Euro 2024 saw its first real underdog story as Romania, considered a long shot in their group, delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Ukraine. Despite a squad lacking big names, Romania’s strong performance in qualifiers hinted at their potential, which they confirmed with a robust display in Munich. Dennis Man, a standout with 13 goals for Parma, shone brightly, creating two goals, while Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin anchored a solid defense. This win signals that Romania might be the tournament’s surprise package, leveraging tactical discipline and standout individual performances to exceed expectations.
Belgium’s Attacking Woes: Lukaku’s Misses Prove Costly
Belgium’s Euro 2024 opener ended in disappointment with a 1-0 defeat to Slovakia, raising concerns over their reliance on Romelu Lukaku. Despite dominating possession and generating a higher Expected Goals (xG) of 1.97 compared to Slovakia’s 0.58, Belgium failed to find the net. Lukaku, the nation’s top scorer, squandered key opportunities, including two disallowed goals. With pressure mounting and crucial matches ahead against Romania and Ukraine, coach Domenico Tedesco might need to explore alternative attacking options like Charles De Ketelaere or Lois Openda to spark their offense.
France’s Solid Start: Familiar Yet Effective
France’s campaign began with a gritty 1-0 win over Austria, reminiscent of their pragmatic style under Didier Deschamps. Anchored by the returning N’Golo Kante in midfield, France controlled the game through disciplined play and a formidable defense. The match’s decisive moment came from a forced own goal by Austria’s Maximilian Wober, pressured by Kylian Mbappe’s relentless pace. While not flashy, this approach has consistently brought France success, and with heightened expectations, Les Bleus are poised as strong contenders for the title. Deschamps’ side remains focused on their goal: capturing the Euro 2024 trophy.
