After 36 action-packed group-stage fixtures over two breathless weeks, the 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024) is set to enter the knockout stages. The journey to the EURO 2024 Round-of-16 was remarkable, with some players leaving their all on the pitch to push their team past the first hurdle. However, not every top player lived up to expectations over the three group-stage Matchdays. They either misfired in front of goal or made costly mistakes that hurt their side.
Before we devote all our attention to the Round-of-16, let’s check out the most notable underperformers from the group stage. Here are the top five players who must do a much better job in EURO 2024 knockouts.
#5 Antonio Silva – Portugal
Antonio Silva Made 2 Costly Mistakes Against Georgia
After making a brief seven-minute cameo in Portugal’s 3-0 victory over Turkiye, highly rated young center-back Antonio Silva got the opportunity to make his full EURO 2024 debut in the Matchday 3 clash against Georgia. Unfortunately, Silva failed to make the most of the prospect, making two costly mistakes that allowed Georgia to claim a 2-0 victory.
In the second minute, he made a mess of a clearance, passing the ball straight to Georges Mikautadze, allowing him to set up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Then, in the 54th minute, he brought down Luka Lochoshvili inside the box, awarding Georgia a penalty. Mikautadze dispatched a cool spot-kick to double the underdogs’ advantage.
Having already won their group, Portugal did not have anything riding on the game. However, they surely would have wanted to avoid defeat or even possibly become the second team, after Spain, to win all three of their group-stage fixture. Silva’s blunders not only denied them the opportunity, but they might have also ended the defender’s chances of playing a starring role in the knockout rounds.
#4 Virgil van Dijk – Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk Had A Game To Forget Against Austria
Arguably the best center-back in the…
Source link : https://sportslens.com/news/euro-2024-5-players-underperformed-group/
Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-06-28 05:00:19
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