The group stage of Euro 2025 has concluded, leaving fans with unforgettable moments and a clear picture of the teams vying for the championship. With 24 matches played, eight teams—Norway, Italy, Sweden, England, Spain, Switzerland, France, and Germany—have secured their spots in the quarter-finals. Here are the key takeaways from this exhilarating stage of the tournament.

Euro 2022 Finalists Struggle

Defending champions England and Germany, who dominated the group stage in 2022, faced tougher challenges this time. England stumbled with a 2-1 loss to France but regained momentum with commanding victories over the Netherlands and Wales, scoring 10 goals in the process. Germany, however, suffered their heaviest Euros defeat, a 4-1 thrashing by Sweden. Both teams now face critical quarter-final matches, with England set to take on Sweden.

Record-Breaking Goals and Discipline Issues

Euro 2025 set a new record with 89 goals scored in the group stage, surpassing the previous high of 78 in 2022. Long-range strikes also became more frequent, with 10 goals scored from outside the box. However, the tournament also saw a spike in red cards, with four players sent off—double the number from 2022.

Dominant Performances from Favorites

Spain, the pre-tournament favorites, showcased their strength by scoring 14 goals, equaling England’s group-stage record from 2022. France, Sweden, and Norway also impressed, each finishing their groups with a perfect record. Sweden’s defense stood out, conceding just one goal, while Norway’s attacking efficiency saw them score eight times.

Underdogs Rise to the Occasion

Switzerland, the tournament hosts, made history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against Finland. Italy, meanwhile, proved their mettle by challenging Spain in a tightly contested match. Both teams will look to continue their underdog stories in the knockout stages.

Golden Boot Race Heats Up

Spain’s Esther Gonzalez leads the race for the Golden Boot with four goals, closely followed by her teammate Alexia Putellas. England’s Ella Toone, Lauren James, and Georgia Stanway are among the 12 players with two goals each, keeping the competition wide open.

Fans Bring the Atmosphere

Switzerland’s picturesque venues and vibrant fan zones have created an electric atmosphere throughout the tournament. Record attendances, including a new high of 34,165 at St Jakob-Park in Basel, have added to the spectacle, making Euro 2025 a celebration of football and community.