-win final group game against Turkiye on Tuesday.
Shick, who became his nation's top scorer at the European Championships with his goal against Georgia, limped off shortly after scoring and is a doubt for their final Group F fixture.
"Patrik has been with the physios and doctors for the last two days," Hasek said. "He wasn't training. He's getting better, but we will see tomorrow.
"Schick is a key player, one of the best scorers in Europe. But if he's not able to play, we need to replace him. And we have players who are able to replace him and they are ready and been working hard," added Hasek.
After claiming a point in their opening two group games, Czechia know they must rectify their current three-game winless run against their opponents on Tuesday to progress to the last-16 of Euro 2024.
Turkiye have won their two previous matches against Czechia at the European Championships, with both of these encounters, as per this year’s, coming in the last group game.
"There is a positive energy in the team," Hasek said of the feeling among his squad ahead of the game at the Volksparkstadion.
"Some of the players have not played yet, not got that many opportunities and we want to win for them, mostly so that their chances of getting on the pitch and playing here remains.
"I really have great trust in my team, they play as one man and I think we will show that on the pitch."
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