Own goals abound at Euro, falling just short of record

There is no single scorer who stands out at Euro 2024. The fight for the title of the tournament’s most effective player is like a turtle race. That is why many fans say with a smile on their faces that the top scorer is “Own goal”, which in Polish is of course an own goal.

Mert Muldur secured the “jubilee”

The Netherlands vs. Turkey match ended the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Oranje’s goal for 2-1 was initially awarded to Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman fought for the ball in the penalty area and seemed to be the last to touch the ball. However, UEFA, after reviewing the situation, decided it was an own goal, which was credited to Mert Muldur.

This means that there have already been ten own goals in the tournament, which means that only one such goal is missing to equal the record from the previous European Championship. As Rafał Rostkowski, a former referee and TVP Sport expert, reported, in the discussed action even a penalty kick could have been awarded.

“Gakpo tried to pass the ball – he failed because of Muldur’s leg tripping. In such circumstances, the legs collided. If the goal had not been scored, this situation could have been considered a potential foul on a penalty kick” – we read on the sport.tvp.pl portal.

Three matches left until the end of Euro 2024

It cannot be ruled out that the own goal record will be equalled or broken, because there are still three matches left in the tournament in Germany. Meanwhile, the French have a tendency to win duels with own goals. The three-coloured team will face the Spanish national team in the semi-final, which has definitely been showing the best football at the European Championship.

This match will take place on Tuesday, July 9 (9pm). The following day, England will play the Netherlands at the same time. The winners of the semi-finals will meet for the title. This clash is scheduled for Sunday, July 14 (9pm).