How did Slovenia with 3 points qualify for the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 instead of Ukraine with 4 points?

Sloveina booked a spot in the Round of 16 with 3 points while Ukraine were sent home even after racking up 4 points in a difficult group.

How did Slovenia with 3 points qualify for the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 instead of Ukraine with 4 points?

Slovenia go through with 3 points while Ukraine go home despite finishing with four. (Via X/@UEFAEuro2024)

Tournament football can be a tricky affair. The 2024 Euros had its fair share of anticipation and excitement owing to the peculiar mode of qualification for teams that finish third. From Georgia to the Netherlands and even Slovenia, a total of four third-placed teams have made it to the knockouts. Here’s a closer look at how every third placed team qualified for the Round of 16.

Of all teams that have qualified from the group stages, fans were certainly excited to see Slovenia book their spot with just three points from three games. To add to the mix, Ukraine missing out with 4 points confused many. This ‘unnatural’ mode of qualification to the Round of 16 is unique to the Euros. As per the tournament format, four of the best third-placed sides will automatically qualify to the next round.

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Ukraine, despite picking up an impressive four points in a tough group, were eliminated solely because they finished in fourth. While Romania and Belgium took the top two spots, Slovenia finished in third owing to their superior goal difference.

Ukraine became the first side ever to be knocked out after claiming four points in the group stages. As for Slovenia, their third place finish in Group C was made possible only because of their group set-up.

A closer look at Slovenia’s unbelievable route to the knockouts

Not many would have predicted 57th ranked Slovenia to qualify for the knockouts from a group consisting of England, Denmark and Serbia. The Three Lions are one of the tournament favorites while Denmark’s reputation in big competitions speaks for itself. Contrary to what was expected of them, Slovenia did not taste defeat in a single game.

Slovenia
Slovenia have exceeded all expectations at the 2024 Euros (Via X/@brfootball & ESPNFC)

With three draws in three games, Slovenia qualified for the knockouts with zero wins and scoring a grand total of just two goals. Their final game in Group C came in the form of a monumental defensive display to keep England at bay. The low-scoring nature of their group, coupled with the fact that there was a single win shared between the four sides increased Slovenia’s chances of making it to the last 16.

Slovenia face 2016 champions Portugal in the Round of 16 on July 1st. Even though their chances of causing an upset are extremely low, fans are hoping that the attack led by Benjamin Sesko and guarded by Jan Oblak give them a night to remember. Both Croatia and Hungary failed to make it to the knockouts despite having finished third.

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