Euro 2024 is this year’s most essential and significant football event on the European continent.
The European Championship is a festival of football that is eagerly awaited every time.
On March 26, the last three teams that will join the other national teams at this football festival were determined. They were Georgia, Ukraine, and Poland.
In today’s article, we will examine the path these three teams have taken to the coveted goal. And for a more enjoyable read, Melbet ng has prepared something special at the very end!
Qualification Review
The qualifying round for the European Championship 2024 started in March 2023.
It involved 53 teams, including the heroes of today’s article. All national teams were divided into groups of 5-6 teams.
At the end of the qualification, 20 teams could qualify for the Euro. Another team that became a participant in the European Championship was Germany.
Germans did not participate in the selection because Euro 2024 will be held in Germany. It means that the German team automatically receives a ticket to the tournament.
Another three spots were drawn between 12 teams selected based on the UEFA Nations League rankings. Four national teams claimed each of the three remaining places at the Euros.
There were three mini-tournaments, with two semi-finals and a final in each. Among the contenders were Georgia, Luxembourg, Greece, Kazakhstan, Wales, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Israel, and Iceland.
Georgia
The Georgian national team took only fourth place in their qualification group. This was not enough to win a direct ticket to the Euros.
Georgia scored eight points. The team won twice, drew twice, and lost four times. Norway, Scotland, and Spain finished above Georgia. The last two have just received direct tickets to the European Championship.
In the semifinals of the mini-tournament, Georgia faced Luxembourg for the last chance to qualify for the Euro. The Georgians confidently defeated their opponent with the result 2:0.
In the final match, Georgia faced Greece. The primary and extra time of the game ended with the score 0:0.
The Georgian team managed to snatch victory in a penalty shootout, winning 4:2.
Georgia will play in Group F, which includes Turkey, Portugal, and the Czech Republic. It is worth noting that the Georgians made it to the Euro finals for the first time in their history.
Ukraine
The Ukraine national team failed to qualify through the qualifying stage and finished in third position in their group. The Ukrainian team gained 14 points.
The exact number was scored by the Italian national team, which took second place and was ahead of the Ukrainians due to additional indicators.
In addition to the Italians, the English team also placed above. Ukraine won four meetings; two matches were drawn, and two matches were defeated.
As a result of the draw, the Ukrainian team’s opponent was Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In a tense battle, the Ukrainians snatched victory with a score of 2:1.
In the final of the mini-tournament, Ukraine faced the national team of Iceland. The Ukrainian squad again showed persistence and character and won with a score of 2:1.
Now, the Ukrainians will play in Group E. They will face Belgium, Slovakia, and Romania. This will be Ukraine’s fourth participation in the European Championship.
Last time, at Euro 2020, the Ukrainian national team reached the quarterfinals, where they lost to England.
Poland
The Polish national team failed to qualify for the Euros through the qualification stage.
The Poles finished third in their group with 11 points. Poland won three times, drew twice, and conceded three more times.
The Polish team was beaten by Albania and the Czech Republic, who entered the Euros directly.
In the semi-final match of the mini-tournament, Poland destroyed the Estonian team 5:1. The final opponent of the Poles on their way to the Euro was Wales — the primary and extra time of the match ended without goals.
Everything was decided in the penalty shootout, where the Polish team was stronger (5:4).
Poland got into a very difficult Group D. Their opponents will be the Netherlands, Austria, and France. The Polish team’s previous European Championship ended unsuccessfully.
Poland finished in last place in the group. This year, the Poles will be motivated not to repeat the past fiasco.
Predictions and Expectations
As this will be Georgia’s first participation at the Euros, expectations from their performance are low. The current Georgian team has a good squad capable of performing brilliantly on the group stage.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stands out among the Georgians. He is one of Napoli’s leading stars, and many European top clubs are already looking at him.
Georgia can surprise their opponents, but the chances of getting out of the group could be higher.
For the Ukraine national team, the situation is a bit different. The Ukrainians have a lot of quality players who play in top European leagues. Some of them are already playing for top European clubs.
Such players as Mudryk, Zinchenko, Lunin, Dovbyk, Tsyhankov, and Sudakov can lead the team to great achievements.
This generation of the Ukrainian team is considered the strongest for the whole time of the national team’s existence.
In addition, the Ukrainians were lucky with the group. Of the severe opponents, there is only Belgium. Therefore, Ukraine can reach the next and very late stages of the Euro.
Poland will have the most challenging situation among all three teams that made it to the Euros. Because all three opponents of the Poles in the group were very difficult.
And if in the confrontation with the national team of Austria, the chances of Poland are about equal, then in the matches against France and the Netherlands, the Polish team will be very difficult.
Once again, most Polish hopes will be linked to their main star, Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish captain will once again lead his teammates to try and make it to the Euro playoffs.
If we ask ourselves who will be the triumphant winner of the European Championship, the leading contenders for victory are France and England. Many experts rate their chances very highly.
Next come the tournament hosts, Germany, followed by Spain and Portugal. Among the candidates for the trophy are also the teams of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy, the winner of the previous Euro team.
Conclusion
The national teams of Georgia, Ukraine, and Poland have come a long and challenging way.
Now, they will have to fight for the honor of their country in the European arena. Their matches will be exciting to watch.
Euro 2024 holds incredible significance for the football community. This tournament always showcases top-level play and contributes to the development of football as a whole.
The European Championship inspires young players, brings joy to millions of fans, and unites countries in the fight for the championship.
We urge all fans to support their favorite teams at Euro 2024. Emotions, excitement, and the unique atmosphere of the tournament await everyone who is ready to plunge into the world of football passion and tension.
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