What to watch at EURO 2024?

A strange balance

Based on betting odds, England is the number one favorite to win EURO 2024 (3/1 odds, meaning a bet of 1 wins 3). According to Opta's computer, England's probability of winning EURO 2024 is currently the highest (19.95%). Surprisingly, they have never won the EURO. At the other extreme, the reigning EURO champion, Italy, has odds ranging from 14/1 to 18/1, and a 5% probability of winning according to Opta's computer, placing them outside the "favorite" group.

The England team (right) is the number one favorite to win EURO 2024.

This is a rare correlation whenever strong teams enter a major tournament. Depending on their individual perspectives, each fan can make their own judgment: England (or Italy) will win or… not win EURO 2024, without fear of being considered a crazy prediction, because there is some logic to it. In between England and Italy – according to betting markets and Opta's calculations – are France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. It's safe to say they are all neck and neck; no one is overwhelmingly superior or significantly weaker.

For the first time in 20 years, the EURO tournament will not feature the reigning World Cup champion (as the World Cup title is currently held by a South American team). This detail also makes the race in this year's tournament seem more balanced, or even more open. In the current FIFA rankings, there are 8 European teams in the top 10: including the 7 mentioned above and the "dark horse" Croatia – the 2018 World Cup runner-up (the remaining two are, of course, the South American teams Argentina and Brazil). And in the top 25 of the FIFA rankings, all European teams will be present at this year's EURO.

The EURO tournament has always been balanced, with almost every team capable of beating each other whenever they take to the field (this is a unique characteristic that sets the EURO apart from the World Cup and other continental tournaments). Furthermore, the expanded format of 24 teams in the finals means there are virtually no "extra" matches, as everyone has a chance to advance. In the previous tournament (EURO 2020), Denmark lost their first two matches, but they won their final group stage game and progressed straight to the semi-finals.

European football awaits its "new champion".

This is the 17th edition of EURO 1976. In the previous 16 editions, there have been 11 different champions (UEFA counts Czechoslovakia's 1976 EURO victory as part of both the Czech Republic and Slovakia). Yet, there is still a high possibility that a new team will emerge, winning the EURO for the first time. As mentioned, that team is almost certainly England, who have never achieved glory in this tournament. If France or Italy win, one of them will join Spain and Germany as the joint record holder with three EURO titles. If Germany or Spain win, they will be the first team in history to win the EURO four times.

Besides the question of who will win the championship, the next interesting question being awaited at this EURO is how many more personal records Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) will break. He is already a record holder for possessing so many EURO records (5 appearances in the EURO finals, 25 matches played in the EURO, 14 goals scored, goals scored in 5 finals...). Now, there will be even more new numbers every time Ronaldo appears on the field or scores a goal.

Georgia is the only new face at this year's tournament (making their first appearance in the finals). Every year the EUROs have new faces, and most of the teams making their debut in this competition play quite well. So, let's wait and see, rather than hastily ruling Georgia out of this year's tournament.

Waiting to see former star players take charge is also an interesting topic at this EURO. Fans are already familiar with Gareth Southgate (England), Didier Deschamps (France), and Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) in both their roles as players and coaches. This year, the EURO suddenly features a host of new faces on the coaching bench, many of whom were famous during their playing careers. These include Dragan Stojkovic (Serbia), Serhiy Rebrov (Ukraine), Vincenzo Montella (Italy, currently managing Turkey), and Willy Sagnol (France, currently managing Georgia). If they succeed at this EURO, the press will surely devote a lot of space to it.

Finally, we cannot ignore the topic of the host nation, Germany. Having suffered crushing defeats in the latter half of 2023, the Mannschaft went through what was perhaps the darkest period in the team's history. Then, they suddenly bounced back right before the EURO, reigniting hope among their fans.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE SQUAD OF EURO 2024

The England squad is valued at approximately $1.63 billion, the highest among all teams participating in EURO 2024. England's value is over $300 million higher than the next-ranked team, France, valued at $1.32 billion. England and France are the two teams valued at over £1 billion and are also the two strongest contenders for the EURO 2024 title. Portugal is the third most valuable team with $1.13 billion. Spain is fourth with $1.04 billion. Host nation Germany is fifth with $916 million. The remaining teams in the top 10 are the Netherlands ($910 million), Italy ($760 million), Belgium ($630 million), Denmark ($466 million), and Ukraine ($408 million).

LN

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xem-gi-tai-euro-2024-185240609222128716.htm