Joe Schmidt has said he remains unsure about some of his Australia players following their 40-29 victory over Georgia at Sydney Football Stadium.

Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight scored doubles for the hosts, with Australia surviving a red card picked up by Filipo Daugunu for a knee to the head of Sandro Todua to maintain the Wallabies' new head coaches unbeaten start. 

Schmidt made 10 changes to the side that beat Wales last Saturday in Melbourne, with some taking the opportunity with both hands, while others fell short. 

"Some guys have really put their hands up and other guys probably need a bit of work," Schmidt said.

"Some guys are delivering really consistent training performances and pushing for match day selection. Whether you're playing Georgia or next time we come out in Brisbane, it will be South Africa.

"We have a number of players who we're not sure about, who is maybe the best option in a particular position or who's the best combination."

Australia led 26-10 at the break, and although Georgia rallied in the second half, the home side triumphed in only the third meeting between the pair. 

Hunter Paisami and Isaac Kailea went over the line early on, but Dauganu's sending off allowed Georgia a way back into the contest. 

The visitors closed to within two points of Australia with two scintillating tries early in the second half through Davit Niniashvili and Akaki Tabutsadze.

However, their challenge faded as Niniashvili was sin-binned for a deliberate knockdown, as McReight and Valetini secured three successive wins for the first time since late 2021.

“It is only three weeks that we’ve been together and we made 10 changes and we knew there was an element of risk in that,” Schmidt said.

“But I like the way we built our way into the game, bar the early three points.

“We put a few nice tries together and built a lead, but it was really disappointing that they got back into the game and we were scrambling just a little bit.”

The Wallabies next face world champions South Africa in their Rugby Championship opener in Brisbane on August 10. 

Spain dominate Opta's Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament after Sunday's 2-1 final victory over England, a result that clinched a record-breaking fourth European crown.

Five Roja players find themselves in Opta's stats-based XI, but they also contribute the most surprising omission, with Player of the Tournament Rodri missing out.

England only have one representative despite reaching their first tournament final on foreign soil, with Harry Kane's share of the Golden Boot and Jude Bellingham's stunning overhead kick versus Slovakia not enough to warrant a place.

Here, we run through those that did make the cut, highlighting a couple of standout stats for each player.

Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia)

Georgia shot-stopper Mamardashvili conceded more goals than any other player at the tournament (eight), but four of those came in a last-16 defeat to the eventual champions, and he finds his way in between the sticks.

Starring as Georgia surprisingly escaped Group F, Mamardashvili made 30 saves and prevented 4.76 goals according to Opta's expected goals on target (xGoT) model – the best figure at the tournament.

Joshua Kimmich (Germany)

Germany were dumped out in the last eight by Spain, and winning their group via a last-gasp Niclas Fullkrug goal versus Switzerland may actually have harmed the hosts as they wound up on the more challenging side of the draw.

Kimmich was fielded at right-back by Julian Nagelsmann and was instrumental going forward. In fact, only Lamine Yamal (17) bettered his 16 chances created from open play in just five games.

Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)

Akanji's tournament ended in despair as he was denied by Jordan Pickford in Switzerland's quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat to England, but he was crucial for one of the competition's best defences.

Switzerland faced just 2.4 shots on target per game at Euro 2024, fewer than any other side, and conceded less than one expected goal per game (0.95). 

Marc Guehi (England)

England's lone representative is a man who most would have deemed unlikely to start before the tournament began, Crystal Palace centre-back Guehi.

In for the injured Harry Maguire, Guehi contested (29) and won (13) more aerial duels throughout the tournament than any other England player and completed 93.5% of his passes.

Marc Cucurella (Spain)

When Luis de la Fuente named Cucurella in Spain's starting lineup for their opening game versus Croatia, there were plenty left open-mouthed by the exclusion of Bayer Leverkusen star Alex Grimaldo. 

However, just three defenders were involved in more open-play attacking sequences than Cucurella's 31, and it was his low cross that led to the tournament's decisive moment; Mikal Oyarzabal's 86th-minute final winner versus England.

Toni Kroos (Germany)

Kroos may not have enjoyed a dream send-off ahead of his retirement, but a series of metronomic midfield displays left many fans wishing he would extend his career.

He made the most line-breaking passes (141) of any player at the tournament, also completing 94.3% of his passes under pressure, the best rate of any player (minimum 100 passes attempted).

Fabian Ruiz (Spain)

Fabian contributed two goals and two assists throughout the tournament, his driving runs from midfield making him the perfect foil for enforcer Rodri and silky playmaker Dani Olmo.

No player won possession more often than the Paris Saint-Germain man (46 times), while he also recovered the ball seven times in the final third, setting the tone for De la Fuente's high press.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

The Young Player of the Tournament, Yamal recorded four assists to go with his semi-final stunner against France, with no player on record (since 1980) ever teeing up more goals at a single edition of the European Championships.

One day after his 17th birthday, he surpassed Pele (17 years, 239 days) as the youngest player to play in a Euros or World Cup final, and he made his mark despite some solid work from England left-back Luke Shaw, teeing up Nico Williams' 47th-minute opener.

Dani Olmo (Spain)

Olmo is entitled to feel a little miffed at UEFA's decision to share the Golden Boot between all six players that managed three goals. Under the old tie-breaking method, his two assists would have earned him the prize outright.

His most telling contribution, like that of Yamal, came in the last four, a sumptuous first touch setting him up to finish across Mike Maignan for Spain's winner. 

Five goal involvements is the joint-most by a Spain player at a European Championship, along with David Silva in 2012, and all the more remarkable is the fact he only started three games.

Nico Williams (Spain)

The final Spanish representative, Williams opened the scoring in the final to become the second-youngest player to net in a Euros showpiece match (22 years, two days, behind Italy's Pietro Anastasi in 1968 at 20 years, 64 days).

Williams posted a higher expected assists (xA) total than any other player (2.06), and was La Roja's standout attacker when it mattered most against England.

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

The Netherlands may have suffered 90th-minute heartbreak against England in the semi-finals, but it was largely thanks to Gakpo that they made it that far.

Only Olmo and Yamal (five each) bettered his four goal involvements (three goals, one assist) as he earned a share of the Golden Boot. Only Yamal (15) and Kylian Mbappe (11), meanwhile, bettered his 10 chances created following a ball carry. 

The Golden Boot at Euro 2024 was shared between six players as both Harry Kane and Dani Olmo missed the chance to claim the award outright in Sunday's final.

Neither Kane nor Olmo were on the scoresheet as Spain edged out England for a deserved 2-1 victory in Berlin, with Mikel Oyarzabal stepping off the bench to net a late winner.

Nico Williams had earlier put Spain ahead with his second goal of the tournament, before England substitute Cole Palmer found the bottom-left corner with a measured 73rd-minute finish.

A number of big names including Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo fell short in Germany, allowing a few outsiders to nab a share of the honours.

Here, we run through the best facts around each of the six joint-victors.

Dani Olmo 

Had UEFA opted to break the six-way tie with assists, Olmo would have emerged victorious outright after teeing up two goals to go with the three he netted. 

He also saved Spain in the latter stages of Sunday's final with an excellent goal-line clearance to deny Marc Guehi a dramatic equaliser.

Given the key role he has come to play, it is easy to forget Olmo only started one of Spain's three group matches and was a substitute in the knockout wins over Germany and Georgia.

Harry Kane

Kane endured a disappointing tournament overall, being withdrawn in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final despite all of those matches being in the balance for England – something that would have been unthinkable in competitions gone by.

Two of Kane's goals did come at crucial points in knockout matches against Slovakia and the Netherlands, though, and his nine knockout goals at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros) are the most of any European player in history.

Yet Kane did not manage a touch in the Spain area in the final. In fact, across the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, Kane had just one touch in the opposition, one fewer than Jack Grealish had. The main issue is, Grealish played 21 minutes in the 2020 final and did not make the 2024 squad.

Cody Gakpo 

The Netherlands suffered last-minute heartbreak against England in the last eight, but Gakpo enjoyed a productive tournament before that, netting three times – once each against Poland, Austria and Romania.

Deployed largely from the left after being used centrally at Liverpool last term, it will be intriguing to see how his exploits influence how Arne Slot uses him in 2024-25.

Jamal Musiala

Germany may have slipped up in the last eight against the eventual champions, but one home favourite had something to celebrate as Musiala claimed a share of the honour.

Musiala started as he meant to go on by netting in Germany's first two group games against Scotland and Hungary. Florian Wirtz also scored in the opening match as Germany became the first team to have two players aged 21 or younger score in the same Euros match.

Georges Mikautadze

Georgia were a neutrals' favourite as they reached the last 16 before losing to Spain, and Mikautadze was their star with three goals and one assist.

He managed those goal contributions in just 347 minutes, fewer than any of the other Golden Boot winners played.

Ivan Schranz 

Slovakia's Schranz was the final player to net three times at the tournament, scoring twice in Group E and almost dumping England out in the last 16.

Only Robert Vittek (four) at the 2010 World Cup has netted more at a single major tournament for Slovakia.

Georgia's Euro 2024 breakout star Georges Mikautadze has joined Metz on a permanent basis but could yet be sold on, with West Ham, Newcastle United and other clubs reportedly interested.

Mikautadze enjoyed an excellent campaign with the major tournament debutants, who reached the last 16 but were beaten 4-1 by Spain on Sunday.

He scored three goals in the group stage, two of them from the penalty spot, and remains joint-top of the competition's goalscoring charts, alongside Germany's Jamal Musiala and Slovakia's Ivan Schranz.

The 23-year-old's strikes came from a total of 2.26 expected goals (xG) – currently the second-highest figure at the tournament behind Kai Havertz's 3.7.

His conversion rate of 50% (six shots taken), meanwhile, is the fourth-best of all players to have scored multiple goals at the competition, behind Niclas Fullkrug and Jude Bellingham (66.7%) and Schranz (60%).

Mikautadze played for Metz's youth teams before re-joining on loan from Ajax in January, in a deal containing a €10million purchase clause.

He scored 13 goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances but was unable to prevent Metz from being relegated, losing a play-off to Saint-Etienne as the teams swapped places.

While Metz have taken up their option to make Mikautadze their player, his stay may not be a long one.

Reports suggest he could yet be sold on for a profit, with the likes of West Ham, Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Monaco credited with an interest.

It is believed a fee of around €20m (£16m) could be enough to prise him away from the Stade Saint-Symphorien.

Fabian Ruiz wants to "do something historic" for Spain after booking a place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over Georgia in Cologne.

La Roja found themselves behind due to Robin Le Normand's 18th-minute own goal, but came from behind to register the biggest win margin from a losing position in the competition’s history.

Rodri got the equaliser in the first half, before Fabian, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo sealed the victory, with an eye-catching quarter-final against Germany next up for Spain.

Fabian praised Spain's spirit to come from behind and is already looking past their last-eight meeting with Germany.

"We played a great second half, the team gave everything on the pitch," Ruiz said.

"Germany? Any opponent is difficult. We know what a great team they are, that they play at home... but we are confident in ourselves, we are very excited, and we want to do something historic for our country."

Williams scored his first European Championships goal for the national team, also getting an assist in a standout performance.

Like Fabian, he has his sights firmly set on the big prize after making it four wins from four in the tournament.

"We are very happy to get through to the quarter-finals, very excited," he said.

"Step-by-step, we have shown that we are a great team and if we continue at this level, we can do great things.

"Their goal was a mistake, it was unintentional, we all cheered [Spain's own goalscorer] Robin [Le Normand] on and, in the end, we are all pleased and happy.

"[Germany will be] very difficult, they're a tough nut to crack, but we have a wonderful, well-structured team and if we play at this level we can win."

It was another dramatic day in the Euro 2024 knockout rounds, as two more teams booked their places in the quarter-finals.

England fought back from the jaws of defeat as they secured an extra-time win over Slovakia to set up a meeting with Switzerland in the last eight.

Meanwhile, Spain broke Georgia hearts with their comeback victory, and will play Germany in an eye-catching last-eight tie.

Here, we round up the best Opta statistics from the second day of the last 16.

England 2-1 Slovakia (aet): Bellingham, Kane prove late heroes

It looked like England were going to make an embarrassing early exit from the tournament, until Jude Bellingham stepped up with a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time before Harry Kane netted the winner.

Timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds, Bellingham's goal was the latest ever for England in normal time at the Euros, coming from the Three Lions' first shot on target after a largely toothless performance.

Kane, on his record-breaking 79th competitive appearance for England, got the timing right too, heading home just 50 seconds into extra time for the fastest goal scored in that period in the competition's history.

The England captain has now scored 14 goals at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), with only four European players netting more than him – Cristiano Ronaldo (22), Miroslav Klose (19), Gerd Muller (18) and Jurgen Klinsmann (16).

It marked the fourth game that England have won from a losing position at the European Championships as well, after losing their first six such matches.

Only France (five) have ever won more matches when conceding first in the competition, and that late, late show left Slovakia stunned after being just moments from a famous victory in Gelsenkirchen.

Ivan Schranz's third goal at this Euros seemed set to take the headlines, with only Robert Vittek (four) at the 2010 World Cup ever scoring more at a single major tournament for Slovakia, but the forward will not get a chance to equal that record.

Spain 4-1 Georgia: La Roja march on with comeback win

Spain are the only team in the tournament to win all of their games so far, and survived an early scare to come out on top in Cologne thanks to second-half goals from Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

Robin Le Normand's 18th-minute own goal saw Luis de la Fuente's side concede for the first time at Euro 2024, only for Spain to rally to the biggest margin of victory by a team that conceded first in the competition.

Spain amassed 17 shots on goal in the first half but only Rodri's first major tournament goal hit the net. It is the most on record (since 1980) by a team in the opening half of a European Championship knockout game.

Indeed, La Roja's 35 shots overall were their most in a single match at either the World Cup (since 1966) or the Euros.

It was the youngsters who stole the spotlight once more as Lamine Yamal got his second assist at the Euros, with Cristiano Ronaldo the last teenager to tee up multiple goals at a single edition (Euro 2004 when he helped Portugal reach the final).

Williams, meanwhile, became the first player on record at the European Championships (since 1980) to score a goal, assist another and complete 100% of his passes (46/46) in a game he started.

Georgia's fairytale was ended by a familiar, formidable foe as they have now lost all seven of their competitive meetings with Spain, conceding 23 goals and netting just four of their own.

The Euro 2024 knockout stages are well underway as England and Spain edged into the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate's side were saved by Jude Bellingham's brilliance and an extra-time finish by Harry Kane to defeat Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.

Spain were at their usual best, despite an early scare, as they swept aside Georgia to continue their impressive start to this European Championship.

With more last-16 action around the corner, we take a look back at the day's best bits across social media.

Beauty from Bellingham

Bellingham proved England's hero in Gelsenkirchen, levelling after 94 minutes in their last-16 clash with Slovakia.

The Real Madrid midfielder crashed in a remarkable overhead-kick equaliser, leaving supporters, team-mates and pundits in awe of the 21-year-old's salvaging act.

England's official X account shared an image of Bellingham flying through midair before cannoning past Martin Dubrakva – a photo telling a thousand stories at Arena AufSchalke.

Pedri takes UEFA behind the scenes

Spain midfielder Pedri played an integral role once again as La Roja overcame Georgia to reach the last eight.

Yet the Barcelona man was in action behind the camera prior to that, taking UEFA's official social media account on a day behind the scenes at the Spain camp.

From conversations at a team media day to joking with his Spanish colleagues, Pedri was in a cheery mood, one that will only have improved after Sunday's victory.

Bradley 'the boss' Barcola

France are preparing for a last-16 meeting against Belgium on Monday, touching down in Dusseldorf as they hope to go deeper into this tournament.

Didier Deschamps needs a performance after an unconvincing Group D showing, though Les Bleus appear united in their efforts.

Ibrahima Konate was even caught offering team-mate Bradley Barcola a new nickname, but who knows whether his "boss" tag will stick.

Red Devils hit Dusseldorf before France test

Belgium may have come under scrutiny for a drab Group E performance, but the Red Devils appeared in a laidback manner ahead of their clash with France.

Domenico Tedesco's side were all snapped by the Belgian media as they hit the ground in Dusseldorf before Monday's meeting.

Oranje hotting up for Romania

Romania were the surprise package at this Euros after topping Group E, with their reward a last-16 clash with the Netherlands in Munich.

Ronald Koeman's Oranje were seen being put through their paces ahead of that fixture as Cody Gakpo was caught on camera in pre-match training.

All smiles from the hosts

Kai Havertz's penalty and a finish from Jamal Musiala was enough to see Julian Nagelsmann's Euro 2024 hosts past Denmark in the last 16 on Saturday.

The downpour and thunderstorm that stopped the clash in Dortmund did not seem to dampen the mood of any Germany player either.

Emre Can, Musiala and Leroy Sane were all smiles as Germany's official X account shared behind-the-scenes photos after full-time.

Sheeran and Ferdinand backing England

Bellingham's heroics may have had England supporters celebrating across Germany and at home, but two familiar faces were together to toast Sunday's success.

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand joined by music star Ed Sheeran, sharing a post to tell the world 'It's coming home'.

Whether Southgate can deliver that remains to be seen as the England manager continues to search for his 'A Team'.

Albart living it up in Cologne

Euros mascots are always an interesting thing to look out for, thinking back to the likes of Pinocchio (Italy 1980) and Goaliath (England 1996).

Germany have their very own furry friend, Albart, and the mascot is living it up as this tournament progresses on home soil.

Albart was whipping up the crowd before Spain's 4-1 hammering of Georgia, and the mascot will be hoping he has more to celebrate when Germany meet La Roja on Friday.

Spain avoided an early Euro 2024 scare against Georgia to make it into the quarter-finals with a 4-1 comeback victory in Cologne.

Rodri cancelled out Robin Le Normand's 18th-minute own goal before the break on Sunday, and a spirited Spain rallied in the second half to leave Georgia powerless.

Fabian Ruiz fired Spain into the lead shortly after the break, with Nico Williams and Dani Olmo making sure of the victory late on to end Georgia's fairytale run at this European Championship.

Luis de la Fuente's side will next face the hosts Germany in a marquee quarter-final meeting in Stuttgart on Friday.

Giorgi Mamardashvili was the most worked goalkeeper in the group stages, and he was called into early action against Spain, making two early saves to deny Pedri and Dani Carvajal.

La Roja were stunned shortly after as they conceded for the first time in the tournament – Le Normand was unfortunate to turn Otar Kakabadze's whipped cross into the back of his own net.

Mamardashvili remained alert when Spain upped the pressure again, getting down sharply to keep out Marc Cucurella's low strike before pushing away Williams' curler.

The Georgia goalkeeper was left helpless moments later though, when an unmarked Rodri picked out the bottom-right corner from the edge of the box for his first major tournament goal.

Spain survived an early warning after the break as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia audaciously tried to catch out Unai Simon from the halfway line, but his hopeful effort bounced narrowly wide.

Fabian flipped the script shortly after, peeling off the back of Georgia’s backline to thump a header past Mamardashvili from point-blank range following Lamine Yamal's sumptuous delivery.

Yamal, desperate to get on the scoresheet himself, almost capitalised on a mistake by Georgia's defence but dragged another attempt narrowly wide of Mamardashvili's goal.

Giorgi Gvelesiani's blushes were spared by a tight offside call as he turned another dangerous Yamal cross into his own net, though Spain would soon extend their lead.

Williams raced forward on the counter down the left flank, leaving his marker in his tracks before rifling his right-footed rocket into the roof of the net 15 minutes from time.

Olmo added some more gloss to the scoreline in the 83rd minute, latching onto Mikel Oyarzabal's throughball to nestle his shot into the bottom corner and send Spain coasting into the last eight.

The kids are alright

It may have been a couple of the older players in Spain's squad that got the all-important goals in Cologne, but La Roja's youngsters continued to shine.

Yamal became the first teenager since Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004 to assist multiple goals (two) at a single edition of the competition, while only Fabian managed as many shots as the winger's seven.

Meanwhile, Pedri made his fourth start in the knockout stages of the Euros, the most of any player aged 21 or under in the competition's history.

It is the second time Williams has both scored and assisted in a game for Spain, with the other also coming against Georgia in September 2023.

With Williams also getting his first assist in the tournament, it looks like the youngsters are on course to keep leading the team forward as they prepare to meet the hosts in Stuttgart.

Georgia's fairytale cut short

After pulling off a stunning victory over Euro 2016 winners Portugal in their final Group F game, Georgia came into the last 16 with another upset in mind.

It looked like that could be possible too, as they took another early lead, all despite not having a shot in the game up to that point.

Mamardashvili had saved 21 of the 22 shots on target he had faced prior to Rodri's goal, but he was helpless as Spain upped the pressure on Sunday.

William Sagnol's team go out with their heads held high despite their exit, after a debut tournament to remember.

Luis de la Fuente says Spain will not make the mistake of underestimating Euro 2024 surprise package Georgia in the round of 16.

Spain cruised through the so-called 'group of death', winning all three of their games against Croatia, Italy and Albania without conceding a single goal.

Meanwhile, Georgia progressed as one of the best third-place teams after stunning Euro 2016 champions Portugal with a 2-0 victory in their final group game.

La Roja also met Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifying, earning a memorable 7-1 victory in the away fixture.

However, De la Fuente was quick to praise the improvement in their opponents since that meeting, noting that Spain had to expect a bigger challenge this time around.

"It was a very important game for us, we arrived [in Georgia] under a lot of pressure, and we came back from that game as a family, a lot stronger than before," said De la Fuente.

"The most important game is always the next one and now a different European Championship starts. We are bracing for a very difficult game, and we will go with the best weapons we have to get out with a win.

"We all have seen surprising things happen in football and I don't think that will stop happening.

"Georgia beat Portugal, we have to respect them as opponents, work hard and take the game with the importance that it has so it doesn't happen to us.

"They are fast in the counter-attack and very good in the set-pieces. We need to be vigilant and aware, so we don't end up exposed to counter-attacks in speed."

Following the conclusion of the Euro 2024 group stages, Spain remain the only team to win all their games ahead of their last-16 tie against Georgia in Cologne. 

La Roja ended their group campaign with a 1-0 victory over Albania that featured a much-changed side, with Ferran Torres' early strike enough to secure the win.

However, they will face a Georgia side brimming with self-belief after their maiden triumph at a major international tournament over Portugal last time out. 

Willy Sagnol's side have captured the hearts of football fans across the world, but know the enormity of the task ahead of them, with these teams having played against each other during qualifying.

Many expect Spain to maintain their winning start at Euro 2024, but as this tournament has proved already, anything can happen. 

Here, we use Opta data to preview Sunday's clash.

What's expected?

Spain are expected to win this one, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a dominant 75% chance of getting the job done in Cologne.

Georgia triumphed in just 10.7% in the data-led simulations, with a draw forecast slightly higher at 14.4%. 

This will be Spain's eighth meeting with Georgia, but their first at a major tournament. La Roja have won six of their seven matches against the minnows in all competitions, all of which have been since 2012.

Spain won both qualifying games by an aggregate score of 10-2 (7-1 away, 3-1 home), but the tournament version of Georgia could present a much sterner test.

And Luis de la Fuente's team must approach with caution, as Spain's recent record in the knockout stages has been far from impressive.

They were eliminated in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup and 2022 World Cup, losing on penalties to Russia and Morocco respectively, though they did reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

With much of the spotlight on Spain's attack, their defence has impressed, and they are yet to concede a goal in Germany. The last time they managed to keep four consecutive clean sheets at a major tournament was back in 2012 (a run of five) – the last time they claimed silverware.

Spain's vibrant attackers are also set to come up against the tournament's in-form goalkeeper.

Georgia's Giorgi Mamardashvili, who plays for Valencia, has saved 16 of the last 17 shots on target he has faced at Euro 2024, and he could be in for another busy day.

Willy Sagnol's side faced the most shots (71), most on target (25), and had the highest xG conceded (8.1) of any nation in the group stage, with the only side to face more than 71 shots in the group stage of a Euros being Latvia in 2004 (86).

However, Georgia's performances in Group F have given them the confidence to be fearless against the three-time European Champions. A win will see them become the fourth team since the quarter-finals were introduced to reach that stage in their first Euros. 

Spain's depth of quality 

Riding the crest of a new wave of emerging talent, Spain are back among the best teams in world football, with Luis Enrique's possession obsession having gone stale.

De la Fuente made 10 changes against Albania, and their strength in depth, which has lacked in major tournaments gone by, is definitely a key quality.

Torres, for example, scored the only goal against Albania and has now seen him directly involved in seven goals across nine appearances for Spain under De la Fuente (five goals, two assists), with no Spain player being involved in more goals under him, but the Barcelona forward is unlikely to start on Sunday.

Dani Olmo provided his fourth assist at the European Championship finals on what was his seventh such appearance, with only Cesc Fabregas providing more for Spain in the competition since records began in 1964 (five), but he too has had to settle for a back-up role in Germany.

And finally, Alex Grimaldo created five chances against Albania, the most of any Spanish defender in a single match at a major tournament on record (since 1980). Yet Marc Cucurella was preferred at left-back in the first two matches. 

It is likely that a more familiar Spanish side will take to the pitch, but the head coach will have confidence in his bench players to make an impact, should they be needed.

Attack is the best form of defence for Georgia

Georgia are under no illusions that they must upset the odds to keep their fairytale run at Euro 2024 alive, but getting on the front foot early, as they did against Portugal, seems to be their best hope.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal after 01:32 is the earliest Portugal has ever conceded in the competition, and another Georgian will be hard-pressed to break what is now a national record at a major tournament.

Georges Mikautadze's penalty ensured Georgia inflicted the Selecao's first competitive defeat under coach Roberto Martínez.

They became the first European nation to qualify from the group stage in their first major tournament since Iceland at Euro 2016 and have the attacking talent to continue their journey. 

Kvaratskhelia proved a considerable thorn in Portugal's side during their encounter, registering the joint-most shots (three) of anyone on the pitch while leading the way in shots on target (two) and touches in the opposition box (four) for Georgia.

On the other hand, they conceded 22 shots and had just 27.6% possession, but showcased their clinical nature, outperforming their expected goals (xG) by 0.35. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Spain - Lamine Yamal

At 17, Lamine Yamal has taken to his first major tournament like a seasoned professional as he continues to impress on the international stage. 

Yamal is yet to find the back of the net for La Roja in Germany, but registered an assist for Dani Carvajal's header against Croatia in their opening game. 

And his creativity, along with that of Nico Williams, in wide areas could be pivotal. They have each created 5+ chances and completed 5+ dribbles at Euro 2024.  This is the first time multiple players have done so for Spain in a group stage at a major tournament since Andres Iniesta and David Silva at Euro 2016.

Georgia - Georges Mikautadze

If you said a striker from the lowest-ranked team in the tournament would be the top scorer after the group stages, many would have scoffed. But Georgia and Mikautadze continue to rip up the script in Germany. 

Mikautadze has played a part in all four of Georgia’s goals at Euro 2024, scoring three and setting up another, with his latest strike coming from the penalty spot in their triumph over Portugal. 

He became only the fourth player to score in each of his country's first three matches at the Euros after Gareth Bale for Wales (2016), Hristo Stoichkov for Bulgaria (1996) and Viktor Ponedelnik for USSR (1960 & 1964). 

The Euro 2024 group stage is done and dusted.

Croatia were the biggest name to fail to make the knockouts, as they and Hungary were the two third-placed sides to miss out on the last 16.

Previous finalists Italy and England progressed along with the likes of hosts Germany, France, Spain and Portugal, though some nations were more fortunate to advance than others.

Here, we use Opta data to assess the unlucky losers and the lucky winners from the Euro 2024 group stage, both in terms of individual matches and the first phase of the tournament as a whole.
 

UNLUCKY LOSERS

Croatia

Let's start with the tournament's biggest expected goals (xG) underperformers so far... and the big-name casualty of the group stage.

Luka Modric became the oldest player to score at the Euros in the tournament's history on matchday three, and that goal against Italy seemed to be sending Croatia through from Group B, only for Mattia Zaccagni to rescue the Azzurri late on.

That 1-1 draw condemned Croatia to third place. But they were highly unfortunate not to take more than two points.

They lost 3-0 to a rampant Spain on matchday one, despite accumulating 2.38 xG to La Roja's 2.01. They then amassed 2.69 xG against Albania, only to concede late on in a 2-2 draw.

Indeed, Croatia finished with an accumulative xG total of 6.55, which leads the tournament, yet they only managed three goals.

Defensively, they can consider themselves unfortunate too. Croatia conceded six goals from an xG against (xGA) of 4.37, though their 15 shots on target faced does rank joint-fifth worst. Ultimately, Zlatko Dalic's team allowed too many efforts on goal, and they paid the price for profligate finishing at the other end. 

Czechia

Czechia finished bottom of Group F, with Georgia the surprise package as they stunned Portugal to claim third place.

Despite not winning a match, Czechia recorded 5.11 xG in total, the sixth-highest figure in the tournament.

Interestingly, the four Group F teams (Portugal, Turkiye, Georgia and Czechia) all rank in the top nine for xG so far.

Czechia converted that xG into just three goals, though, with Patrik Schick - who shared the Golden Boot with Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2020 - failing to spark like he did three years ago.

But, we can't pin Czechia's failure on their finishing. Their xG on target (xGoT) of 6.01 shows they were forcing opposition goalkeepers into action, with Ivan Hasek's team leading the way for shots on target (20, equal with Germany). Czechia's 6.82% shot conversion rate was the lowest in Group F, though.

Ukraine

For the first time in the history of the Euros, four teams in one pool all finished level - that was in Group E, with Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine all collecting four points.

Ukraine were the unfortunate team to miss out, as they became the first side in Euros history to finish bottom of the group while earning four points. Ouch.

What do the metrics say? Well, they should probably have scored a goal more than the two they managed, having accumulated 3.07 xG. Their shot conversion rate of 5.13% ranks 19th out of 24, though.

At the other end of the pitch, even though they only had a total xGA of 2.95 across the three games, they were punished by some quality finishing from Romania in an opening 3-0 defeat, which ultimately proved decisive in their exit.

LUCKY WINNERS

Italy

It's a good job for the holders that Zaccagni curled in late on against Croatia. If not, and if results in other groups had gone as they have done, then the Azzurri would not have made it through as one of the best third-placed teams.

As it was, they did get that crucial goal against Croatia, despite mustering just 0.9 xG, so they made it through in second and will now face Switzerland in the last 16.

With Germany, Spain, France and Portugal on the other side of the bracket, could a path be opening up for Luciano Spalletti's team to defend their title, against the odds?

Italy generated just 2.62 xG across their three games, the sixth-lowest in the competition, while they have only had nine shots on target, more than only Scotland (three), Serbia (six) and Slovenia (seven).

They are on the kinder half of the draw, but it's fair to say they are fortunate to be there.

Georgia

It is fantastic to see tournament debutants Georgia make it into the knockouts, and based on their performance against Portugal, in a 2-0 win, it is hard to say they didn't deserve it.

Georges Mikautadze is the first player to score or assist in each of his first three games at the European Championship since Gareth Bale for Wales in 2016, and as it stands, he is also the unlikely leader in the Golden Boot race.

That being said, the metrics do not reflect particularly well on Willy Sagnol's team, who have been defensively wide open, facing a tournament-high 71 shots, with 25 of those (another competition high) hitting the target. In fact, they have given up over 3.0 xG in two of their three matches so far.

They have been hugely reliant on goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has prevented the most goals of any shot-stopper in the tournament based on Opta's xGoT model (four goals conceded from 7.6 xGoT).

Mamardashvili is likely to have to be on top form again if Georgia are to shock Spain on Sunday.

Going the other way, Georgia have only had 26 shots (only Scotland, with 17, managed fewer), but their shot conversion rate is an impressive 15.38%, the third-highest in the tournament. 

You have to have luck on your side to win a tournament, but is this going to be sustainable in the knockouts?

England

Much has been made of England's poor performances in Germany, considering the attacking talent Gareth Southgate has at his disposal.

And the metrics do support those moans and groans - the Three Lions' 2.19 xG is the third-lowest in the competition.

However, they also have the stingiest defence, having kept two clean sheets and given up just 1.15 xG. 

England, though, have certainly been fortunate that Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia hardly offered the sternest of opponents in Group C. They have landed in the kinder half of the draw, but it's time for the pre-tournament favourites to click into gear.

The Euro 2024 group stage is behind us, having provided fans across the continent with their fair share of thrills and spills.

From the emergence of Austria and Georgia as surprise packages to the below-par performances of England, France and the Netherlands, there has been plenty of intrigue. 

Now 16 teams remain and the knockout bracket is locked in, and most of the continent's leading marksmen – including Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo – will still be dreaming of lifting the trophy on July 14.

Adding the Golden Boot alongside team success would make it a dream tournament, but the established continental stars face competition for that honour from a few breakout stars.

With the likes of Georges Mikautadze, Jamal Musiala and Niclas Fullkrug staking their own claims, who will finish top of the scoring charts?

We delve into the Opta data to assess the runners and riders, as well as those bigger names who have struggled so far. 

THE FAVOURITES 

Kylian Mbappe (one goal)

Mbappe endured a dreadful time at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament three years ago, and things have not gone much better this time around.

At Euro 2020, he failed to score and missed the decisive penalty as France exited in the last 16 versus Switzerland. 

Only Alvaro Morata (six), Gerard Moreno and Kane (five each) missed more big chances (as defined by Opta) than Mbappe (four). His 14 total shots amounted to 1.7 expected goals (xG), with only Moreno (-2.25) and Dani Olmo (-1.86) underperforming their xG figures by a greater margin.

This year, a nasty collision with Austria defender Kevin Danso left him with a broken nose and forced him to miss France's second Group D match against the Netherlands, but he returned – donning a protective mask – to score from the penalty spot in their 1-1 draw with Poland.

That was his 13th goal for France at major tournaments (one at the Euros, 12 at World Cups), with only Michel Platini (14) netting more. With many backing France to go far despite landing on a stacked side of the bracket, that figure is certainly within reach.

If France are to go all the way, they will have to overcome Belgium in the last 16 and could face Portugal in the last eight and one of Germany or Spain in the semi-finals. 

They are now fourth favourites to win the tournament, according to the Opta supercomputer, with some big-game performances from Mbappe required. 

Harry Kane (one)

Like Mbappe, Kane has one goal to his name at the end of the group stage, having netted England's opener in their 1-1 draw with Denmark on matchday two.

Also like the France captain, Kane has endured a difficult tournament, starved of service in an England team that has been jeered by their own fans despite topping Group C.

Only Scotland (0.95) and Serbia (2.11) created a lower xG figure than the Three Lions (2.19) in the group stage as they toiled to five points, but a seemingly kind path through the knockout rounds has them installed as favourites once again.

Kane is a player who tends to grow into tournaments, and Gareth Southgate will be hoping his skipper does so. Kane has scored six goals in his last six appearances in the knockout stages of major tournaments for England (two in two at the 2022 World Cup, four in four at Euro 2020). 

His seven goals in tournament knockout stages overall are also the most of any Three Lions player in history.

The mood around the England team has not exactly been buoyant thus far, but with the draw opening up, do not sleep on Kane's chances of firing them to glory.

Jamal Musiala (two)

Germany made a flying start to their home tournament with a 5-1 rout of Scotland and a 2-0 victory over Hungary, with Bayern Munich man Musiala scoring in both games.

They found things more difficult in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland on matchday three and are sure to be tested by Denmark in the last 16, but if Julian Nagelsmann's men are to prolong their encouraging run, Musiala will be key.

One of just six players with multiple goals to his name at this stage, Musiala has also completed the second-most dribbles at the tournament with nine, behind only Belgium's Jeremy Doku (13).

Of the six players to net more than once, only Slovakia's Ivan Schranz (two goals, 0.39 xG) has scored his goals from a lower xG figure than Musiala's 0.48, with both of the German's strikes being rasping finishes into the roof of the net.

Playing for the team whose total of 5.1 xG is the best at the tournament, Musiala should get plenty more chances to add to his tally. 

Niclas Fullkrug (two)

Musiala is not the only home favourite in contention to top the goalscoring charts, though, with super sub Fullkrug proving the direct route can be an effective option with two goals in just 73 minutes of action off the bench.

Having found the top-right corner with a brilliant strike against Scotland, the Borussia Dortmund man spared the hosts' blushes on matchday three, as his stoppage-time leveller ensured they pipped Switzerland to top spot in Group A.

His goals have come from just three shots worth a total of 0.54 xG, and it will be interesting to see whether those figures are sustainable should he force his way into Nagelsmann's starting lineup.

A recent poll of 138,000 supporters conducted by German newspaper BILD found 90% of respondents wanted to see Fullkrug start the team's first knockout match.

Cody Gakpo (two)

The Netherlands have not exactly impressed so far, sneaking through Group D in third place following a 3-2 defeat to an inspired Austria team.

However, like England, they have landed on what appears to be the weaker side of the draw, boosting their hopes of going all the way.

The Opta supercomputer gave Ronald Koeman's Oranje a 5.1% chance of winning the trophy before a ball was kicked, and that is now up to 7% despite their struggles, due to Romania, Austria and Turkiye being the other teams in their quarter of the draw.

The fact they could reach the last four without playing a knockout game against any established heavyweights could see them put forward a Golden Boot contender in the shape of Gakpo.

The Liverpool man has two goals to his name already, also winning more duels (23) than any other player at the competition.

He could now become the sixth Dutchman to score three or more goals at a single edition of the Euros, after Marco van Basten (five in 1988), Dennis Bergkamp (three in 1992), Patrick Kluivert (five in 2000), Ruud van Nistelrooy (four in 2004) and Georginio Wijnaldum (thee at Euro 2020).

Georges Mikautadze (three)

None of the big names mentioned above are leading the way in the Golden Boot race, though, with that honour going to a surprise name.

Georgia's Georges Mikautadze, who plays his club football in France for recently relegated Metz, has three goals to his name.

His last two goals – against Czechia and Portugal – have come from the penalty spot, with his first being a clever sweeping finish against Turkiye on matchday one – his country's first goal at a major tournament as an independent nation.

Perhaps crucially, Mikautadze has also recorded an assist, meaning he has twice as many total goal involvements (four) as any other player at the tournament.

Assists are used as a tie-breaker in scenarios where two players are level in the Golden Boot race at the Euros, and it is not far-fetched to suggest he may already have done enough to claim the prize.

Spain great Fernando Torres won the 2012 award with just three goals, although five of the last seven editions of the European Championships have seen a player win the Golden Boot with five goals or more (Antoine Griezmann netted six in 2016).

If the continent's big names continue to misfire, Mikautadze could mark a breakout tournament with an individual honour.

THE OTHER CONTENDERS

With teams facing four more games if they are to reach the final, plenty of other players are not yet out of contention, even if they struggled in the group stage.

Alvaro Morata (one)

Morata made a flying start to the tournament as he slotted home Spain's opener in their impressive 3-0 demolition of Croatia on matchday one, but he has not scored since then, being rested for their final group game against Albania.

La Roja's success has been built on a solid defence, as they are just the second team to win all three of their group-stage matches to nil at the Euros, after Italy at the 2020 edition.

However, they are now expected to go far, and their skipper should get plenty of chances to add to his tally.

That being said, he has only converted one of his eight shots, so that conversion rate will certainly have to improve.

Cristiano Ronaldo (zero)

While Portugal topped Group F with a game to spare and could afford to rest players for Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to Georgia, Ronaldo has endured a frustrating time of things in front of goal.

He failed to score in the group stages of a major international tournament for the first time in his career, with this his 11th competition with the Selecao, who he has now played for on 50 occasions at major tournaments (a European record).

Still the European Championships' all-time leading scorer with 14 goals, his seven assists are also now the most on record (since 1968) at the competition. He will be keen to add to both of those tallies in the knockout rounds.

Romelu Lukaku (zero)

You could argue Lukaku has been both wasteful and unfortunate. He has failed to score from 10 shots totalling 1.67 xG at Euro 2024, with Antoine Griezmann the only player with zero goals from a higher underlying figure (1.84).

The Belgium man has also seen three goals ruled out following VAR checks, either for handball in the build-up or for offside. But for the technology's interventions, he would be level with Mikautadze at the top of the charts.

His chances of winning the Golden Boot have been made that much tougher by the draw, with France up next for the Red Devils after they finished second in Group E.

Christoph Baumgartner (one)

Ralf Rangnick's Austria have been one of the stories of the tournament, pipping France and the Netherlands to top spot in Group D to land on the more favourable side of the draw and leave fans dreaming of a run all the way to the final.

Only Germany have scored more goals (eight to six) or created a higher cumulative xG figure (5.1 to 3.84) than Rangnick's high-pressing side, and they could entertain again when they face Turkiye in the last 16.

With one goal and one assist, RB Leipzig attacker Baumgartner is the only Austrian with multiple goal involvements at Euro 2024, an instinctive finish against Poland demonstrating his coolness in front of goal.

Watch out for his team-mate Marcel Sabitzer, though, who scored a fantastic goal in Austria's 3-2 win over the Netherlands last time out.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia revealed he had been inspired by a pre-match chat with Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring in Georgia's historic Euro 2024 victory over Portugal on Wednesday.

Major tournament debutants Georgia reached the last 16 as one of the best third-place finishers as Kvaratskhelia's second-minute strike and a Georges Mikautadze penalty handed them the biggest result in their history.

They will face Spain in the next round after becoming the first European nation to progress from the group stage at their maiden tournament since Iceland reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

Speaking after the game, Napoli winger Kvaratskhelia said overcoming his childhood idol made Wednesday's victory even more special. 

"I got Ronaldo's jersey and we've made it through to the next round," Kvaratskhelia told reporters.

"This is the best day in the lives of Georgian football fans. We've made history, no one would believe we'd make it happen.

"No one would believe we could beat Portugal but that's why we're a strong team; if there's even a one per cent chance, we've shown we can make it happen.

"Before the match there was a meeting [with Ronaldo] and he wished me success; I'd never imagined he would come and talk to me.

"He's a great player and a great person. That's why he's a great personality in and out of football; I have so much respect for him, he's one of the best players in the world.

"When he comes to talk to you before the match, that's amazing; that helped us believe we could do something today."

Timed at one minute and 32 seconds, Kvaratskhelia's goal was both Georgia's fastest in a tournament match and the earliest Portugal have ever conceded at the Euros.

While the in-demand 23-year-old was exceptional in Gelsenkirchen, Ronaldo struggled as he failed to score from three shots worth 0.21 expected goals (xG).

He has failed to score during the group stage of a major tournament for the first time in his career, with this his 11th such campaign.

He scored in group-stage matches at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 editions of the Euros.

Roberto Martinez is confident Portugal's defeat to Georgia on Wednesday was good preparation for the knockout stage at Euro 2024.

Portugal had already made sure of top spot in Group F, although the result against Georgia would impact the identity of their opponents in the last 16.

With Georgia 2-0 winners and advancing to the next round, Hungary were eliminated, leaving the Selecao to face Slovenia, who handed Martinez his first defeat in the job in a friendly in March.

This was now his first competitive loss, but the former Belgium coach believes Portugal are in a better place as a result.

"We made a lot of changes. The focus was on preparing all the players," Martinez said. "Now we are more prepared.

"We had players on the bench today that we did not want to use, because we were first in the group and the goal was achieved.

"It's a difficult way to prepare for the next game, because we don't like to lose. It's the first official game we've lost. But we're ready now."

Martinez acknowledged the difficulty of facing a team in Georgia who so desperately needed to win, facing elimination without victory.

"It was a day when we didn't have the same intensity as the opponent," he said. "For Georgia, this was a final; for us, it was one step before the round of 16. That was part of the final result."

Even in defeat, winger Pedro Neto was confident Portugal showed they are a match for any team in the tournament, suggesting only the host nation have rivalled the Selecao so far.

"We go to every game to win," he said. "We are confident because to this day I don't remember a team, other than Germany, that played as well as us. We are ready for the next game."

The Euro 2024 group stage came to an end on Wednesday as knockout football awaits in Germany.

Romania, Belgium and Slovakia all progressed to the last 16 as Ukraine were the unlucky losers after Group E became the first pool in European Championship history to see all four teams finish level on points.

Group F also provided a shock as Georgia stunned Portugal to achieve their first win at a major tournament and a place in the knockout rounds, while Turkiye overcame Czechia thanks to last-gasp chaos.

As the last-16 stage looms, we unpick the best of Wednesday's action by taking a deep dive into the Opta data behind the final group-stage encounters.

Ukraine 0-0 Belgium: Woe for Rebrov in unwanted history

A battling performance for Ukraine will be scant consolation as Serhiy Rebrov's side became the first team in the competition's history to register four points in the group stage and finish bottom.

This goalless draw continued a bizarre Euros record, with Ukraine either not scoring (nine games) or scoring exactly two goals (five), after failing to score in two matches and winning the other 2-1 against Slovakia at this edition.

It could have been a different story for Belgium, though, as their struggles in front of goal persisted. They have failed to score in four of their last five group-stage games at major tournaments (W1 D2 L2).

The Red Devils had won nine group games in a row before this, scoring 21 times, and Romelu Lukaku – who has had three goals at this tournament ruled out – may apportion some of the blame.

Lukaku has now failed to score with any of his 15 shots in his last five group-stage matches at major international tournaments – in his previous five, the striker had found the net with seven of 12 attempts.

That persistent profligacy somewhat marred a landmark appearance for Lukaku, who along with Kevin De Bruyne equalled Thibaut Courtois' 25-game record for the most Belgium appearances at the World Cup and Euros combined.

The former Chelsea pair will hope to respond in their last-16 meeting on Monday against France in Dusseldorf, where Didier Deschamps' side must be wary of Jeremy Doku.

Manchester City winger Doku has registered 26 dribbles at the 2024 edition, the most by a player in the group stage since France's Franck Ribery at Euro 2012 (32).

Slovakia 1-1 Romania: Veterans on show as Wolves end 24-year wait

Romania progressed past the group stages of a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2000, doing so as unlikely Group E winners after a 1-1 draw with Slovakia in Frankfurt.

Ondrej Duda's early opener blew the group wide open and saw him become the first Slovakia player to score at two different major international tournaments, also netting against Wales at Euro 2016.

Juraj Kucka's teed up that Duda header, marking his first assist at a major tournament in 14 years and two days, since against Italy at the 2010 World Cup. It's the longest gap between assists at a World Cup/Euros on record for a European player.

Yet Razvan Marin was on hand to smash in a leveller from the penalty spot, scoring for a second time in his last three appearances across all competitions for Romania, as many as he managed in his previous 54.

Marin also became just the second Romanian to score multiple goals at a single edition of the European Championship (two), along with Bogdan Stancu, who found the net twice at Euro 2016.

It was a familiar route to goal for Romania, who have scored four of their last eight goals in this competition from the penalty spot. In fact, of all teams to net five or more goals in Euros history, Romania have netted the highest share from 12 yards (29 per cent – 4/14).

Slovakia will not be too disheartened by Marin's thumping spot-kick, though, as they have now reached the knockout rounds in three of their four attempts at international tournaments.

Experience was a key factor, too, as this was only the second match in European Championship history to see four players aged 35 or older start (Peter Pekarík, Kucka, Martin Dubravka for Slovakia, Florin Nita for Romania), after the Netherlands versus France in 2008.

Georgia 2-0 Portugal: Magic Mikautadze outshines drab Ronaldo

Georgia became the first European nation to qualify from the group stage in their first major tournament since Iceland at Euro 2016 after the magic of Georges Mikautadze.

Mikautadze slotted in a second-half penalty after teeing up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Georgia's fastest goal and the earliest Portugal have ever conceded in the competition, timed at one minute and 32 seconds.

With his spot-kick, Mikautadze has scored in all three of Georgia's group matches, becoming only the ninth player to score in all three group matches at a European Championship.

The Georgian hero joined the likes of Michel Platini (1984), Ruud van Nistelrooy (2004) and Portugal's own Cristiano Ronaldo (2021), who has not hit his usual heights this time.

Ronaldo failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament for the first time in his career. Prior to this tournament, Ronaldo had scored in all of the 10 group stages he had featured in since 2004.

It also marked Portugal's first competitive defeat since the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Morocco in December 2022 and coach Roberto Martinez's first such loss in charge of Portugal.

Portugal had triumphed in all 12 such matches under Martinez before that, and the Spaniard must stamp out some issues in his side.

Martinez's men have received three yellow cards already for simulation, with Rafael Leao (booked against Czechia and Turkiye) and Pedro Neto (against Georgia) the offenders.

Czechia 1-2 Turkiye: Ill-disciplined carnage in Hamburg

Cenk Tosun delivered a 94th-minute winner to seal Turkiye's progression to the knockout stages, but Vincenzo Montella's side have to improve their discipline.

Turkiye have been shown 16 yellow cards at this tournament so far, the most ever by a team in a single group stage in the tournament's 64-year history.

Some 11 of those came in this victory in Hamburg, where there were 18 cards shown in total (16 yellows, two reds), the most in a single game in the tournament's history.

Antonin Barak became the first Czechia player to be sent off at the Euros since Radoslav Latal against the Netherlands in 2000. His dismissal, timed at 19:28, was also the earliest sending-off in the tournament's history.

That left the football as somewhat of a sideshow to the chaos, with Tomas Soucek levelling after an opener from Hakan Calhanoglu, who has now made the joint-most European Championship appearances of any Turkish outfield player (eight), alongside Hakan Balta.

Soucek has also scored four goals across his last nine internationals for Czechia, and in scoring against Turkiye, he became just the fourth member of his nation's Euro 2024 squad to score a goal at a major tournament (alongside Patrik Schick, Lukas Provod and Tomas Holes).

Yet that will be no consolation for Czechia, who have won just one of their last seven Euros matches (D2 L4) and have failed to win a match in a single edition of the tournament for just the second time, after 2016.