On June 14th the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship officially kicked off in Munich, with a roaring victory of Germany against Scotland for 5-1.
And with that the football fever across Germany, hosting the competition, and Europe has begun to spread. Now is the time that everyone gets a bit closer to football, not only the year round hardcore fans, but also those that just enjoy the spirit of such a cool celebration of unity in diversity bringing people of European countries to challenge each other on and around the football pitch.
If you are not following football too often, you may have a hard time keeping up with all that’s happening, the teams, the players, the coaches, the rules, the venues, the favorites, the history…it can all get easily out of hand and look like you are coming straight from Mars.
Now, being up to date with everything does require time and patience. Still, for less than the time of a penalty shootout, you can read this list of interesting facts not even all the hardcore fans would know. The thing is you don’t need to know where Manuel Neuer was born (Gelsenkirchen anyway, if you are asked) or how old Ronaldo is (incredibly he’s 39) to leave everyone in awe at your football preparation. You just have to know enough stunning facts, so that no matter which game you are watching, you still can drop a couple of bombs and convince everyone you know what you’re talking about!
So, let’s dive into the list that turns you into the most interesting person in the tribune (or in the biergarten). That could be also an amazing opportunity to integrate with to your new home as an expat (you can also read our post to get more tips to read how to quickly integrate: https://www.2espresso2go.com/post/fast-lane-to-integration-how-expat-quick-integration-in-a-new-city-country).
But now, let's start with some basics and get more and more in depth at each bullet point and discover some fun facts about European Football...
Host Country and Cities
Host Country: Germany is the host for Euro 2024. It’s the first time for Germany as a united country (West Germany hosted the tournament in 1988).
Stadiums and Cities: The matches will be played across 10 different cities in Germany. The final will be held on July 14th at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Tournament Format
Increased Participation: Euro 2024 will feature 24 teams divided into 6 groups. Today’s format was first introduced in 2016 increasing teams from previous 16 making it a more inclusive event.
Unique Qualification: In Euro 2020, for the first time, the tournament was held across multiple countries (11 cities) to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the competition. This multi-nation hosting approach was unique in Euro history.
Historical Facts
Historical Context: Germany and Spain are the most successful teams in the European championship with three titles each. Italy won its 2nd title at Euro2020 (actually played in 2021 due to Covid and held for the first time across 11 cities in multiple countries), at the penalty shootout in London against England. Italy ended the longest gap between successive titles, a drought of 53 years, since their first title in 1968.
Back-to-back: Spain is the only team which was able to win the Euro back-to-back in 2008 and 2012.
Nicknames: each team has its own nickname, mostly coming from the jersey colors: here’s a few of the most successful teams: Italians are named azzurri (the light-blues), England is the ThreeLions as for their badge, the French are les bleues (the Blues), the Spanish team wears and are la roja, their red jersey, Germany is simply the Mannschaft (the team), Portugal is A seleção, Netherland the Oranje and Belgium the Rode Duivels (The Red Devils)
Inaugural Tournament: The first UEFA European Championship was held in 1960 in France. Only four teams participated in the final tournament, and the Soviet Union emerged as the first champion by defeating Yugoslavia 2-1 in the final.
Notable Players and Records
Golden Boot Winners: The top goal scorer of the tournament receives the Golden Boot award, won by several legendary players. Michel Platini had the most goals scored in a single edition, with as many as 9 goals in Euro 1984.
Youngest and Oldest Players: The youngest player to appear in a Euro is Jetro Willems of the Netherlands, who was 18 years and 71 days old when he played in Euro 2012. The oldest player to participate is Gábor Király of Hungary, who was 40 years and 86 days old at Euro 2016.
Winning on Home Soil: Only three countries have won the tournament while hosting it: Spain in 1964, Italy in 1968 and 2020, and France in 1984.
Most Appearances by a Player: Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances in the Euro finals, having played in six tournaments from 2004 to 2024.
Most Goals by a Player: Cristiano Ronaldo also holds the record for the most goals scored in Euro finals, with a total of 14 goals across five tournaments.
Oldest Goal Scorer: The oldest player to score in a Euro final tournament is Ivica Vastic of Austria, who scored a penalty against Poland in Euro 2008 at the age of 38 years and 257 days. Can Ronaldo beat this and also make this record his own?
Active Consecutive Participations: Germany holds the longest streak with 14 consecutive appearances since 1972. France comes second with a streak of 9 since 1992.
Fun Facts about European Football and Trivia
Surprise Teams: Denmark, initially failing to qualify but entering the tournament after Yugoslavia was disqualified, won Euro 1992. Greece, considered rank outsiders, won Euro 2004 by defeating hosts Portugal in the final. More recently, Iceland made a memorable debut in Euro when in 2016, reached the quarter-finals defeating England 2-1 in the Round of 16. To qualify to the Round of 16 Iceland previously defeated Austria at the Stade de France. Could you believe that around 10% of the country’s population was at the stadium celebrating Traustason’s goal at 90+4’?
Most meetings: Italy-Spain has been the most recurrent match in the history of the Euro, with 7 matches played and at least a 8th match is scheduled in the group stage in Euro2024.
Players you have to know at Euro2024: Jude Bellingham (20, England, Real Madrid, attacking midfielder), Florian Wirtz (21, Germany, Bayer Leverkusen, attacking midfielder), Kevin De Bruyne (32, Belgium, Manchester City, midfielder), Lamine Yamal (16, Spain, Barcelona, right winger), Kylian Mbappe (25, France, Real Madrid, forward), Musiala (21, Germany, Bayern Munich, winger).
The favorites: according to the bookmakers the favorites this year are (in order of likelihood): England, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Belgium.
A German Thing: Germany holds many records of the competition: most matches played (54), most matches won (28), most goals scored (83), most goals conceded (56)
Keep the list close to you to impress your expat friends, and enjoy Euro2024. The game is on!
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