The fourth European in a row, despite everything. Despite the war. Ukraine, on a neutral pitch in Poland, snatches one of the last three passes made available for the tournament continental scheduled for June in Germany: Iceland does so by recovering with character and play, winning the play-off final 2-1 and now reaching Belgium, Slovakia and Romania in the Euro 2024 group.
For the Icelanders, who had eliminated Israel in the semi-final, the home star, Genoa striker Albert Gudmundsson, who – author of the hat-trick against Israel – had given them the momentary advantage, was not enough. But in the second half the goals of Tsygankov and Mudryk overturn it: and there are tears of joy for the Kiev national team who try to give small moments of celebration to a country tormented by the two years of war with Moscow. Much more than a qualification for Ukraine who feels on a mission every time they take the field knowing that the stakes are much higher than just a sporting result.
E the play-offs also smile on Georgia which eliminates Greece and flies to the European Championships for the first time in its history. The Kvaratskhelia national team achieved historic qualification, beating the Greeks on penalties 4-2 in Tbilisi. After 120′ the match remained at 0-0, Georgia then prevailed from the spot, joining Portugal, the Czech Republic and Turkey in the group. The Napoli player was forced to come off during extra time due to a muscle problem.
Poland takes the last pass who qualified for their fifth European Championship by beating Wales 5-4, but only on penalties. Lewandowski’s national team flies to Germany where they will play in the group with Holland, Austria and France.
Euro 2024: the six groups with the 24 teams for the final phase
The picture of the six groups for the final phase of Euro 2024 is completed. With the last three qualified national teams (Georgia, Ukraine and Poland) having secured passage to the play-offs, here is the list of the 24 teams playing in Germany from 14 June.
GROUP A Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
GROUP B Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
GROUP C Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
GROUP D Poland, Holland, Austria, France
GROUP E Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
GROUP F Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic
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