Germany left it late to secure a last 16 match-up with England in a crazy, record-breaking night of final group game action, with Spain, Sweden, France and Portugal joining them in the knockout rounds.
The four games across Group E and F produced 18 goals, beating the previous best tally of goals in a single day at the finals which had been 14 back on June 21 of the 2000 edition.
Goretzka saves Germany
Eight of them occurred in the ‘Group of Death’ with Hungary almost producing a huge shock before they were pegged back to a 2-2 draw by Germany with Leon Goretzka’s strike six minutes from time enough to ensure Joachim Low has at least one more match in charge.
Goals from Adam Szalai and Andras Schafer had Hungary ahead and on course to reach the knock-out phase before their hearts were broken and with France and Portugal playing in Bucharest, the anguish of the crowd was audible when news filtered through of Germany’s second goal.
Record-breaking Ronaldo
Those at the Puskas Arena still got to witness history with Cristiano Ronaldo’s two penalties equalling the record of most international goals by Iran great Ali Daei with the two men now level on 109.
A brace from Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, scoring for his country for the first time since 2015, saw France clinch top spot as it eventually finished 2-2 in Budapest.
The world champions now take on Switzerland next while third-placed Portugal and Germany in second face hugely anticipated clashes with Belgium and England in the next round.
🔝 Joint most goals in international football with Iran’s Ali Daei (109)
— Sporting Life Football & Infogol (@InfogolApp) June 23, 2021
🔝 Most goals in the European Championships & the World Cup combined (21)
🔝 Top goalscorer in European Championship history (14)
🇵🇹🙌 Cristiano Ronaldo can't stop breaking records.
👑 #PORFRA pic.twitter.com/edgWcIthvR
Just as bonkers in Group E
Earlier in the day a stoppage-time winner from Viktor Claesson saw Sweden pip Spain to top spot in Group E and set up a last-16 meeting with Ukraine.
An Emil Forsberg double had Janne Andersson’s men on course for another win, but Robert Lewandowski showed his prowess in front of goal with two fine finishes to level proceedings for Poland.
With Spain cruising to victory over Slovakia, Sweden were set to progress in second spot while the Poles knew one more goal would send them through as one of best third-place teams.
Paulo Sousa watched his players throw caution to the wind but with gaps left open at the back, Claesson took full advantage with a smart finish to seal a 3-2 win.
Spain finally fire
Sweden's victory rendered Spain’s 5-0 thrashing over Slovakia a touch less significant, but this was still a statement win.
Victory – courtesy of Martin Dubravka and Juraj Kucka own-goals plus efforts from Aymeric Laporte, Pablo Sarabia and Ferran Torres – sets up a mouthwatering knock-out phase clash with Croatia.
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
