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All eyes are firmly fixed on a stunning summer of sport. Athletics fans have the Olympic Games, basketball lovers, the NBA Finals, and horse racing enthusiasts enjoy the Grand National from Aintree. But those competitions can’t compare to the drama and excitement that awaits those loyal to soccer. Euro 2024 from Germany is fast approaching as the continent’s best teams prepare to battle for the trophy and a place in the history books.
Germany is the home team and will enjoy the backing of a huge crowd. Will they live up to expectations and win the European Championships in their backyard? The host nation has a fantastic record in this competition, including Greece, which lifted the silverware back in 2004. Can Germany repeat Greece’s heroics two decades later? The top online betting apps offer odds on the Euro 2024 champion.
Germany may enjoy home comforts, but they’re not the most popular selection with pundits, sportsbook traders, and online bettors. England is the pre-competition favorite as Gareth Southgate aims to deliver the country’s first trophy since England famously won the World Cup in 1966. They did come close last time when finishing as runners-up at Euro 2020 behind Italy following a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.
Euro 2024 info
What can you expect at Euro 2024? This section provides the most important information. We update readers on the competition, format, best teams, stadiums, and more. In short, if it’s related to this summer’s European Championships and we think it’s worth knowing, you’ll find it here. Remember, when making sports predictions, the more you know about an event, the better your picks.
Euro 2024 is the 17th edition of UEFA’s European Championships. It contains 24 teams with games played across ten venues in as many host cities. The opening ceremony is on Friday, June 14th, with the first game pairing Germany and Scotland in what’s sure to be a thrilling contest. Which team will bag three points at the first time of asking? The locals are certainly favorites, but they’ll be pushed hard by the Tartan Army at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The competing teams are organized into groups of four, with the two best-performing nations progressing to the knockout stages after three games. Followers then enjoy the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and grand final on Sunday, July 14th. You can watch every game, from the opener to the final, live on television and the best live-streaming apps.
Fancy taking a stab at predicting the winner and shooting for the value? There are several tried and trusted ways to predict the champion, including studying the stats and trends, head-to-head scores, and the form of the qualifying rounds. Keep reading as we highlight the competition’s most successful nations. Will the cream rise to the top again in Germany this summer? We can’t wait to find out.
Germany
Germany stands as the undisputed powerhouse of the UEFA European Championship, having lifted the trophy on three occasions. The German national team’s first triumph came in 1972 when they defeated the Soviet Union to claim their maiden European title. They followed it up with another victory in 1980, showcasing their dominance during the tournament’s early years.
However, it was in 1996 that Germany solidified its status as a European football giant, capturing the trophy once again by defeating the Czech Republic in the final. With a blend of tactical acumen, clinical finishing, and unwavering determination, Germany’s triumphs at the Euros have cemented its legacy as one of the tournament’s most successful nations.
Spain
In recent decades, Spain has emerged as a dominant force in international football, and their success at the UEFA European Championship is a testament to their prowess on the continental stage. La Furia Roja broke through in 1964, capturing their first European title by defeating the Soviet Union in the final. However, it was in the 21st century that Spain truly established itself as a footballing powerhouse.
Led by iconic players such as Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Ramos, Spain embarked on a golden era that saw them claim back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012. Their triumphs were marked by a possession-based style of play known as tiki-taka, which mesmerized opponents and captivated fans around the world. With their technical proficiency and tactical sophistication, Spain’s success at the Euros has elevated them to legendary status in the annals of football history.
France
France boasts a rich footballing heritage, and their success at the UEFA European Championship is a testament to the nation’s enduring passion for the beautiful game. Les Bleus secured their first European title in 1984, delighting fans across the country with their scintillating performances on home soil. Led by the mercurial Michel Platini, France showcased an attacking flair that captivated the footballing world.
Nearly two decades later, France once again tasted glory at the Euros, this time on foreign soil. In 2000, they defeated Italy in the final to claim their second European title, capping off a memorable tournament with their trademark blend of skill, flair, and resilience. With a new generation of stars, including Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, poised to carry on the nation’s footballing legacy, France remains a formidable force at the UEFA European Championship.
Italy
Italy’s footballing tradition runs deep, and their success at the UEFA European Championship is a testament to the nation’s enduring commitment to excellence. The Azzurri secured their first European title in 1968, overcoming Yugoslavia in the final to etch their name in footballing history. Italy’s triumph was built on a foundation of defensive solidity and tactical discipline, traits that would become synonymous with Italian football in the years to come.
In 2021, Italy added another chapter to its storied legacy, staging a triumphant run to the European title. Under the guidance of manager Roberto Mancini, the Azzurri dazzled fans with their attacking flair and collective spirit, culminating in a dramatic victory over England in the final. With their fourth European title secured, Italy reaffirmed its status as one of the most successful nations in UEFA European Championship history.
