Final whistle! 7 insights from the European Championship

Spectacular start, pragmatic knockout phase – the European Football Championship in Germany was unable to maintain the initial pace. Compared to the 2006 World Cup in our neighbouring country, it was a final round for purists: the stories were dictated on the pitch – and not off it. Spain and England wrote the last chapter. The final was still in progress when this issue went to print. What remains of the European Championship:

• Austria storms forward: The ÖFB team won the group ahead of France and the Netherlands – and also gained sympathy points across Europe for their attractive style of play. The elimination in the round of 16 was unfortunate and disappointing – but with a view to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, the performances created anticipation and gave confidence.
• Cheeky outsiders: For outsiders, the defensive wall is no longer the only option. Austria was not the only one to take risks: Switzerland beat Italy in the round of 16 (2:0), Georgia lost to Spain (1:4) after some thrilling matches in the round of 16, and Turkey stormed into the quarter-finals, knocking out Austria in the process.

  Georgia, led by Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, delivered a spectacle.

  Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI (APA/AFP/ALBERTO PIZZOLI)

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