With Euro 2024 approaching its final stages, it’s the usual suspects in the semi-finals. But some of the standout performances this tournament have come not from the star teams, but from the underdogs. Like unexpected contenders who visit https://on-winn1.com/ to explore exciting casino bonuses, they have provided the thrills in Germany this summer. Not only have teams like Switzerland, Austria and Georgia defied the odds but they have also added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. We take a look at these teams and their standout performances.
Austria
Placed in Group D, the group of death, alongside France and Netherlands, most people would have expected Austria not to do so well in the early stages of the competition. They started with a 1-0 defeat to France thanks to a Max Wöber own goal but responded well in the second game with a 3-1 victory over Poland. In their final group game, Austria pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Netherlands thanks to an 80th minute winner from Marcel Sabitzer. The victory saw Austria progress to the knockout stages as winners of their group, ahead of France and Netherlands.In their round of sixteen game, Austria faced unexpected stars of the tournament Turkey, in what was possibly the most exciting game of the competition so far. Like playing roulette at onwin casino the game was full of thrills and spills. Turkey were eventual 2-1 winners, booking a quarter final against Netherlands, but both teams attacked all game providing excitement and tension for the onlooking fans.
Austria Results
- Group Game 1: Austria 0 – 1 France
- Group Game 2: Poland 1 – 3 Austria
- Group Game 3: Netherlands 2 – 3 Austria
- Round of 16: Austria 1 – 2 Turkey
Georgia
Georgia were part of the Soviet Union until 1991, missing out on the chance to qualify for first nine editions of the tournament as a an independent nation. Since 1996 Georgia attempted to qualify for every European Championship unsuccessfully, until this year when they qualified for the competition for the first time following promotion to UEFA Nations League B and play-off victory over Luxembourg. In an extremely competitive group, Georgia lost their first game against an impressive Turkey but a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic and surprising 2-0 victory over Portugal saw them qualify for the knockout stages as the second best third placed team.Placing your money on Georgia to reach the knockout stages may have seemed like an outside bet, but those players who did were rewarded like an onwin blackjack win. The round of sixteen saw them come up against the in form team of the competition Spain. But it was Georgia who took the lead after 18 minutes, were they set to shock the Euros yet again? Sadly it wasn’t to be, with Spain eventual 4-1 winners. But on their first appearance at the tournament, Georgia won many new admirers.
Georgia Results
- Group Game 1: Turkey 3 – 1 Georgia
- Group Game 2: Georgia 1 – 1 Czech Republic
- Group Game 3: Georgia 2 – 0 Portugal
- Round of 16: Spain 4 – 1 Georgia
Switzerland
The 2008 hosts reached the quarter-finals last tournament, but most would not have expected them to repeat the act this year. The group stages saw them beat Hungary before draws with Scotland and hosts Germany saw them qualify second in their groups. The round of sixteen would see them face Italy, the 2020 champions! But Switzerland were not to be daunted as they ran out 2-0 winners. ‘Hasta la vista pasta’ as their banners said! The quarter-final saw them take the lead against England, only to lose on penalties after extra time. They may have not made the semi-finals but they certainly impressed in the tournament, particularly against Italy.Switzerland Results
- Group Game 1: Hungary 1 – 3 Switzerland
- Group Game 2: Scotland 1 – 1 Switzerland
- Group Game 3: Switzerland 1 – 1 Czech Germany
- Round of 16: Switzerland 2 – 0 Italy
- Quarter-Final: England 1 – 1 Switzerland (England won 5-3 on penalties)
With the pressure on, many of the big teams opted for a cautious approach in the early stages of the competition. It wasn’t really until the Spain vs France semi-final until we saw two of the big teams light up the competition. But whilst they were being cautious early on, others had nothing to lose with teams like Austria, Georgia, Switzerland and Turkey providing the entertainment in the early stages of the competition. Just like rolling that dice, their braver was rewarded with progression to the knockout stages. I wonder what they will be able to achieve come 2028!