Throughout the duration of the tournament, we have consistently compiled the FOX Sports Euro 2024 power rankings, with teams that excelled in the group stage naturally securing top positions on the list.
Emerging victorious in the Euros, however, provides a greater advantage to teams that build momentum over the course of a month, rather than those who start strong but fade away.
Now that we have progressed beyond the round of 16, it begs the question: how much of an advantage did the group winners actually gain? The answer remains relatively unchanged.
In the six instances of European Championships and World Cups following the format of 24 teams narrowing down to a 16-team bracket, the group winners have never emerged unscathed from the initial knockout round.
In reality, on two occasions, all three group winners and on four occasions, four group winners have advanced to the next round. This indicates that finishing at the top is important, but not the only factor that determines progression.
Among the remaining eight teams in Euro 2024, four emerged as group winners, three finished in second place, and the Netherlands secured the third spot. The teams that topped their groups, Romania and Austria, may feel that they peaked too early.
Spain maintains its position at the top of the rankings, closely followed by Germany, their quarterfinal opponent. The top half of the draw consists exclusively of teams from the top four. As the matches kick off on Friday, there will be some interesting developments to watch.
POWER RANKINGS
- Spain: Playing superb soccer and ready for the huge next challenge.
- Germany: Even the lightning couldn’t stop them. Classy and quick.
- France (+1): Need things to start clicking – like, now.
- Portugal (-1): Ronaldo tears, goalkeeper heroics.
- Netherlands (+3): Finally got going, looking good.
- England: High on drama, but largely low on creativity.
- Switzerland: Excellent against a poor Italy.
- Turkey (+1): Full of fight and determination, still going.
- Austria (-4): Disappointing exit after fine group effort.
- Slovakia (+3): Mere seconds away from a famous win.
- Belgium: Golden Generation done?
- Denmark (+2): Needed a break or two, didn’t get them.
- Italy (+2): Such a timid defense of the title.
- Romania (-4): Found out against the Dutch.
- Slovenia (-3): Great run, despite no wins.
- Georgia: Amazing effort to reach the knockouts.
- Ukraine: Best of the eliminated teams.
- Czechia: Too many mistakes cost them.
- Hungary: Late drama couldn’t save them.
- Croatia: Heartbreak for Modric & Co.
- Serbia: Disappointing end to a poor campaign.
- Poland: Fought hard despite being already out.
- Albania: Couldn’t survive the Group of Death.
- Scotland: Not good enough from the start.
