June heralds the return of one of international soccer’s best-loved competitions. The UEFA European Championship, more commonly known as the Euros, is usually a quadrennial event but returns after just three years due to the interruption and havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Euro 2020 came in the summer of 2021, with Euro 2024 bringing us back on track.
Twenty-four teams arrive in Germany for Euro 2024, and games are played across ten host cities. The action begins on Friday, June 14th, when Germany meets Scotland in Group A. The Tartan Army impressed in qualifying, finishing runners-up behind Spain, but experts believe Steve Clarke’s men will struggle against the locals. Traders working at the popular BetOnline app pick Germany as the favorite to beat Scotland and also one of the frontrunners to lift the European Championship trophy following next month’s final.
Does Germany have what it takes to become one of only a few host nations to become kings of Europe? Only time will tell, but DFB arrived in great shape and was impressed when they beat Greece 2-1 in a recent friendly. Bossed by Julian Nagelsmann, Germany is a four-time World Cup winner and three-time European champion. A fourth crown would set them apart as the competition’s most successful team.
With experience, a talented manager, a skilled squad, and home advantage, Germany will certainly take some stopping when at full speed.
Experts view
There’s no surefire way of knowing which team will lift the European Championship trophy aloft on Sunday, July 14th. Soccer is unpredictable, and that’s why fans call it the beautiful game. Followers attempting to predict results often study the form heading into matchday one, listen to interviews, and compare the stats. Others simply place their trust in the sport’s experts, including football writers, pundits, ex-players, coaches, and sportsbook traders.
The professionals cast their votes and made England the most likely winner. The Three Lions were judged to have the best squad, the most impressive individual talent, and valuable recent experience. England lost in the final of Euro 2020 when beaten on penalties by Italy, and traders believe Gareth Southgate’s crew will improve their place this year. If you don’t fancy England to win a first European trophy, other nations popular in predictions include France and Portugal.
With the most competitive renewal in living memory expected, fans are left pondering the importance of home advantage. Fans locked out of stadiums during Covid proved to help reduce home-field advantage, but now stadiums are full. Will that backing lift Germany to glory? That has been the case for other host nations in the past, and we’ll now reflect on some of the most memorable European wins from home teams.
Spain (1964)
Spain had the honor of hosting the second-ever European Championship in 1964. The tournament was quite different from what fans are familiar with today. The final stages consisted of only four teams, and matches were played over a short period. Spain, under the guidance of manager José Villalonga, navigated through the tournament with skill.
The semi-finals saw Spain facing off against Hungary, a match that was tightly contested and went into extra time. Amancio Amaro’s crucial goal secured a 2-1 victory for Spain, propelling them into the final against the Soviet Union.
The final, held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, was a thrilling encounter. Spain emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Jesús María Pereda and Marcelino Martínez. This victory marked Spain’s first major international trophy and set the stage for their future successes on the global stage.
Italy (1968)
The 1968 European Championship was the first tournament to adopt the name UEFA European Championship officially and was notable for several reasons. Italy hosted the event, which saw a change in format with a qualifying phase leading to a final tournament of four teams. Italy, under the management of Ferruccio Valcareggi, had a squad brimming with talent and a home crowd eager for success.
Italy’s journey to the final was dramatic, especially their semi-final clash with the Soviet Union, which ended 0-0 after extra time. In a unique twist, the match was decided by a coin toss, a method that would be unimaginable today. Italy won the toss and progressed to the final, where they faced Yugoslavia.
The final match, played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, ended 1-1 after extra time. A replay was required, and two days later, Italy triumphed 2-0, with goals from Luigi Riva and Pietro Anastasi. This victory was a landmark moment in Italian football history, marking their first major tournament win since the 1938 World Cup.
France (1984)
France hosted the UEFA European Championship in 1984, a period when their national team was blessed with extraordinary talent. Under the astute management of Michel Hidalgo and the inspirational captaincy of Michel Platini, France played some of the most exciting football seen in the tournament’s history.
Platini was in sensational form throughout the tournament, scoring nine goals in five matches, a record that still stands. France dominated their group, winning all three games and defeating Denmark, Belgium, and Yugoslavia. In the semi-finals, they faced Portugal in a thrilling match that went into extra time. Platini’s late goal secured a 3-2 victory and a place in the final against Spain.
The final, held at the Parc des Princes in Paris, saw France continue their fine form. Platini again found the net, scoring from a free-kick, albeit with a bit of fortune as the Spanish goalkeeper made a critical error. Bruno Bellone added a second goal to seal a 2-0 victory for France. This triumph was France’s first major international title and heralded a new era of success for French football, laying the groundwork for future achievements, including their World Cup victory in 1998.
France has claimed two European Championship winners’ medals, adding a second in 2000. Les Bleus is third in the overall rankings in terms of titles won. Germany leads the way with gongs won in 1972, 1980 and 1996. Spain also has a treble, tasting glory in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
