⚽ EURO 2024 TOURNAMENT - Discussion Thread

[mv1986]

This was the tournament I thought maybe Turkiye would go far though I did not believe they would replicate what Greece did by not only getting to but also winning the final all those years ago. In both cases, both teams were clearly underdogs. What Greece did when they beat Portugal in the Euro final in 2004 shows how difficult it is to win the tournament.

Even after Netherlands scored those two goals just six minutes apart, Turkiye were fighting to try to get an equaliser. In my opinion they deserved a 2-2 draw at the full-time whistle.

As for England, they have been playing atrociously bad in the tournament yet are in the semi-final. If they made it to the final they would have to be the most undeserving team to have done so. Alongside them, France also have been playing bad, they did not manage a single goal from open play all tournament yet are in the semi-final.

I am still expecting Spain to play Netherlands in the final.

Greece won the 2004 tournament in a very interesting way. The group stage was average with a win, a draw and a loss, but then they had such a fierce defense. They won the final rounds without conceding a single goal against three teams that all finished their group stages first with a combined goal count of 21 goals. They all scored 7 goals in the group stage. It is quite remarkable that Greece was in for the lucky punch all game long and then they relied on their defense to its fullest. Impressive to this date and the coach was good old Otto Rehagel, a German icon when it comes to coaches! What a character! Intense and hilarious, funny to watch!


I thought the Netherlands would make it, but it was the first time the English team lived up to their potential while the Netherlands couldn't handle the heat. Awesome goal by Simons, very questionable penalty that took away some of the initial confidence from the Netherlands, and then England was the superior team after all.

It is going to be a great match against Spain for sure, but I'd see Spain as being the 55:45 favorite.

[Woodie]

At the moment, the odds for the final are as follows:

2.40 - 2.90 - 3.55

Spain is the favorite, but is rated significantly worse than 50%, England is worse than 30%. It seems that everything looks +- fair, but it seems to me that Spain is undervalued and there is value at odds of 2.40.
In the final, motivation (or rather adrenaline or, on the contrary, destructive excitement) may change the balance of power of the teams “on paper”, but if these were ordinary games, then I would say that Spain should be rated as 2.0

Knowing very well that Spain are a better team than England by far, I think the odds for a Spain win are more than generous here as I expected to see them around 1.5 odds or something...unless the bookies expect England to play a tight defensive game that won't allow Spain to find  the back of the net in 90 minutes.

Just thinking about this game gives me goosebumps, can't wait to have a blockbuster of game come Sunday

[JollyGood]

Simons scored a brilliant goal. It seemed as though he put all the power he had within him through the strike therefore lost balance as he hit it. I think the penalty against Netherlands was very harsh but after watching replays I understood that if the high boot connected with Kane anywhere else on the pitch it would have been a free-kick therefore for England. I think you can understand why the referee awarded England with the spot kick.

We all know Spain has been brilliant throughout the tournament and England have been below average but both sides need to reset. I hope the best team on the day wins the final.

I thought the Netherlands would make it, but it was the first time the English team lived up to their potential while the Netherlands couldn't handle the heat. Awesome goal by Simons, very questionable penalty that took away some of the initial confidence from the Netherlands, and then England was the superior team after all.

It is going to be a great match against Spain for sure, but I'd see Spain as being the 55:45 favorite.

[CLS63]

This Sunday the winner of the trophy is going to be decided. I'm still hoping for England to break their bad luck finally and help my bet win at the same time as well.    But I'm aware of the fact that Spain are a really dominant favourite in this match. Their football is much better than Southgate's. I don't feel like England can win in regular time but if it extends to extra time or even penalties then I believe England would have a better chance.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

Honestly, this year's Ballon D'or shortlisted players are arguably the worst we've seen since it was founded, with Vini and Bellingham both ahead on the power ranking - I mean, Foden and Palmer had better individual seasons than these guys. This is not to say that any of these players deserve it, but it is worth noting that Madrid PR has done more harm than good to this award over the years. None of these players deserves it more than Rodri, but football these days is all about goals and assists, with no mention of ball recoveries and game influencing.

What has to be addressed is the era of Ronaldo and Messi dominating the Ballon d'Or is over, they will never win it again.

You aren't wrong there buddy, those two set high standards that good players couldn't meet up to irrespective of how well they performed. Glad we are done with their two and we can go back to enjoying good football and not always debating about the stats. I don't agree that the shortlisted players are the worst to be considered, they aren't the goats to have outstanding stats but don't forget we have had winners with more worse stats. R9 won the ballon d'Or in 2002 with a poor stats but nothing is been said about that because then stats wasn't the norm but we actually watch the game and saw the players playing good football.

For the finals, England are getting hated on by the Germans press and there has been stories of England cheating their way to the finals. What we called luck, the German has other storyline to go with e.g England accused of 'cheating way into Euro 2024 final' as German press fume. The drama that would unfold if England finally wins a trophy on Germany soil after all the chanting that they don't deserve to be in the finals, is going to be crazy.

[Ultegra134]

For the finals, England are getting hated on by the Germans press and there has been stories of England cheating their way to the finals. What we called luck, the German has other storyline to go with e.g England accused of 'cheating way into Euro 2024 final' as German press fume. The drama that would unfold if England finally wins a trophy on Germany soil after all the chanting that they don't deserve to be in the finals, is going to be crazy.

I don't understand how the Germans claim that England cheated their way into the finals of Euro 2024; either it's not clearly stated in the article or I'm missing something. Unfortunately, I didn't watch the game against the Netherlands, and to be honest, the result surprised me as well; I was expecting them to win. However, the point that England cheated their way while Spain has impressed throughout the tournament (which is true) sounds false. It's not like England hasn't had a decent performance in the tournament.

And even if that were the case, how could a team cheat on such a large-scale event? Am I understanding something wrong?

[CLS63]

When it comes to this year's Ballon d'Or prize, I think Rodri is going to have a significant chance to get it if Spain become champions in Euro 2024. People have been talking about the same thing too as far as I can see. I also believe it would be a deserved prize for Rodri. People shouldn't understand this prize like it is given to players with most goals or assists. Rodri had an amazing season with Manchester City. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. 

[tokeweed]

^  What do you guys think of Rodri anytime goal scorer at 7.60?  I've seen him play but I'm not really sure how he's doing in this tourney.  I just heard a couple of things from some guys I talk football with...  All of them good.

And yeah, he's one of the best and trained under the tutelage of Guardiola.  I don't think he'd come out the same if he didn't play for City.

And what's with all the talks about England cheating its way to the finals? 

[mv1986]

Simons scored a brilliant goal. It seemed as though he put all the power he had within him through the strike therefore lost balance as he hit it. I think the penalty against Netherlands was very harsh but after watching replays I understood that if the high boot connected with Kane anywhere else on the pitch it would have been a free-kick therefore for England. I think you can understand why the referee awarded England with the spot kick.

We all know Spain has been brilliant throughout the tournament and England have been below average but both sides need to reset. I hope the best team on the day wins the final.

~

That goal was pure positive desperation. Not only that he fell down, but his face! I watched it very closely on slow motion and I enjoyed how he desperately knew that it needed his everything to put that ball into the top left of the goal. But what I found so impressive about the goal is the precision despite losing somehow balance. I say somehow because when someone hits the ball like that, I believe there must still be some intention behind the entire movement. But anyway, that guy has some great years ahead of him. A hard worker, great dribbler, so far impressive finisher (one goal got taken away from him vs. France, which I think was questionable). Great player!

[JollyGood]

This Sunday the winner of the trophy is going to be decided. I'm still hoping for England to break their bad luck finally and help my bet win at the same time as well.    But I'm aware of the fact that Spain are a really dominant favourite in this match. Their football is much better than Southgate's. I don't feel like England can win in regular time but if it extends to extra time or even penalties then I believe England would have a better chance.

Well, history has shown us when it comes to penalties the best team does not always win. Spain and England both will try to settle the game before the 90 minutes full-time whistle is blown.

Thank you for mentioning him. You just brought back memories of that magnificent footballer, the great Brazilian genius Ronaldo Luís Nazario de Lima known simply as either Ronaldo or Il Fenomeno.  And what a name the media, teammates, opponents, spectators and commentators had for him, he really was a phenomenon. I remember that single season he spent under Bobby Robson at Barcelona, it was one of the most amazing single season performances by an individual player ever. Simply stunning.

That goal was pure positive desperation. Not only that he fell down, but his face! I watched it very closely on slow motion and I enjoyed how he desperately knew that it needed his everything to put that ball into the top left of the goal. But what I found so impressive about the goal is the precision despite losing somehow balance. I say somehow because when someone hits the ball like that, I believe there must still be some intention behind the entire movement. But anyway, that guy has some great years ahead of him. A hard worker, great dribbler, so far impressive finisher (one goal got taken away from him vs. France, which I think was questionable). Great player!

Still, was an absolutely brilliant strike to find the top corner with power and precision. In the end it did not help his team but that is the way things go in a football match. Sometimes results do not go the way it seems as moment shifts throughout the games.

[zarintasnim]

We will have to wait some more time to see who will win the Euros. Both teams played very good football and they reached the final. Spain played very good football. Olmor and Yeamal are in a very good rhythm.  Dani Olmor has scored three goals in this tournament.  He is one of the contenders for the Golden Boot. England Judi Balham is playing very good football. Especially in the last sixteen, the team scored the team to win. Both teams have got enough time to correct their mistakes before the final. The two teams in the final are ready for a tough fight.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

However, the point that England cheated their way while Spain has impressed throughout the tournament (which is true) sounds false. It's not like England hasn't had a decent performance in the tournament.

And even if that were the case, how could a team cheat on such a large-scale event? Am I understanding something wrong?

A tournament as big as this isn't complete without a controversy and it's always started by the media or fans. The problem is from England goal ‘shouldn't have stood’ as controversial replay from Euro 2024 win surfaces but it might just be fans speaking and it got to the German media. I don't think England cheated, bribe the referee or guilty of any other propaganda. They have just be the lucky ones and it has gotten them to the finals. Other teams would wish for the same luck but unfortunately they aren't the one having it. If it was meant to be, England is going to win the tournament. England had the more inform team (Players on the England bench would had been starters for some other teams) alot of players didn't have enough minutes  but that's how it happens sometimes.

I just wish Southgate don't get pressure to start players that haven't been playing before then mess everything up and lose the trophy to Spain. Southgate needs to relax and still give his trust to the players that have been playing so far to bring the team this far. I'm a Chelsea fan and would had love to see Cole Palmer get more playing time but I think his position in the team is best suited as a game changer and he should come in from the bench to change things if England is finding it difficult to break the Spanish defense.

[JollyGood]

The final takes place today:

Spain vs England

How many people here would think England will beat Spain? I am confident Spain will win the game because they have been excellent throughout the tournament. England have only managed to get to the final through good fortune even though they played abysmal.

[boltz]

The final takes place today:

Spain vs England

How many people here would think England will beat Spain? I am confident Spain will win the game because they have been excellent throughout the tournament. England have only managed to get to the final through good fortune even though they played abysmal.

Well , I think most of the football fans are with Spain tonight and they are also favorites of the bookies by far but we forget that England were the actual favorites to win before Euro started and that's why I still think they will emerge victorious tonight by lifting the trophy and finally bring home their first Euro.

I would also not exclude to see extra time and even penalties tonight and if this happens , I also do see England to win.

[Ultegra134]

Congratulations to Spain for winning the Euro 2024 championship! It was a great match for both teams, but the best team prevailed. A lot of people doubted England, and I was also surprised they reached the finals, but their performance was great nonetheless. It was nice having all of you here and discussing each match, with our speculations, etc.; thankfully, I was right about Spain, and this match was also won, ending the Euro 2024 with a great feeling and heavier pockets!

See you all in the next championship!

[JollyGood]

RESULT:

Spain 2-1 England

Spain are the winners of the Euro 2024 tournament. Congratulations to Spain, they were the best team in the tournament. As for England, they started playing much better after they equalised but in the end the second goal from Spain was enough to win the game.

[Gozie51]

I congratulate Spain for having the best performance at this tournament and at the end they picked the trophy. However, I didn't expect England to give such a fight as they have struggled through to the final. It was a final worthy to watch with the come back goal from Cole Palmer giving England some hope to relish in the match but it took the goal from Oyarzabal at 86 minutes to stop England. Congrats to Spanish team for always coming to the party.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

RESULT:

Spain 2-1 England

Spain are the winners of the Euro 2024 tournament. Congratulations to Spain, they were the best team in the tournament. As for England, they started playing much better after they equalised but in the end the second goal from Spain was enough to win the game.

It's a sad day for the three lions and as an England fan, it's a sad day too. England has become the first team to lose the Euros back to back and that's just a sad record to have. As I was writing this the only thought that was in my head is "Is Harry Kane actually cursed to never win a trophy". Lamine Yamal has been the outstanding player for me in this tournament and it's wild he's just going to be 20 when the next Euro is going to be played. England actually tried their best but Spain we just the better team. England didn't take advantage of their equalized as they should have use that momentum to score another goal. England let Spain come into the game and they were never going to recover. It is a well deserved win from Spain, look at their road to the finals and you'll see that, the better team won.

Now that England has lost the final and Jude Bellingham not having his best performance at the Euros, is Vinícius Jnr going to come back as a contender or it opens doors for other players that weren't getting attention as contenders yo become favourites.

[Igebotz]

Now that England has lost the final and Jude Bellingham not having his best performance at the Euros, is Vinícius Jnr going to come back as a contender or it opens doors for other players that weren't getting attention as contenders yo become favourites.

Spain deserve that one, they were arguably the best team in the tournament, play the most exciting attacking football, it could have been a bitter taste in the mouth if England had won it looking at how they made it to the final.

Re: Bellingham ballon D'or charge; the English media is chilly for the time being, but allow them a day or two and they will start recirculating his club performance while ignoring his Euros gloom show. No one deserves it more than Rodri, but he lacks Madrid PR, so it will undoubtedly go to a Madrid player, and Vini's chances of winning are slim; most of his performance last season was overlooked, and the media was only paying attention to Bellingham, who won the most important match points for Real Madrid last season. Vini deserved it, but Bellingham was the man of the people..

[JollyGood]

I congratulate Spain for having the best performance at this tournament and at the end they picked the trophy. However, I didn't expect England to give such a fight as they have struggled through to the final. It was a final worthy to watch with the come back goal from Cole Palmer giving England some hope to relish in the match but it took the goal from Oyarzabal at 86 minutes to stop England. Congrats to Spanish team for always coming to the party.

After Palmer equalised it really gave England a massive boost and had they carried that forward might even have caused an upset and won. It was not only the fact they equalised but it was the manner in which they equalised. It was a well worked goal with a stunning finish worthy of any cup final. In the end Spain were far too good for England and for that reason deservedly won the tournament. Overall, the game did not deserve to go to extra-time or penalties because Spain were better than England in virtually every aspect.

Now that England has lost the final and Jude Bellingham not having his best performance at the Euros, is Vinícius Jnr going to come back as a contender or it opens doors for other players that weren't getting attention as contenders yo become favourites.

There have not been many consistently outstanding performances in any of the top leagues this season therefore it seems a waste trying to find the best players to make a shortlist from. Having said that, Vinícius Jnr did have an excellent season with Real Madrid but how would it equate to any awards ceremony?