Euro 2024: France, Portugal, Spain, and Germany Are In Same Bracket For Round of 16

• The real drama of Euro 2024 begins with the knockout phase, which kicks off after the group stage ends next Wednesday, June 26
• Top countries like Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands have already qualified for the tourney's Round of 16
• Sports Brief looks at the different routes open to the finals of Euro 2024 and some of the possible face-offs in the knockout round

The group stage of Euro 2024 is just the beginning - the knockout phase, especially the quarter-finals, is where the real excitement kicks in.

With the expanded format, 16 teams will compete in single-elimination matches, culminating in the grand finale at Berlin's Olympiastadion.

Sports Brief provides an in-depth look at the knockout bracket format and what to expect in this thrilling tournament.

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Euro 2024 Round of 16: what to expect

France, Portugal, Spain and Germany on same side

France missed several opportunities on Tuesday evening, finishing their final Group D match against Poland in a 1-1 draw, but securing a spot in the Round of 16.

This result, combined with Austria's 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, meant Les Bleus could only finish as runners-up in Group D, behind Ralf Rangnick’s Das Team.

France, Spain, Germany, and Portugal will all be on the same side of the draw heading into the knockout stages, per ESPN.

Kylian Mbappe, who wore a mask after breaking his nose in France’s Euro 2024 opener, put Les Bleus ahead with a penalty before Robert Lewandowski equalised for Poland, also from the penalty spot, having needed to retake his shot.

Both teams had chances throughout the match, but neither could find a decisive goal.

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Group D drama

In the other Group D match, an own goal by Donyell Malen gave Austria the lead, but Cody Gakpo equalised for the Netherlands. Romano Schmid put Austria ahead again, only for Memphis Depay to level the score.

Marcel Sabitzer secured Austria's win, placing them atop Group D and setting up a Round of 16 match against the Group F runners-up.

The Netherlands finished third and must wait to see if their four points are enough to advance, potentially facing England in the next round.

The group stages end today, June 26, with Ukraine vs. Belgium and Slovakia vs. Romania in Group E, followed by Czech Republic vs. Turkey and Georgia vs. Portugal in Group F.

Euro 2024: Paths to the final

Once the group stage concludes, the journey to the final unfolds as follows:

Round of 16

The top two teams from each of the six groups advance automatically. To complete the lineup, the four best third-placed teams - determined by points and goal difference - also move forward, making a total of 16 teams in this stage.

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Match-ups are based on group stage results, with group winners facing runners-up from different groups.

Quarter-finals

The eight winners from the Round of 16 proceed to the quarterfinals, per UEFA.

Pairings are determined by the outcomes of the previous round, ensuring a variety of potential match-ups as winners from one side of the bracket face winners from the other side.

Semi-finals

The four remaining teams compete for a spot in the final. The pressure intensifies as they strategise and battle for a chance to play for the championship.

Final

The tournament culminates in the final, where the last two teams standing vie for the title of Euro 2024 champions. This decisive match promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, with passionate fans and world-class football.

The knockout stage kicks off with the Round of 16 on June 29.

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Sports Brief also previously reported on a video emerging of Ronaldo appearing to shove a pitch invader during the Euros.

The Al-Nassr star was approached by at least three different eager fans in Dortmund during Portugal's game against Turkey.