On July 3, the Netherlands defeated Romania 3-0 in the Round of 16 of the European Championship, advancing to the quarter-finals. The Netherlands became the only third-placed team to reach the quarter-finals, while Romania became the first group winner to be eliminated from the tournament.
After the group stage, Georgia, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Slovenia emerged as the top four third-placed teams, securing their spots in the knockout rounds.
In the Round of 16, third-placed teams faced the group winners, presenting a significant challenge. Georgia suffered a 1-4 defeat against Spain, highlighting the vast gap in quality between the two sides. Despite leading for a significant period, Slovakia conceded a last-minute goal from Bellingham’s acrobatic volley, eventually succumbing to England 1-2 in extra time and exiting the tournament in the Round of 16. Slovenia drew 0-0 with Portugal after 120 minutes, only to lose in a penalty shootout. Out of all the third-placed teams, only the Netherlands emerged victorious, securing a convincing 3-0 victory and becoming the sole third-placed team to advance to the quarter-finals.
Among the group winners who have already competed, Germany, Spain, England, and Portugal have all reached the quarter-finals, while Romania has become the first group winner to be eliminated.
It is worth noting that in the 2016 European Championship, Portugal, after finishing third in their group, found themselves in a relatively easy half of the draw. They ultimately went on to win the tournament. In this tournament, the Netherlands, also a third-placed team, have the potential to replicate Portugal’s journey to glory.
This article is from a user submission and does not represent the views of Soccer News Pick. If you repost it, please indicate the source: https://www.soccernewspick.com/uefa-european-championship/5074.html
