UEFA Euro 2024: A Guide to Europe's Football Extravaganza
Summer 2024 is here, and football fans across the world are gearing up for one of the most anticipated events in the sporting calendar: the UEFA Euro Cup 2024. This year, it’s being hosted by Germany, and the 24 teams will compete in a showcase of skill, passion, and national pride. If you’re not quite sure what to expect or what the UEFA Euro Cup is, don’t worry. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to understanding one of Europe’s most beloved football events.
What is the UEFA Euro Cup?
The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the UEFA Euro Cup, is the premier national team football competition in Europe. It’s organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and brings together the best teams from across the continent to compete for the prestigious Henri Delaunay Trophy.
The tournament originated in 1954 and has since grown significantly in size and prestige. Today, many football fanatics are just as excited and engaged during the UEFA Euro Cup as they are during the FIFA World Cup. Both events give fans a chance to earn bragging rights and cheer on their favorite teams.
Who Is Competing in 2024?
A total of 24 teams will compete in the 2024 UEFA Euro Cup, each vying for glory and the chance to lift the coveted trophy. Germany, as the host country, automatically qualifies for the tournament, while the remaining teams secured their spots through a rigorous qualification process. As of June 8, the UEFA Euro Cup 2024 squads have been updated and finalized. They are as follows:
- Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
- Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
- Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
- Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
- Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
- Group F: Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czechia
Many bookmakers have England, the 2020 EURO runners-up, as favorites to win the Euro Cup. While others are looking at France and Germany.
How Does the Tournament Work?
The tournament follows the same format as previous years, with 24 nations competing against each other based on their designated group. Initially, the four teams of each group will play against each other. The group winners and runners-up, alongside the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the next round of 16.
If teams in the same group have the same points, the first tiebreaker will be the head-to-head result between the two teams. If two third-placed teams in different groups are tied on points, goal difference comes into play.
This knockout system continues until the quarterfinals, the semifinals, and the finals. If there are no winners within the 90-minute period, knockout games are decided using two 15-minute periods of extra time or a penalty shootout. A Brief History of the EURO
So, when did all of this start? While it might be the first time you’re hearing about it, the UEFA Euro Cup actually has a storied history dating back over six decades.
The idea for a European international football championship was first proposed by Henri Delaunay, the French Football Federation's secretary-general, in the 1920s. However, it wasn't until 1954 that the UEFA was founded, and the first official match took place on September 28, 1958, between the USSR and Hungary.
The inaugural tournament concluded in 1960 where the Soviet Union emerged victorious in a four-team final stage held in France. Since then, the tournament has expanded and evolved, with plenty of memorable moments etched into football folklore.
Past Winners of the UEFA Euro Cup
To help you get up to speed and consider some of this year’s contenders, here’s a quick look at the past champions:
- 1960: Soviet Union
- 1964: Spain
- 1968: Italy
- 1972: West Germany
- 1976: Czechoslovakia
- 1980: West Germany
- 1984: France
- 1988: Netherlands
- 1992: Denmark
- 1996: Germany
- 2000: France
- 2004: Greece
- 2008: Spain
- 2012: Spain
- 2016: Portugal
- 2020: Italy (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
Fun Facts About the UEFA EURO
If you’re planning to watch the UEFA Euro 2024, you may be interested in learning a few fun facts. Who knows, they might even come in handy at your next trivia night.
1. Underdog Triumphs
The EURO has a rich history of underdog victories. Greece’s win in 2004 is perhaps the most famous, with the Greek team defying the odds to clinch the title against all expectations. Their disciplined defense and strategic play under coach Otto Rehhagel stunned the football world.
2. Golden Boot Glory
The Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament's top scorer. Michel Platini holds the record for most goals in a single tournament, with nine goals in 1984. His incredible performance led France to their first European Championship title.
3. Record-Breaking Teams
Spain is the only team to have won back-to-back titles, triumphing in 2008 and 2012. Their 2012 victory also made them the first team to win three major international tournaments in a row, having also won the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
4. Oldest and Youngest
Dutch player Arnold Mühren holds the record as the oldest player to win the EURO, at age 37 in 1988. In contrast, the youngest goal scorer in the tournament's history is Swiss player Johan Vonlanthen, who scored at the age of 18 in 2004, demonstrating the tournament's broad appeal across generations.
5. Host with the Most
France and Italy have each hosted the tournament twice, more than any other nation. Both countries have a strong football heritage and have used their home advantage to stage memorable tournaments, with France winning in 1984 and Italy in 1968.
6. Goal-Scoring Feats
Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time leading goal scorer in Euro history, with 14 goals across five tournaments (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020). His consistency and prowess in front of goal have made him a standout player in the tournament's history.
7. Penalty Drama
The EURO has seen its fair share of dramatic penalty shootouts. The 1976 final between Czechoslovakia and West Germany ended with a dramatic penalty shootout, famously won by Czechoslovakia's Antonín Panenka's audacious chipped penalty. The famous kick even became known as the “Panenka” across several countries .
8. Brandenburg Gate is the Now the World’s Largest Football Goal
This year, Germany broke the record for the largest “football goal” in the world. It’s 63 x 21 meters and has a 5-meter-deep foundation, weighing 40 tons. It’s erected above the Brandenburg Gate and will become a massive screen for fans to enjoy. All of the German national teams are planning to be screened at this Fanzone, along with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals.
Looking Ahead: EURO 2024
Germany is gearing up to host the UEFA Euro for the first time since reunification, having previously hosted as West Germany in 1988. The 51 matches will be held in 10 cities across the country, including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. Fans can look forward to state-of-the-art stadiums, vibrant fan zones, and a celebration of football culture.
The UEFA Euro 2024 will kick off with an opening concert on June 12 in the heart of Berlin. The first game will be held on June 14 at the Munich Football Arena. It will be a match between the host team of Germany and Scotland. The final game will be held on July 14 at the Olympiastadion Berlin.
The tournament is not just about football; it's also a cultural event that brings people together from all walks of life. From the festive fan zones to the local cuisine and customs, UEFA Euro 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
The official tournament mascot for the UEFA Euro is named Albärt, a teddy bear that won 32% of the vote among UEFA.com users and school children involved in the UEFA Football in Schools program.
Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Month of Football
The UEFA 2024 is set to be a thrilling celebration of football, uniting nations and fans in a display of skill, sportsmanship, and national pride. Whether you're a die-hard football aficionado or a casual viewer, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, mark your calendars, don your team’s colors, and get ready to witness footballing history in the making!
