The long wait for the Euro finally gets over today, as the Euro 2024 kicks off with the hosts Germany and Scotland at Munich. This long-awaited tournament is going to be at its all-time high. This edition of the Euro can be anticipated to be the most wide-open contest of recent times.
England and France can once again be considered the top contenders for the season. Other than the favorites, teams like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal are also in contention and will be a serious threat to the top contenders. Alongside them will await the good-looking Dutch side and the hosts Germany, who are looking to end their drought in international tournaments.
But this year’s Euro is not only special for its long list of suitable contenders or players seeking unbeatable form, but several other key factors make Euro 2024 a remarkable contest to come.
Remarkable Atmosphere
The game is to be hosted in Germany, the land of amazing football. The centrally located European nation will facilitate the fans of either team to visit from all around Europe.
Secondly, even the neutral fans in Germany will be seen celebrating some great footballing experience. They will be seen screaming their lungs out to cheer some spectacular football played by any team from any part of Europe.
Georgia’s Debut
This is the first time that Georgia has qualified for the Euros. The qualification of teams has been diluted, and hence such a system. However, the draw didn’t turn out to be fair for the debutants, as they have been placed alongside Portugal, Turkey, and the Czech in the same group, lowering their chances of advancement into the knockouts.
Southgate’s last attempt
England have been set for this remarkable year for the last 10 years. Southgate would not have overcome their shameful exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of Iceland.
The star-studded English lineup is considered one of the favorites by football enthusiasts around the world, and the English coach would have his last dance with the three lions before he parted with them.
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Ukraine’s entry despite the feeble condition of the nation
Ukraine is not a very unknown name in big tournaments played internationally. Yet this year’s entry has been a moment of pride for their nation and even spectators from all around. This is because the world is well aware of the politically and financially unstable condition of the nation under post-war conditions.
Still overcoming the mass destruction caused by the extensive war, the brave Ukrainians have made it through the European qualifiers to find a place for themselves in the main stage of Euro 2024. Their contention itself adds great spice to the next 4 weeks in Germany.
Race for the Ballon d’Or
Several players are in contention for the Ballon d’Or, and this time it seems quite likely that a new face will achieve the feat for the first time in their career.
From the finest of forward line players and the major concern for all teams, Kylian Mbappe, who confirmed his latest move to Real Madrid, to several others, of which the most likely would be his new clubmate Jude Bellingham, who will be seen in action for the three lions.
Among these fresh talents, why leave out the likes of two other England players, Phil Foden and Harry Kane, who are probably coming from the most remarkable scoring hunt of his career, which obviously came after his move to the Bundesliga.
With Vinicius Jr. not in the Euro, there seems to be less competition for the contenders, yet the Golden Boot of Euro 2024 will lead to great pride and see a high jump in their individual glory by taking them very near to the Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldo’s last dance
This is one of the biggest reasons why half of the present football world would consider Euro 2024 to be the most iconic of all its editions. The Portuguese GOAT will be seen for the ultimate time in the national jersey, and his nation will surely be looking to give everything it can to bid the legend his most iconic farewell.
Ronaldo, now 39, could still be back in contest for the Ballon d’Or if he puts up a valiant effort at the Euro, and though difficult, this seems to be what is desired by all his fans from around the world.