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Euro 2024 has been a tournament of drama and historic moments
Mattia Zaccagni of Italy celebrates after scoring a goal. IPA

Euro 2024 has been a tournament of drama and historic moments

Euro 2024 has become a tournament of drama, with an unprecedented nine stoppage-time goals during the group stage and multiple historic firsts. The nine goals, two more than the highest number of stoppage-time goals in 2008 and 2016, were achieved before the final matchday, according to ESPN.

The ninth goal, netted by Italy's Mattia Zaccagni, salvaged a draw against Croatia in the 98th minute, keeping their Euro title defense alive. This was Zaccagni's first goal for the Italian national team.

Germany has been a significant contributor to this record, scoring three stoppage-time goals — in the first half, second half or extra time — which is the most by any team in a single UEFA European Championship.

Germany's Niclas Fullkrug scored a game-tying goal in the 92nd minute against Switzerland to top Group A. This was his second tournament goal, matching his highest goal tally at a single competition for the German national team.

Simultaneously, Hungary's Kevin Csoboth, subbed on in the 86th minute, shattered Scotland's dreams by scoring at 99:32, the latest goal in UEFA European Championship history. This marked Hungary's eighth second-half stoppage-time goal in the group stage, a record since the group stage began in 1980. Csoboth's late winner was also his first goal for the Hungarian national team.

As play heads into the knockout rounds, the drama is only expected to intensify. Teams are fighting tooth and nail for every point, and the stakes couldn't be higher. With underdog victories, last-minute heroics and passionate fans, Euro 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in recent memory.

Make sure to keep an eye out for another first-time goal-scorer to become a national hero.

Bennett Silvyn

Bennett Silvyn expects to graduate in May 2024 from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and minors in business, marketing and sports management. Silvyn has interned in marketing and social media for the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission, as a reporter for Arizona Foothills Magazine, in sponsorships for the Arizona Rattlers and in social and digital media for FC Tucson. Silvyn has also reported for the Walter Cronkite Sports Network and The State Press

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