Euro 2024 social round-up: Slovenia create history as Maupay pokes fun at England

Two more groups at Euro 2024 concluded on Tuesday as the tournament approaches the end of the first round.

England, Austria, France, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Denmark all confirmed their places in the knockout stage of the competition.

Here, we unpack the best of the day's social media clips from the tournament in Germany.

Austria advance as group winners

Very few gave Austria a chance of emerging from Group D, let alone expected them to finish top ahead of France and the Netherlands.

But Ralf Rangnick masterminded a spectacular display against the Oranje in Berlin to ensure their progression as group winners.

Having endured a difficult spell with Manchester United, the 65-year-old is showing his class on the international stage, and Austria's official account celebrated along with the coach.

How happy are you? Ralf Rangnick: YES! #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/0KwZH1DNaf

— ÖFB - oefb.at (@oefb1904) June 25, 2024

Maupay pokes fun at England

Known for his tormenting antics both on and off the pitch, France's Neal Maupay was at it again following England's goalless draw with Slovenia.

The Everton striker was quick to post on social media shortly after full-time in Cologne, posting a GIF of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards to X.

That trio of pundits have been the target of some ire from the England camp for their disparaging comments in recent days.

Ahead of the new Premier League season, this will surely fail to improve Maupay's popularity.

pic.twitter.com/AtzKzOiTJk

— Neal Maupay (@nealmaupay_) June 25, 2024

Slovenia create history

England were met with boos when Clement Turpin's final whistle sounded. However, the opposite end of the Cologne Stadium was sheer euphoria.

Despite failing to win a game at Euro 2024, Slovenia's three draws in Group C were enough to secure their spot in the knockout stages of the competition.

An incredible achievement for a nation with a population of just 2.1 million and the third-lowest ranked team heading into the tournament.

PONOS pic.twitter.com/fMHaS7owuG

— NZS | FA Slovenia (@nzs_si) June 25, 2024

'Southgate, Southgate, thank you for the point'

While Gareth Southgate may not be the most popular among England fans right now, he certainly has the backing of the Slovenian supporters.

Presenter and reporter Phil Kitromilides posted to X a video of a Slovenian thanking the Three Lions manager for the point that sent his nation through to the knockout stages.

Good chant from this Slovenia fan to be fair. Could catch on... pic.twitter.com/b0DuJm87s1

— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) June 25, 2024

France gaining support from afar

While Les Bleus prepare for the knockout stages of Euro 2024, France legend Thierry Henry is prepping for an entirely different competition.

The former Arsenal striker, who won two major honours with his nation, is in charge of France's Olympic team for the Paris games, and is gearing up to win gold next month.

Both the men's and women's teams were snapped taking a break from preparations to cheer on Didier Deschamps' side against Poland. That match finished 1-1.

Pendant ce temps-là à Clairefontaine, nos 2 équipes olympiques regardent ensemble le match des Bleus #BleuCollectif pic.twitter.com/NeS42oET7e

— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) June 25, 2024

Oranje take over Berlin

Despite not knowing what was to come at the Olympiastadion, the travelling Netherlands support were in fine voice ahead of their 3-2 defeat to Austria.

A sea of orange (Oranje) lined the streets of the German capital, performing some impressively synchronised dance moves.

The Dutch fans have been a highlight of the tournament, even if their team have failed to spark.

The Netherlands fans are having a great time in Berlin ahead of their game against Austria this evening. Fair play pic.twitter.com/xwwM9rjhVc

— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) June 25, 2024

Germany all smiles ahead of knockout stages

Having secured their qualification to the last 16 with their draw with Switzerland on Sunday, Germany's stars were all smiles in training.

Following the conclusion of Group C, Julian Nagelsmann's side will face Denmark in Dortmund this Saturday, and will be hoping to build on their impressive start.

Happy faces!#dfbteam #euro2024 DFB/Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/VgjhLTAw4w

— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) June 24, 2024

Onana's inspirational Belgium team talk

With Group E finely poised heading into Matchday 3, Belgium's Amadou Onana provided a motivational team talk for the Red Devils ahead of their meeting with Ukraine.

The midfielder also managed to squeeze in his own rendition of R.Kelly's 'I Believe I Can Fly', and he will be hoping to soar into the knockout stages with Belgium.

Last week, Onana hit out at a reporter who repeatedly called him "Andre", so the Belgian social media department had some fun with that, too.

Andre’s motivational talk. pic.twitter.com/G9nCoeJEqS

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 25, 2024

Spain firing on all cylinders

After maintaining their unbeaten start to their Euros campaign, Luis de la Fuente's side are showing no signs of slowing down ahead of the knockouts.

La Roja posted a video on X showcasing a shooting drill from training, and it looks like they could take some stopping in Germany.

Hoy nos hemos subido ? ??? ??????? para que disfrutéis de los goles del entreno a vista de pájaro. ¿Qué os parece?#VamosEspaña | #eURO2024 pic.twitter.com/cgJ9toPcXU

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 25, 2024

Celebrating Van Basten strike

On this day in 1988, the Netherlands beat the Soviet Union to win the European Championships for the first time in their history.

After Ruud Gullit opened the scoring, Marco van Basten secured the victory with one of the most iconic goals ever scored at the tournament.

And what better way to celebrate it than by recreating the strike with Euro 2024's mascot, Albart.

Albärt x Netherlands Golazo! #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/0rrm9kAXQb

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 25, 2024