Last Updated on April 19, 2024
As we come inches closer to the Euro 2024 finals, each team is more determined to have a spot in the championship. The intensity was on full display during the match that happened on Tuesday (March 26). Georgia competes against Greece, Ukraine clashes against Iceland, and Wales battles Poland. With their goal advancing in the season, all teams gave their all and delivered a game that was worthy of the spot.
Georgia 0 (4) – (2) 0 Greece
In a thrilling play-off match, Georgia defeated Greece 4-2 on penalties to secure a place in the Euro 2024 finals. Despite Greece’s comfortable victory over Kazakhstan, they failed to do the same in their match against Georgia, and it was a cagey yet thrilling goalless draw that Georgia will be sure to remember, and it means they qualify for their first ever European Championships. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgia’s key player, expressed a mix of joy and surprise over the team’s success. Georgia’s victory places them in Group F alongside Portugal, Turkey, and the Czech Republic. The much-awaited tournament will kick off in Germany on June 14.
Ukraine 2–1 Iceland
A hard-won victory places Ukraine in the Euro 2024 spot. Despite the tough game, the Ukrainian national football team put in a strong team effort to defeat Iceland 2-1. Iceland took the lead in the first half through Gudmundsson, but Ukraine rallied strongly in the second half. After a goal by Viktor Tsygankov was first disallowed for offside, a well-executed counterattack and a decisive strike by Heorhii Sudakov and Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk sealed the victory. With this win, Ukraine is now in Group E for the June championship in Germany, along with Slovakia, Belgium, and Romania.
Wales 0 (4) – (5) 0 Poland
Despite having a raucous home support behind them, Wales faced a sad loss against Poland where they were defeated 4-5 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw that destroyed their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024. Prior to halftime, Wales had a goal disallowed for offside, and neither team was able to penetrate the other’s defense. The heartbreak for Wales comes after their impressive run in the playoffs. This marks their first Euro qualification failure since 2012. Wales’ loss gave Poland a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs on Tuesday as the last qualified country. They will be included in Group D with France, the Netherlands, and Austria.