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FotMob Daily Briefing: Four things to look out for on Day 8 at the Euros

FotMob Daily Briefing: Four things to look out for on Day 8 at the Euros

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Euro 2024 is underway and the games are coming thick and fast. In this daily feature on FotMob, which is going to run for the entirety of the tournament, here are four things you should look out for across day eight of the competition as Slovakia entertain Ukraine knowing a win sees them into the knockout stages, Poland face Austria, and Netherlands take on France in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the tournament so far. 

By Sam McGuire

Defensive issues for Ukraine 

Heading into the tournament, Ukraine were viewed as dark horses. Serhiy Rebrov had named an extremely talented but young squad and many felt they could be a surprise package. 

These predictions are now looking a little foolish after Rebrov’s side were dismantled by Romania. Ukraine lost 3-0 and, perhaps more worryingly, it was a deserved defeat with Edward Iordănescu’s side finishing the game with an Expected Goals haul of three.

It was the highest return across matchday one. It was also a humbling defeat for Ukraine. They’ll need to bounce back in matchday two against a Slovakia side that beat Belgium in their opener. 

Blunt attacks 

The early kick-off on Friday sees two of the teams who struggled offensively in matchday one. Ukraine, despite having 72% possession against Romania, managed to carve out chances worth just 0.7 Expected Goals. While Slovakia may have picked up a shock win over Belgium but they finished that game with an xG of just 0.6. 

For added context here, only five teams had a lower xG haul than Slovakia on matchday one. 

This game, a game Ukraine simply cannot lose, could be a struggle for the neutrals if their opening match performances are anything to go by.

A star showing 

Can you guess who was the highest-rated FotMob player across matchday one? 

It wasn’t any of your usual suspects. No. It was Cody Gakpo. 

The Dutch attacker impressed in the win over Poland and scored the equaliser. He completed all five of his dribbles, was fouled on four occasions and involved himself in 18 duels. If he can get close to that sort of level against France, he’s going to put himself in the conversation for the Player of the Tournament. It may sound premature but that sort of dominant showing should not be overlooked, even at this stage of the competition.  

A little too physical?

Austria lost the battle against France, suffering a 1-0 loss on Monday night, but they certainly went to war. 

Ralph Rangnick’s side picked up five yellow cards, the most of any team across the opening round of matches, and committed 18 fouls, a total only Serbia managed to surpass. 

Their aggressive approach frustrated a talented France side and though they weren’t able to pick up a point from this game, you’d argue it was a successful approach. Even if they did have a hand in Kylian Mbappé’s broken nose. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

FotMob Daily Briefing: Four things to look out for on Day 8 at the Euros

Euro 2024 is underway and the games are coming thick and fast. In this daily feature on FotMob, which is going to run for the entirety of the tournament, here are four things you should look out for across day eight of the competition as Slovakia entertain Ukraine knowing a win sees them into the knockout stages, Poland face Austria, and Netherlands take on France in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the tournament so far. 

By Sam McGuire

Defensive issues for Ukraine 

Heading into the tournament, Ukraine were viewed as dark horses. Serhiy Rebrov had named an extremely talented but young squad and many felt they could be a surprise package. 

These predictions are now looking a little foolish after Rebrov’s side were dismantled by Romania. Ukraine lost 3-0 and, perhaps more worryingly, it was a deserved defeat with Edward Iordănescu’s side finishing the game with an Expected Goals haul of three.

It was the highest return across matchday one. It was also a humbling defeat for Ukraine. They’ll need to bounce back in matchday two against a Slovakia side that beat Belgium in their opener. 

Blunt attacks 

The early kick-off on Friday sees two of the teams who struggled offensively in matchday one. Ukraine, despite having 72% possession against Romania, managed to carve out chances worth just 0.7 Expected Goals. While Slovakia may have picked up a shock win over Belgium but they finished that game with an xG of just 0.6. 

For added context here, only five teams had a lower xG haul than Slovakia on matchday one. 

This game, a game Ukraine simply cannot lose, could be a struggle for the neutrals if their opening match performances are anything to go by.

A star showing 

Can you guess who was the highest-rated FotMob player across matchday one? 

It wasn’t any of your usual suspects. No. It was Cody Gakpo. 

The Dutch attacker impressed in the win over Poland and scored the equaliser. He completed all five of his dribbles, was fouled on four occasions and involved himself in 18 duels. If he can get close to that sort of level against France, he’s going to put himself in the conversation for the Player of the Tournament. It may sound premature but that sort of dominant showing should not be overlooked, even at this stage of the competition.  

A little too physical?

Austria lost the battle against France, suffering a 1-0 loss on Monday night, but they certainly went to war. 

Ralph Rangnick’s side picked up five yellow cards, the most of any team across the opening round of matches, and committed 18 fouls, a total only Serbia managed to surpass. 

Their aggressive approach frustrated a talented France side and though they weren’t able to pick up a point from this game, you’d argue it was a successful approach. Even if they did have a hand in Kylian Mbappé’s broken nose. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.