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Euro 2024 power rankings: Something has to give in Spain-Germany showdown

chonprasit
UEFA Euro
Updated Jul. 2, 2024 7:31 p.m. ET

We’ve been doing these FOX Sports Euro 2024 power rankings ever since the start of the tournament, meaning that, naturally, teams that performed best in the group stage have occupied places near the top of the list.

Winning it all at the Euros, though, offers greater reward to those who pick up steam over the course of a month, rather than starting strong and tailing off.

Now we are past the round of 16, then, how much benefit was gained by the teams that emerged as group winners? The answer: about as much as normal.

In the six European Championships and World Cups to have had this format of 24 teams being narrowed to a 16-team bracket, the six group winners have never emerged completely unscathed from the first knockout round.

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In fact, every single time it has been three (two occasions) or four (four times) of the group winners that also progressed from the next round, meaning that finishing top matters, but it’s not everything.

Of the eight teams left in Euro 2024, four won their group, three finished second, and the Netherlands are sole third-place finisher. The group winners to depart, Romania and Austria, would be justified in thinking they peaked too soon.

Spain continues to top the rankings, with quarterfinal opponent Germany a close second. The top half of the draw is solely comprised of teams from our top four. Starting Friday, something has to give.

Portugal vs. Slovenia: Instant analysis following Round of 16 matchup | Euro Today

POWER RANKINGS

  1. Spain: Playing superb soccer and ready for the huge next challenge.
  2. Germany: Even the lightning couldn’t stop them. Classy and quick.
  3. France (+1): Need things to start clicking – like, now.
  4. Portugal (-1): Ronaldo tears, goalkeeper heroics.
  5. Netherlands (+3): Finally got going, looking good.
  6. England: High on drama, but largely low on creativity.
  7. Switzerland: Excellent against a poor Italy.
  8. Turkey (+1): Full of fight and determination, still going.
  9. Austria (-4): Disappointing exit after fine group effort.
  10. Slovakia (+3): Mere seconds away from a famous win.
  11. Belgium: Golden Generation done?
  12. Denmark (+2): Needed a break or two, didn’t get them.
  13. Italy (+2): Such a timid defense of the title.
  14. Romania (-4): Found out against the Dutch.
  15. Slovenia (-3): Great run, despite no wins.
  16. Georgia: Amazing effort to reach the knockouts.
  17. Ukraine: Best of the eliminated teams.
  18. Czechia: Too many mistakes cost them.
  19. Hungary: Late drama couldn’t save them.
  20. Croatia: Heartbreak for Modric & Co.
  21. Serbia: Disappointing end to a poor campaign.
  22. Poland: Fought hard despite being already out.
  23. Albania: Couldn’t survive the Group of Death.
  24. Scotland: Not good enough from the start.

Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the daily newsletter.

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