The national teams of Belgium, Portugal, and France secured the first tickets to the final phase of the European Championship, which will be staged in Germany in the summer of 2024. These results set the pace for the rest of the qualifying campaign, signaling strong form from the trio as they push toward a potential continental title.
Belgium emerged from a closely fought qualifying encounter with a 3-2 victory over Austria. Romelu Lukaku and Dodi Lukebakio supplied the goals for Belgium, with Lukaku converting a crucial double to keep the leaders on track. Austria replied through Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer, highlighting the contest’s competitive edge. The win guarantees Belgium at least a runner-up finish in the group, ensuring their place in the Euros and maintaining momentum for the looming tournament stage.
France claimed a 2-1 win against the Netherlands, with Kylian Mbappe delivering a standout performance by scoring twice. Quilindshi Hartman found the net for the Dutch side, but France retained top spot in the group. The result protects France from slipping into a lower position and reinforces their status as a favored contender as the finals approach.
Portugal ran out 3-2 winners over Slovakia, a match that showcased the attacking capability of the Portuguese squad. Gonçalo Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo were among the scorers for Portugal, while David Gancko and Stanislav Lobotka provided Slovakia’s replies. By clinching the win, Portugal solidified their lead in the group standings, enhancing their prospects of hosting a deep run in the tournament’s final stages.
Italy currently hold the title of defending European champions after defeating England in a penalty shootout in the last final. The memory of that victory serves as a reminder of the high level of competition and the pressure on the teams as they navigate the remaining qualifiers and prepare for the next summer’s championship in Germany.
A former Cameroon national team player commented on the atmosphere surrounding the Moscow match against Russia, noting the electric environment and the passion of the fans. This observation reflects a wider sense of anticipation and support that accompanies major qualifying campaigns across Europe, underscoring how the sport resonates beyond the scorelines and adds texture to the road to the Euros. ”