Euro 2024’s expanded format has provided a platform for underdog nations to showcase their talent. Two such examples emerged on matchday two, with North Macedonia pushing the Netherlands and Georgia holding Turkey to a draw.

North Macedonia, playing in their first-ever European Championship, put on a valiant performance against the Netherlands. Despite eventually falling 2-0, they created several scoring opportunities and showcased impressive defensive resilience. This performance serves as a warning to other teams not to underestimate the determination of these newcomers.

Similarly, Georgia surprised many by holding Turkey to a scoreless draw. Their well-organized defense and tactical discipline frustrated the Turkish attack. This result keeps the group wide open and adds to the unpredictability of the tournament.

The emergence of these underdogs is a welcome development for Euro 2024. It injects excitement into the competition and demonstrates the depth of talent across European football.