Euro 2024 included 24 teams for the first time, under a substantially extended competition format.

Although many fans complained they didn't like the matches, they did enjoy some unexpected results, swift VAR resolutions, amazing goals, and a number of own goals.

Spain has been fairly decent. La Roja was the only squad to qualify with nine maximum points. Austria has proudly and bravely owned the "dark horse" label.

However, teams such as England and France have proven underwhelming thus far, with Les Bleus barely making it through.

"It's been a highly competitive edition compared to previous years, and it appears that the underdogs are as hungry for success as the traditional favourites," Ope Adebari, a sports commentator, reporter, and producer with News Central, told TalkTalk Nigeria.

"It is encouraging to see teams like Georgia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Romania advance to the next round at the expense of Croatia and Ukraine.

"However, we have yet to see the tournament favorites, France and England, get into full gear. Spain and Germany have been the biggest surprises for me.

"Both teams seem to be more thirsty and hungry compared to other tournament favourites."

Nwosu Michael Izuchukwu, a podcaster and digital marketer, adds: "The best games have been played by teams you wouldn't necessarily want to watch.

"At least until qualification for the round of 16 was decided on the final match day of the group stage.

"The Croatia-Italy game was very spectacular. However, it has been pretty disappointing (at least for me).

"Shoutout to Austria, though. They really rocked my world by qualifying ahead of France and the Netherlands in Group D.

"And then there's the madness that happened in Group E, where everyone finished with four points."

Every fan and analyst appears to agree on the best last-16 matchup.

"It has to be Belgium vs. France. "I believe the game will bring out the best in both teams and their key players," Adebari added.

Before the competition began, Belgium and France were viewed as favourites to win the trophy.

However, one of the two countries will be eliminated before the quarterfinals.

So, which clubs can we expect to be left standing?

"Given how some of these 'favorites' have performed in this tournament, it will be difficult to call.

"But I'll say: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Netherlands, Austria, England and Switzerland," Izuchukwu told reporters.