The continental cups in Europe, the Americas and Oceania all kicked off in mid-June.
Germany hosted the Euros and won group A despite needing a goal in stoppage time to draw 1-1 with Switzerland who had begun with a 3-1 victory over Hungary. Group E was the most evenly contested group with all four teams finishing on 4 points. Slovakia stunned Belgium 1-0 in their opening match and went through as one of the best 3rd teams with Romania and Belgium while Ukraine suffered a shocking 3-0 loss to Romania and went out having salvaged some pride having fought back to win 2-1 against Slovakia. Portugal put 3 past Turkey but were shocked 2-0 by the unknown Georgians who also progressed to the round of 16 where Turkey triumphed 2-1 over Austria and Italy were knocked out 2-0 by Switzerland. Germany’s road came to an end late in extra time in a quarter-final match against Spain who reached the final where they met England who has scored a last-minute goal to overcome the Dutch 2-1 in the semi-final. The Spaniards were crowned champions of Europe after defeating England 2-1 in the final with the winning goal coming 4 minutes from time.
Copa America, which also included teams from North America, was held in the United States who were belittled 2-1 by Panama and failed to get out of their group. In group B, Venezuela came from behind to beat Ecuador who also reached the next round at Mexico’s expense while in group D Costa Rica began with a goalless draw against Brazil and scored 2 early goals to beat Paraguay 2-1 but did not qualify for the knockout stage. Argentina lifted the cup after a 1-0 extra-time win over Colombia.
The Oceania Cup took place in Vanuatu and Fiji with the Ni-Vanuatu getting off to a slow start managing only one goal against the Solomon Islands but reaching the final after a 2-1 victory over the visiting Fijians in the semi-final. An unexpectedly low scoreline was Papua New Guinea’s 2-1 win over Samoa. In the final New Zealand put 3 past hosts Vanuatu to lift the Oceania Cup.
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