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Only a few spots in round of 16 are now up for grabs as group stage of European Championship 2024 nears it end. England and Denmark made it to the pre-quarterfinals playing goalless draws against their respective opponents in Group C. Austria stunned Netherlands with a 3-2 win whereas France advanced in the tournament with a draw against Poland.
Fans unhappy with England playing a draw
England and Slovenia played a goalless draw at Cologne Stadium. England were criticised for their performances as soon as the final whistle blew. Fans threw beer cups on the ground as they were not convinced by the show put up by the English.
England had just one shot on the goal but substitute Cole Palmer could not beat the Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the stoppage time.
Manager Gareh Southgate who maintained his record of getting England past the round of 16 in every major tournament since 2018 World Cup was left disappointment with the reaction.
“I've not seen any team qualify and receive similar,” manager Southgate said.
“I think probably expectation (is different). We've made England over the last six or seven years fun again. I think it has been enjoyable for the players. “We've got to be very, very careful that it stays that way,” he added.
England will play their knockout match on June 30.
Another goalless draw
In the other Group C clash, Denmark played a goalless draw against Serbia. Denmark had three shots on target but could not score a goal. It was Christian Eriksen's record-breaking 133rd appearance for Denmark. Despite not winning a single match at group stage, Denmark advanced to round of 16. They have same number of points, goal difference, goal scored and disciplinary points as Slovenia but finished second on the basis of a better qualifying ranking. They will face host Germany on June 29.
Mbappe scores his first in Euro 2024
Black mask-clad Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski scored from the spot as France and Poland played a 1-1 draw. Mbappe who missed the previous clash against Netherlands after injuring his nose in their opener against Austria, had five shots on target out of six. In the 56th minute, he scored from the spot. The equaliser came in the 79th minute when Lewandowski made the penalty count. Poland bowed out of the tournament with a solitary win. France will play their knockout game on July 1.
Austria create history in Berlin
Austria stunned Netherlands as they beat them 3-2 in a high-voltage encounter. Austria registered their first win over the Dutch side in 34 years. Austria got off to a good start start when Donyell Malen scored an own goal. After half time, Cody Gakpo scored the equaliser on the counter. Austria took back the lead in the 59th minute with a header. The Dutch did not give up and Memphis Depay scored the equaliser in the 75th minute. VAR was used to check for handball. Netherlands thought they will keep Austria at bay but five minutes later, Marcel Sabitzer's sensational strike got them in front again. Austria finished at the top of Group D with six points. Netherlands finished third with four points. Austria will play their knockout game on July 2.
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