In their first-ever UEFA European Championship meeting, Poland stunned two-time champions France with a resilient 1-1 draw in Dortmund. The result saw Didier Deschamps’s men finish as Group D runners-up, while Poland exited the tournament with their heads held high despite being the first team eliminated.
France dominated early, with Theo Hernández and Ousmane Dembélé testing Polish keeper Łukasz Skorupski, who was outstanding throughout. Poland, buoyed by the return of captain Robert Lewandowski, nearly broke the deadlock when Lewandowski’s header narrowly missed the target.
France finally found the net just after halftime when Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty after Jakub Kiwior’s foul on Dembélé. This goal marked Mbappé’s first in the European Championship after 23 attempts, setting a record for the most shots before scoring.
However, the drama wasn’t over. A late VAR review awarded Poland a penalty, and despite Mike Maignan saving Lewandowski’s initial effort, the Polish striker scored on the retake, ensuring a historic goal as the only player to net in four consecutive Euro tournaments. The draw extended France’s unbeaten streak to six games but left them lamenting missed opportunities to top the group.
Austria 3-2 Netherlands: Austria’s Historic Win Secures Knockout Spot
In a thrilling encounter in Berlin, Austria clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, securing their place in the Round of 16 for just the second time in their Euro history. Ralf Rangnick’s side started strong, pressing high and forcing an own goal from Donyell Malen after Alexander Prass’s cross.
The match became an end-to-end spectacle, with chances for both sides. Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo equalized early in the second half with a sublime finish, but Austria regained the lead through Romano Schmid’s powerful header.
Netherlands’ relentless pressure paid off when Memphis Depay volleyed home to level the scores again. However, Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer struck the winner, blasting into the net to seal a famous victory. Despite a disallowed fourth goal from Christoph Baumgartner, Austria held on to secure second place in Group D and set up a Round of 16 clash with Group F’s runners-up.
Denmark 0-0 Serbia: Danish Draw Enough for Knockout Qualification
Denmark’s goalless draw against Serbia in Berlin was enough to see them through to the knockout stages, although their performance left much to be desired. The match was a tight, cautious affair, with few clear-cut chances for either side.
Denmark’s best opportunity came when Joakim Mæhle’s cross found Alexander Bah, who headed wide. Christian Eriksen, making a record-breaking 132nd appearance for Denmark, had a long-range effort saved.
Serbia, needing a win to progress, had a goal disallowed for offside and struggled to break down a resolute Danish defense. Aleksandar Mitrović came closest for the Serbians, but his late effort missed the target. Denmark’s disciplined performance ensured they advanced as Group C runners-up.
England 0-0 Slovenia: Three Lions Top Group Despite Lackluster Draw
England secured top spot in Group C with a lackluster 0-0 draw against Slovenia in Munich. Already assured of progression, Gareth Southgate’s men delivered a subdued performance, managing only sporadic moments of quality.
Bukayo Saka had a goal ruled out for offside, and Harry Kane narrowly missed converting a Kieran Trippier cross. Despite Southgate’s tactical changes at halftime, England struggled to break down a determined Slovenian defense.
Slovenia, needing a draw to secure a place in the knockouts as one of the best third-placed finishers, matched England’s lack of creativity in attack. The result suited both teams, with England set to face a third-placed side in the next round, and Slovenia advancing to the knockout stages.
