What every country needs to qualify on final group matchday

The Euro 2024 group stage has now reached crunch time.

While several nations have already booked their places in the knockout stages, the majority of sides are still waiting on confirmation of their passage to the last 16.

For some, reaching the knockouts seems rather straightforward, but for others it will be a gruelling final matchday filled with nerves, trepidation and drama. It promises to be a riveting week.

Here is what every country needs to achieve in their final game to reach the Euro 2024 knockout stages.

Germany: The tournament hosts have already booked their place in the last 16 after victories over Scotland and Hungary. They will finish in the top two regardless of the outcome of their final match, but beating Switzerland would mean they top Group A.

Switzerland: If Switzerland manage even a point against Germany, they will be guaranteed to finish second, with that position also guaranteed if Scotland fail to win in their clash. If they lose and Scotland win then second place will be decided by goal difference, but a win for Switzerland would see them top Group A.

Scotland: The Tartan Army realistically need to win their final game to progress to the last 16 and will finish Group A on four points if they can beat Hungary. However, their poor goal difference makes a second-placed finish unlikely. A defeat ends Scotland’s Euro 2024 journey.

Hungary: Despite losing both their group games, Hungary still harbour slim hopes of reaching the knockouts. However, they can only finish as one of the best performing third-placed sides and need to beat Scotland to have a chance of doing that.

Spain: Having won their opening two matches without conceding, Spain have topped the group. Nothing can change that now.

Italy: The reigning champions will finish as runners-up if they beat or draw with Croatia in their final match. However, Italy will be knocked out of the competition if they lose to Croatia and Albania beat Spain.

Albania: The tournament’s second-lowest ranked side can still finish second in Group B, but they need to beat Spain and Croatia to beat Italy, while also bettering Croatia’s goal difference – or goals scored if goal difference is equal….