June 24, (THEWILL) – The ongoing Euro 2024 tournament has witnessed a notable number of own goals, adding a unique twist to the competition. As of now, there have been six own goals scored during the group stage. This is a significant figure, reflecting the intense pressure and high stakes associated with the tournament.
The first own goal of Euro 2024 was scored by Germany’s Antonio Rüdiger in their match against Scotland on June 14. This was followed by Austria’s Maximilian Wöber, who inadvertently scored against France on June 17. The own goals continued with Czech Republic’s Robin Hranáč and Albania’s Klaus Gjasula, both contributing to the tally on 18 and 19 June respectively.
Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori added to the count with an own goal against Spain on June 20. The latest addition was by Turkey’s Samet Akaydin in their match against Portugal on June 22. These incidents have not only impacted the outcomes of their respective matches but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of football.
Own goals can be particularly disheartening for players and fans alike, often shifting the momentum of the game. They underline the fine margins and unpredictable elements that make football so captivating. Each of these moments has provided dramatic turns in the ongoing tournament, ensuring that Euro 2024 remains an engaging spectacle for viewers around the world.
As the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, the focus will be on reducing such costly mistakes. Teams will need to be even more vigilant and composed under pressure to avoid adding to the goal tally of their opponents where the margins are slimmer than ever.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.