Euro Cup: Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and Austria in Round of 16

Belgium and the Netherlands entered knockout stage of Euro Cup 2020 in style on Monday. Both teams completed clean sweeps in their group matches. Belgium won its last group match 2-0 against Finland in Group B and topped the table with perfect 9. World No. one ranked Belgium’s two late half goals put the valiant Finland on the brink of exit. Their first goal came from self-goal by Finnish goalkeeper Lukas Hradecká in 73 rd minute. Star striker Romelu Lukaku slammed home a powerful shot for team’s second goal and his third in the tournament in 81 st minute.

So, tournament debutants Finland’s loss to Belgium became advantage to Denmark. The Danes also made entry to the last 16 rounds from Group B with better goal difference. They had lost their first two group matches. Christian Eriksen on field collapse in the opening game vs the Finns weighs in to inspire the Dane’s stunning comeback in the tournament. They registered an emphatic 4-1 win over Russia.

Displaying a dazzling game plan, Mikkel Damsgaard, Tussuf Poulsen, Andreas Christensen and Joakim Maehle scored one each for their team. For Russia, Artem Dzyuba netted the only goal via penalty.

The Netherlands also maintains their winning run in Group C. They convincingly beat lowly placed North Macedonia 3-0 on Monday. Although the Dutch team had already ensured its place in knock out stage, they displayed their dominancy in the Group with 100%-win record. Memphis Depay opened the account for his team in the first half. Dutch captain Georginio Wijnaldum added two goals within a space of 7 minutes in second half. He now has netted three goals in the tournament.

Losing all three matches, North Macedonia is out of the tournament. Austria with two wins finished as runners up in Group C and also for the first time sealed a place in pre-quarterfinals. In their last group match yesterday, they scored 1-0 win over Ukraine. Ukraine with two losses has now very slim chance to be among the four best 3 rd placed team and get a place in Round 16.

Now in pre-quarterfinals, Austria will face in-form Italy on 27th June while Denmark will encounter Wales a day earlier. The Netherlands and Belgium will take on the best 3 rd placed finishers from Group D, E or F.