Cast aside teams brought a unique flavour to Germany

The beefed up format - with eight more teams joining the party proved a (partial) success, argues Richard Jolly

- Richard Jolly

It took 36 games to get rid of eight teams. It will take 15 more to dispense with another 15. There can be a lopsided element to Euro 2024, taking a long time to remove one-third of sides, then rushing to expel the others. The last few days have been laced with reprieves for those who occupied third place; the way 16 of 24 advanced meant Slovenia and Slovakia could settle for draws in their final group games.

At times, it underlined the argument that there is a purity and a greater sense of jeopardy to the old model of four groups of four. Certainly, overloaded with quality outfits, Groups B and D were a throwback to the days of 16-team European Championships; reasons to rue the expansion, perhaps. Had the tournament been smaller there would have been more pool-stage games such as Croatia against Italy, with everything on the line. As it transpired, Italy would have been out but for their very late leveller.

The nostalgic could be forgiven for hankering after the old format. And yet the departed sides have offered an endorsement of sorts for a 24-country competition. Each of the eight has contributed something; some a lot.