Group D was picked out as an interesting one before the start of the 2024 European Championship.
With two of Europe’s biggest nations set to face each other, many people believed this group could be the competition’s eventual winner.
But against the odds, neither France nor Netherlands topped the group. Instead it was Austria, who picked up six points from a possible nine while scoring six goals.
As one of the tournament’s favourites, fans will have been disappointed with the showing from Les Bleus. They scored just two goals – an own goal and a penalty.
Ronald Koeman’s side are one of the fortunate ones to make it through as a third-placed team. Poland have been eliminated after picking up just one point.
What Next?
Through: Austria, France, Netherlands
Eliminated: Poland
Top scorer: Cody Gakpo (two)
Austria claimed first place in the group and will feature in the knockout stage of a European Championship for only the second time.
They will face the runner-up of Group F in the round of 16, which can be any team from Turkey, Czechia, and Georgia.
France’s draw against Poland left them in second place, meaning they will play the runner-up of Group E.
More interestingly, they will also be on the same side of the draw as Germany, Spain and Portugal, leaving them with a daunting task if they wish to lift the trophy.
Netherlands will be on the opposite side to France, giving them an arguably kinder path through to the latter stages. Their round of 16 opponent will be England or the winner of Group E, depending on results elsewhere.
Poland suffered their fourth group-stage exit in their last five appearances at the European Championships and their seventh from their last nine major tournaments.
Standout Performer – Marcel Sabitzer
Ralf Rangnick’s side have been the surprise package of Euro 2024 and Marcel Sabitzer has been at the heart of their success.
The midfielder has been immense in the middle of the park, contributing heavily at both ends. His energy, composure, and quality on the ball have been on display for all to see.
Sabitzer won a crucial penalty in his side’s 3-1 victory over Poland with a driving run through the opposition backline.
He followed up with the winner in Austria’s clash with Netherlands, sending them to the top of the group.
