The group stages for Euro 2024 were surprisingly not defined by Ballon d'Or candidates such as Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
They were also not defined by pre-tournament favorites England and France, who struggled to reach the Last 16 rather than go through as many had predicted.
Instead, it was left to the likes of Georgia and Austria to steal the limelight – each nation doing just that as wins over Portugal and the Netherlands helped propel them out of their respective groups.
Understandably, their impressive results and performances have been fueled by top-cabinet shows – some of which were good enough to earn a spot 90 min Honorable XI in the group stage.
Nation: Georgia
Giorgi Mamadashvili has been linked with Chelsea, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich and it's easy to see why.
The 23-year-old has been the best goalkeeper at Euro 2024 so far, and his performance against Portugal in the final group game could go down as one of the greatest in the tournament's history.
Nationality: Germany
After a year of such form under Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, Joshua Kimmich looks to have regained his mojo under Julian Nagelsmann at Euro 2024.
The right-back has been exceptional in Germany so far, bombing up and down like Kimmich of old. We just love to see you.
Country: Italy
If you type 'aura' into the X search function, chances are you'll see a tweet about Riccardo Calafiori.
And while much of Calafiori's praise has come from the fact that he looks like an Italian defender from the early 2000s, even the most naive football fan out there can't deny that much of it has been due to his high level of play. installed.
The Bologna man has been excellent on and off the ball in Italy – so good, in fact, that we'll forgive him for scoring against a truly impressive Spanish side.
Nation: England
Not many people expected Marc Guehi to be England's only good player in the Euro 2024 group stage.
Well, that's exactly what he was.
While the players around him were heavily abused, the Crystal Palace defender was excellent at the heart of the Three Lions defence.
Nationality: Spain
Yes, Marc Cucurella.
Yes, that's Marc Cucurella.
Yes, that Marc Cucurella who plays for Chelsea.
Yes, he has been very smart for Spain in Euro 2024 so far.
Yes, that is amazing.
Nationality: Spain
On and off the ball, there was no better midfielder than Fabian Ruiz during the Euro 2024 group stage.
The PSG man was different, and stood out from the reasonably gifted Spanish midfielders that included Rodri and Pedri.
Nationality: Germany
Back in his prime attacking role – after a season of football playing deep in Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona side – Ilkay Gundogan has been brilliant so far for his nation.
The former Manchester City man's best performance in the competition so far no doubt came on matchday two when he scored in the win over Hungary.
Country: Austria
Austria have been the surprise package of Euro 2024 so far, finishing top of a group that includes France and the Netherlands, and that's thanks to their captain Marcel Sabitzer.
As well as touting the high level of their play, Sabitzer also came up with a number of offensive highlights – including a well-taken winner against the Dutch.
Nationality: Spain
The most feared attacker at Euro 2024?
After his performance against Italy, he should be.
Nico Williams has been electrifying on the left side for Spain so far, combining pace, trickery and a devastating end product.
Nation: Georgia
The top scorer at Euro 2024 is none other than Georges Mikautadze – a striker currently playing for Ligue 2 club Metz.
What a world we live in.
Nationality: Germany
While Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and others. They have struggled to get this far, Jamal Musiala has not.
The German striker had an incredible run, scored two goals, won the man of the match award against Scotland, and started a new celebration for Carmelo Anthony.
Top stuff.
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