The Round of 16 in Euro 2024 showcased the impact of young players on the biggest stage in European football. From Cody Gakpo becoming the youngest player to score and assist in a knockout match for the Netherlands to Xavi Simons providing 3+ assists in the tournament, the youth talent was on full display.
One of the standout moments came from Cody Gakpo, who not only made history with his goals but also joined the elite company of Dutch players with 3+ World Cup goals and 3+ Euro goals. Additionally, Bart Verbruggen etched his name in Euro history as the youngest goalkeeper with a clean sheet in a knockout stage game.
Turkey’s goalkeeper Mert Gunok stole the show with a remarkable save in stoppage time, defying the odds with an “Expected Goals on Target” value of 0.93. This save goes down as one of the most unlikely in recent tournament history, showcasing the impact of individual brilliance in crucial moments.
The Round of 16 also saw early goals making a significant impact, with Turkey’s Merih Demiral scoring inside 57 seconds against Austria, setting a new record for the earliest goal in Euro knockout round history. Furthermore, players under 22 years old contributed significantly to the goal tally, with 17 goal contributions in total, just one away from tying the record set in the 2004 edition.
The Round of 16 in Euro 2024 highlighted the influence of young players and their ability to make a mark on the biggest stage in European football. From historic moments to unlikely heroes, the tournament has been a showcase of talent and determination. As the competition progresses to the quarterfinals, all eyes will be on the young stars looking to make a lasting impact on the outcome of the tournament.
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