It's half-time at a breathtaking Euro 2020

AN exhilarating Euro 2020 is now at its half-way mark. All 36 group games are over, and the tournament now enters the all-important knockout stage as we move closer to finding out the identity of the new champions of Europe.

For the 16 nations still in the hunt, things are pretty straightforward at this point - lose, and it's time to board the next flight home. There cannot be any stalemates from now on as all the remaining matches must produce a clear winner, be it in extra time or via the lottery of the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

After a fortnight of non-stop action and many sleepless nights, BT Weekend picks out the standout performers and major talking points of Euro 2020 so far.

Best team - Italy, Belgium (tie)

The Italians are playing like a well-oiled machine and are firm favourites to go the distance. They are one of just three teams with a perfect winning record in the group stage, but the only one to do so without conceding a goal.

The Italians were ruthless in their 3-0 victories over Turkey and Switzerland. Coach Roberto Mancini freshened his line-up against Wales to give his regulars a breather and still the Azzurri managed a comfortable 1-0 win.

Belgium have also been on a rampage at Euro 2020. After winning all 10 qualifying matches, the world's top-ranked team racked up three more wins in their group by swatting aside Finland, Russia and Denmark.

The Netherlands deserve a mention for winning all three group games as well. The Dutch are the top-scorers with eight goals and are clearly relishing their return to the international stage, having missed out on Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

Biggest surprise - Austria

Austria have never qualified for the knockout phase of a European Championship in their history, and few gave them much of a chance in a difficult section with the Netherlands, Ukraine and North Macedonia.

Two wins and six points later, the Austrians are in dreamland and will look to keep their fairytale alive in their Round of 16 match against Italy on Saturday (11.59pm kick-off, Singapore time).

Austria have punched well above their weight and shown plenty of courage and desire to get this far. If they can somehow manage to win, it would surely be the biggest upset of the tournament by far.

Biggest flops - Turkey

So much for being one of the tournament's dark horses. Many pundits listed Turkey as the team that would go places at Euro 2020 by upsetting the favourites.

The only place that the Turks are going, however, is back home - with their tails between their legs. They were abysmal in their defeats to Italy, Switzerland and Wales, letting in eight goals and scoring just once.

Turkey brought with them an experienced squad to this tournament, but somehow things just couldn't gel for coach Senol Gunes and his players. There needs to be some soul-searching this summer, and it would be a surprise if Gunes remains in charge when the Turks play again.

Biggest shock - Eriksen's collapse

It was just the second day of the tournament when the sporting world witnessed the traumatic scene of Denmark's star midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsing on the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Thankfully, the 29-year-old Inter-Milan player was revived and has been discharged from the hospital. It's unlikely he will ever get to play professionally again, but the most important thing is he has pulled through.

Denmark are now in the Round of 16 - they face Wales on Saturday - and what a story it will be if they can somehow overcome the odds and emulate the team from 1992 and be crowned European champions again.

Most thrilling game - Germany 4 Portugal 2

When these two footballing titans met in Munich last Sunday, they produced a match worthy of gracing the final itself. Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the first half, netting from close range for his first-ever goal against the Germans.

From then on, however, it was one-way traffic as Germany took the game by the scruff of its neck.

Two unfortunate own goals by Portugal, a strike by Kai Havertz and another by the brilliant Robin Gosens saw Germany race to a 4-1 lead. Diogo Jota pulled one back for a deflated Portugal, but it was too little, too late.

Best goal - Patrik Schick (Czech Republic)

When Patrik Schick dribbled the ball near the half-way line, no one could have expected what he would do next.

The 25-year-old Czech forward, spotting Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall way outside his box, lobbed him from 45 metres. The thousands of lucky fans in the stadium, and the millions more watching at home, looked on in disbelief and awe as the ball sailed into the back of the net.

That was the furthest goal ever scored in a European Championship match. Watch the clip on YouTube if you missed it. This incredible strike has to be seen to be believed.