In Group B, Denmark, who were defeated in their opening match, overshadowed by a cardiac arrest suffered by midfielder Christian Eriksen, sealed second place with a convincing and emotionally-charged 4-1 win over Russia on home soil at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

After the match started slowly, Denmark took the lead in stunning style with a long-range strike from Mikkel Damsgaard in the 38^th minute.

The Danes second came when Yussuf Poulsen took advantage of a loose pass from Roman Zobnin on the hour mark to tap in and make it 2-0.

Russia gained a foothold in the match with 20 minutes remaining as Artem Dzyuba hammered home a penalty awarded after a foul to reduced the deficit to 2-1.

An eye-catching strike from Andreas Christiansen from around 30 yards out extended Denmark’s lead to 3-1 with ten minutes remaining before a wonderful solo effort from Joachim Maehle three minutes later made it 4-1, wrapping up a comfortable victory.

The other game in the group saw Belgium finish top after a 2-0 win over Finland at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Russia ensured they finished the first stage of the tournament unbeaten.

The world’s top ranked team had to work hard to break down the tournament debutants, who were aiming to avoid defeat to give themselves a chance to finish second in the group.

Belgium eventually took the lead 15 minutes from the end when a header from Thomas Vermaelen hit the post before striking the unfortunate Finnish keeper Lukas Hradecky and being given as an own goal.

Seven minutes later Belgium doubled their advantage and made the game safe when Romelu Lukaku drilled into the net from inside the penalty area to make it 2-0.

Belgium finished top of the group, with Denmark, Finland and Russia all ending on three points, and the Danes progressing on goal difference after finishing second in the group.

In Group C, Ukraine and Austria went head-to-head for a place in the last 16 at the National Arena in Bucharest, Romania.

A sliding finish from Christoph Baumgartner midway through the first half, when he poked home from a corner was enough to give Austria a 1-0 win and secure second place in the group.

In the group’s other match The Netherlands went through as group winners after a comfortable 3-0 victory over already eliminated North Macedonia at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.

The Dutch opened the scoring in the 29^th minute with one of the most free-flowing moves of the tournament so far, when Donyell Malan and Memphis Depay combined allowing the latter to break the deadlock.

A brace from Georginio Wijnaldum, both finished from close range, came within the space of seven minutes early in the second half and sealed a deserved win for the Dutch who are unbeaten and a team to watch through the knockout stages.

The Netherlands finished top on nine points, with Austria second on six, Ukraine in third place on three points, and waiting to see if they can progress as one of the four best third place sides, and North Macedonia bottom with zero points.

Tonight’s results also saw Switzerland seal a last 16 place as one of the best third-placed sides, while the Czech Republic and England, who meet tomorrow in Group D in London, also saw their places in the next phase confirmed.

The first two last 16 ties, set for Saturday (June 26) are now finalised, with Wales facing Denmark in Amsterdam and Italy up against Austria in London.