Favorites falter, but underdogs rise ahead of UEFA Euro 2024 knockout stage

The GIST: From a record-setting number of cards to the plastic beer cups raining down on the field, the Euro group stage was positively bananas. And now it’s on to the knockouts, where the Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow and promises even more excitement.

Early favorites post subpar performances: Powerhouses No. 2 France and No. 5 England underwhelmed in their respective groups, notching only one win and two goals each across their three group stage games.

• The issue? Lackluster offense even with a masked man in the wings. Will the strikers find a match and ignite in the Round of 16? We’ll have to wait until Monday to judge France’s response, but England plays No. 45 Slovakia Sunday at 12 p.m. ET. Pour that tea.

Surprise squads delight fans: Where favorites falter, underdogs rise. Both No. 25 Austria and No. 74 Georgia defied the odds in the group stage: Austria topped their Euro group for the first time, while Georgia pulled off the biggest upset in tourney history, stunning Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 6 Portugal 2–0 on Wednesday to reach their first knockout stage.

What’s next: Two must-see matches between stacked sides tomorrow — first, it’s No. 19 Switzerland vs. defending champion No. 10 Italy at 12 p.m. ET, followed by host country No. 16 Germany against No. 21 Denmark at 3 p.m. ET. The fun has just begun.