THE CHAMPIONS BLOG: UEFA EURO EDITION #1

 THE CHAMPIONS BLOG: UEFA EURO EDITION (THE EURO BLOG)

If you thought the Champions Blog would be done for the season, you're wrong. We're heading to Germany ahead of the Euros, where 24 nations will battle out for the title of Europe's greatest country. Across 10 cities in Germany, the 24 teams while play for a place in the knockout rounds. We have lots of dominant countries filled with elite players all over the squads, with the debut of a new country in the tournament. This EURO is set to be the greatest ever European Championship there ever was. Germany is ready and so is the Champions Blog. Welcome to a very special edition of the Champions Blog. This is the EURO Blog.

Day 1: 
 Germany vs Scotland (Allianz Arena, Munich)

The month of football started off in the Allianz Arena in Munich, when the hosts Germany, took on Scotland. Germany was competing to extend their record and become the first nation to win four European Championship titles, having previously won it in 1972, 1980 and 1996. Julian Naglesmann is set to coach the Germans at his first major tournament, since taking the role in September 2023. Scotland, on the other hand, is set to compete in consecutive Euros for the first time since 1996, as Steve Clarke's men look to upset the hosts in Munich. As for Germany, this would be midfielder Toni Kroos's last international tournament before retirement. He would start the game in midfield. After a beautiful opening ceremony, the game and the tournament began. The teams scored the first goal of EURO 2024 within the first 10 minutes of the game. The goal came from a neat first time finish from Bayer Leverkusen starlet, Florian Wirtz, after his shot hit the post before going in. Germany continued to dominate possession and nine minutes after Wirtz's goal, Jamal Musiala pounced the ball past Angus Gunn. Only a few minutes later, an opponent committed a foul on Germany within the penalty area. The referee initially awarded a penalty, but after careful viewing by VAR, they gave a free kick just outside the penalty box, which Kai Havertz cleverly took, but Gunn saved it. In the 42nd minute, Germany had another VAR check for a potential penalty because of a collision by Ryan Porteous and Ilkay Gündogan. This time, VAR awarded Germany a penalty and Porteous received a red card for his challenge, leaving Scotland with 10 men. Havertz made no mistake from 12 yards and scores to make it 3-0 to Germany before half time. After an unentertaining 20 minutes into the second half, Germany managed to find the back of net again, with a thumping shot by Niklas Fullkrug, the Borussia Dortmund striker. Germany added another goal to make it 5-0 but the referee disallowed it as Fullkrug was just past one of the Scottish defenders. Eventually, Scotland got their goal, however, it wouldn't come from Scotland. As Andy Robertson swung in the cross, Antonio Rudiger accidentally headed the ball past Manuel Neuer, giving Scotland a consolation goal. However, with just 30 seconds remaining, Germany restored their four-goal lead as Emre Can shot the ball past Gunn to score his first international goal since 2017. In the end, it was a resounding 5-1 win for Germany, a great way to kick off the upcoming month of football. 

Picture Above: The opening ceremony of EURO 2024

Day 2: 

Hungary vs Switzerland (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne)

Spain vs Croatia (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

Italy vs Albania (Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund)

*2020 finals were played in 2021

Spain and Croatia travelled to Berlin to play in the opening match of Group B. Spain, are the joint record winners of the competition, winning it in 1964, before winning it back-to-back in 2008 and 2012. Croatia, on the other hand, are meeting with Spain for the third consecutive time in the EUROs, having previously met in Bordeaux in 2016 (2-1 Croatia) and Copenhagen in 2020* (5-3 Spain). Spain's Lamine Yamal will make history in this match as the youngest ever appearance maker at the European Championship, at 16 years and 338 days, surpassing Kacper Kozłowski, who had previously held the record at 17 years and 246 days with Poland at EURO 2020*. Croatian centurion Luka Modric is in the squad playing in his fifth European Championship, making him the only player to appear and play in five Euros. The Olympiastadion contested its first major international tournament back in 2006, when it hosted the World Cup final between Italy and France. The game then kicked off after the national anthems in a sunny Berlin. After half an hour of all-around football, Alvaro Morata finally broke the deadlock, as he managed to cooly dispatch his one-on-one chance against Dominik Livakovic, to give Spain a 1-0 lead on the half hour mark. Only 3 minutes later and Spain scored again. Fabian Ruiz managed to dance his way across the Croatian defence and managed to tuck away a really good goal. Spain's day would only get better as Dani Carvajal poked the ball past Livakovic, making it 3-0 to Spain before half time. Lamine Yamal assisted the goal, making him the youngest assist-maker in the European Championship. Spain would go into the half leading comfortably 3-0, leaving Croatia with work to do in the second half. After half an hour of unentertaining football, the first real action of the second half came in the 78th minute, where a clumsy mistake from Unai Simon lead to a penalty for Croatia because of a foul made by Rodri on Bruno Petkovic. Petkovic took the penalty, but Simon saved his effort. He turned it in on the rebound from a pass from Perisic, but the referee ruled it offside because of Petkovic being in an offside position. Croatia could not find a way back or a consolation goal, meaning Spain would keep their 3-0 lead and take the three points from Berlin. Spain was up and running while Croatia had work to do. 

Earlier on that day, Hungary and Switzerland faced off from each other in Cologne. This would be their first encounter with each other in a major tournament in 86 years. At 45 minutes, Switzerland were leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebisher. Hungary got a goal back thanks to Barnabus Varga midway through the second half, but Breel Embolo's last-minute goal sealed a 3-1 victory and three points for the Swiss. After Spain and Croatia's meeting, the attention turned to Dortmund when reigning champions Italy faced Albania, who are making only their second appearance in the tournament. Albania stunned Italy by going ahead within 23 seconds, scoring the quickest goal in UEFA EURO history, with Nedim Bajrami. However, 15 minutes later, goals from Inter Milan stars, Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella, turned the game on it's head, while sealing a 2-1 win for the Azzurri. 

Picture Above: Spanish players celebrating their third goal while Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric, looks dejected

Day 3:

Poland vs Netherlands (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg)

Slovenia vs Denmark (MHPArena, Stuttgart)

Serbia vs England (Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen)

*2020 finals were played in 2021

The opening match of group D, between Poland and the Netherlands was the first game in store for us of Day 3 of the EUROs. The match took place in the infamous Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, home of former Bundesliga and European Cup champions, Hamburger SV. Poland were without their star striker, Robert Lewandowski who picked up a hamstring injury during the warmup matches before the EUROs, so they had to start Adam Buksa of Antalyaspor. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is set to captain the Netherlands at his first European Championship, as he had to miss the 2020* finals because of picking up an ACL injury earlier on that season. Netherlands were also without star midfielders, Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners, who both picked up injuries before the tournament, leaving them to be withdrawn from the squad. In the match, it looked like Netherlands would find the first goal of the game, but, it was Poland who shocked the stadium, after going ahead within the 16th minute. Buksa was Poland's goalscorer, as he managed to head away from a corner, shocking the Dutch while bringing jubilation to the Polish. However, unfortunately for Poland, their joy would only last less than 15 minutes. Cody Gakpo, the Dutch winger, took the ball and drove into the Polish danger area. His shot took a deflection of Bartosz Salamon, but managed to trick Szczesny and find it's way into the back of the net. Unfortunately, that would all for the first half in Hamburg, with the scores tied 1-1 with anyone able to snatch the lead. For most of the second half, both Poland and Netherlands pushed to find a potential winner. Both teams had great chance, but neither could find the goal that would potentially grab them the three points. Finally, after almost 40 minutes of play, the Netherlands finally found their goal. Wout Weghorst, just moments after coming on as a substitute, managed to tuck away a first time finish past the Polish goalkeeper, bringing jubilation from the supporters in red and white to the supporters in orange. Unfortunately for Poland, they couldn't find an equalizer, and would have to start their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to the Dutch.

Later on in the day, Slovenia played their first game in a major tournament since the 2010 World Cup, as they took on Denmark in Stuttgart, as well as their first EURO match since 2000. Denmark, were appearing in consequetive EUROs for the first time since 2004. Despite losing their first two group games, Denmark made it all the way to the semi-finals as the underdogs in the Pan-European tournament last time. Denmark took an early lead as Christian Eriksen scored in his first EURO game since suffering a cardiac arrest in June 2021. However, that wouldn't be enough to seal the three points for the Danes, as Erik Janza of Slovenia hit home a thunderous strike to earn Slovenia a point on their EURO return. In Gelsenkirchen, previous runners-up, England took on Serbia, who were also returning to the competition for the first time since 2000. England looked to end their 58 year wait for a major trophy, if they were to emerge victorious here in Germany. The Three Lions managed to get off to a flying start, a managing to defeat the Serbs 1-0, courtesy of a early header by starman, Jude Bellingham, who had a stellar season with Real Madrid, winning La Liga and the Champions League while winning player of the season in La Liga and young player of the season in the Champions League. 

Picture Above: Netherlands players celebrating Wout Weghorst's last minute winner

Day 4: 

Romania vs Ukraine (Allianz Arena, Munich)

Belgium vs Slovakia (Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt)

Austria vs France (Dusserdolf Arena, Dusserdolf)

*2020 finals were played in 2021

On Monday night, previous World Cup runners France started their campaign in Dusseldorf, playing against a revolutionized Austrian team. France were one of the favourites to win the whole competition, with their amazing squad filled with incredible players, but their star man, Kylian Mbappé, is arguably the best player in the world right now and is set to captain the team at his first major tournament.This will be Didier Deschamps's third EURO in which he will appear as manager for the French team, and he's looking to add a EURO winners medal to his name as coach, having previously done it as a player and captain of the French team that won the EUROs in 2000. Austria look to upset the World Cup finalists here in Dusseldorf and potentially make it out of Group D. Austria have made stunning progress under manager, Ralf Rangnick, who took over in 2022, having lost only once in 2023 and defeating huge nations like Croatia, Italy and Germany since he took over. For most of the first half, both sides had clinical attacks on goal, with both of them close to breaking the deadlock several times. In the 38th minute, Kylian Mbappé skillfully dribbled past the Austrian defence and crossed it into the penalty area, finally breaking the deadlock after over half an hour of clinical attacks. However, the goal wouldn't be scored by a Frenchmen. The ball came of the head of Maximillian Wober and went into the Austrian net. It was a moment to forget for the Borussia Monchengladbach defender. The teams would end the half with a 1-0 lead for France. In the second half, both sides had a fair share of attacks, but neither could find the goal to equalize or double the lead. Towards the end of the match, Mbappe was involved in a collision with anoher Austrian defender, resulting in a blood nose for the Parisian striker. Mbappe was then subbed off for this minor injury, with Olivier Giroud taking his place. Giroud has announced that EURO 2024 would be his final tournament before international retirement. He would have a international career to remember, as he won the World Cup and the Nations League with the team, as well as surpassing Thierry Henry's record as the highest goalscorer for the team. Fortunately for France, Wober's own goal would be enough to guarantee them a winning start to EURO 2024.

Earlier on that day, Munich hosted its second match of the EUROs, hosting the opening match of Group E between Romania and Ukraine. Romania is playing in their first European Championship after their absence in the 2020* finals. Ukraine had an impressive run in the last EUROs, making the quarter finals, which is their best finish in their history. Despite Ukraine being heavy favourites to win here, Romania stunned everyone in the Allianz Arena, winning 3-0, while scoring two goals in four minutes early in the second half. The goals for Romania came from Nicolae Stanciu, Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus. Later on, Belgium and Slovakia started off their tournament in Frankfurt. Slovakia is only making their third appearance in the European Championship, with their best performance being in their debut campaign in 2016, making the Round of 16. On the other hand, Belgium holds the 3rd rank in the world, finished in the quarterfinals, losing to eventual champions, Italy. Despite the Belgians being heavy favourites to grab to win in Frankfurt, Slovakia snatched the three points and the decisive win, with an early goal by Ivan Schranz. Belgium managed to grab two goals, both from Romelu Lukaku, but both goals being overturned by VAR, one by an offside position and one from a handball from one of the Belgians on the buildup of the goal. 

Picture Above: French players celebrating their only goal of the game

Day 5: 

Turkey vs Georgia (Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund)

Portugal vs Czech Republic (Red Bull Arena, Leipzig)

Leipzig hosted its first match of the competition, when it hosted an encounter between Portugal and the Czech Republic. Portuguese striker and captain Cristiano Ronaldo made history when the coach included his name in the starting lineup. He became the only player to appear and play in 6 European Championships, having played for them since EURO 2004. Ronaldo's first goal for Portugal even came against Greece in the opening game of EURO 2004. Portuguese defender Pepe also made history by becoming the oldest appearance maker in the history of the EUROs at 41 years and 113 days. Czech Republic finished joint-top of their qualifying group, alongside Albania, but missed out on top spot because of goal difference. In the first half, both teams had a fair amount of attacks, but after 45 minutes, neither team could find the breakthrough. Finally, after an hour of playing, the deadlock was finally in the 62nd minute, Lukas Provod hit a fabulous strike which hit the post before going into the back of Diogo Costa's net. However, Portugal wouldn't be behind for long. 7 minutes after Provod's goal, the 2016 champions hit back. After the Czech keeper saved an initial shot, it bounced back to Robin Hranac as he accidentally tapped it into his own net, equalizing the match for Portugal. For the rest of the match, the Portuguese and the Czechs attacked with force, but neither could find the goal to potentially win the game. Finally, in the 92nd minute of the game, Portugal won the match as 21-year-old, Francisco Conceicao won the match in the last minute of the game, scoring his first international goal to win the game for Portugal, and guarantee them a winning start to EURO 2024.

In Dortmund, Turkey kicked off their tournament against debutants, Georgia. Georgia is making their first appearance in the EUROs in their history, after qualifying from a dramatic shootout in Tbilisi against Greece in the play-off final. Turkey is making their 3rd consecutive appearance in the EUROs, while surprising everyone in 2008 by reaching the semifinals. Turkey was off to a flying start, taking the lead within 25 minutes, when Mert Muldur smashed the ball into the back of the Georgia net with an incredible volley. Georgia wouldn't give up, because only 7 minutes later, Georges Mikautadze tapped the ball past Mert Gunok, and made history by becoming the first ever goalscorer for Georgia at a major tournament. The teams would then go into the half drawing 1-1. In the second half, the teenage sensation, Arda Guler, beautifully curled an amazing shot into the back of Giorgi Marmadashvili's net. That goal might've just announced Guler to the world stage. In the seventh minute of extra time, Marmadashvili was out of his goal helping Georgia score to grab a point, but Turkey managed to take advantage as Kerem Artukoglu managed to tuck away an easy goal into an open net, sealing the three points and a winning start for Turkey.  

Picture Above: Portuguese player, Francisco Conceicao, taking his shit off to celebrate scoring the winner for Portugal.

The first round of matches of the EUROs has come and gone just like that. Europe's most elite country competition is back with a bang. We witnessed some high-scoring matches, lots of shocks and surprises, and some incredible last-gasp moments. The EURO Blog will be back soon as we review the second round of matches in Germany.