The much-anticipated 2024 European Football Championship (Euro 2024) is about to kick off on Friday in Germany with the hosts set to entertain Scotland at 10 p.m native time.
For Die Mannschaft, the house Euros characterize a golden alternative to rectify current disappointments.
This summer time’s championship marks their first Euros because the departure of Joachim Low and simply their second main match since his exit after Euro 2020.
The Germans are desperate to make amends for his or her last-16 elimination by England in that match.
Julian Nagelsmann, the youthful coach who beforehand managed Bayern Munich, returns to the “home” dugout on the Allianz Arena in search of the proper begin to Germany’s quest for European stardom.
Despite an underwhelming begin beneath Nagelsmann, Germany enter Friday’s opening match with momentum, having recorded three wins and a draw of their 4 pleasant matches in 2024, together with victories over France and the Netherlands.
On the opposite hand, Scotland, beneath the steerage of Steve Clarke, are aiming for his or her first knockout-round look.
The Scots, who’ve endured a current downturn in type with only one win from their final 9 matches, will depend on the likes of Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, and Stuart Armstrong to make an influence.
Germany will probably be with out some key gamers, together with the likes of Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, and Timo Werner, however are anticipated to area a robust crew led by Barcelona’s İlkay Gündoğan within the No. 10 place.
Scotland, nevertheless, will probably be with out their major striker, Lyndon Dykes, as a consequence of harm.
Tournament construction and format
The monthlong spectacle will function 51 matches, with 24 groups divided into six teams of 4.
The prime two groups from every group, together with the 4 finest third-placed groups, will advance to the knockout stage.
Group stage matches will conclude on June 26, with the spherical of 16 beginning on June 29.
The quarterfinals are slated for July 5-6, and the semifinals will happen on July 9-10 with the grand finale set for Berlin on July 14.
Germany’s second stint as hosts
Germany will host the European Championship for the second time, the primary being in 1988 when West Germany hosted the match.
The 1988 championship noticed the Netherlands conquer the Soviet Union within the closing.
Host cities
Ten cities throughout Germany will host the matches: Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dortmund, Leipzig, Gelsenkirchen, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf.
The opening match will probably be held in Munich, with the ultimate set for Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
The Olympiastadion boasts the most important capability at 71,000 seats, whereas Leipzig Stadium has the smallest with 40,000 seats.
Historic winners
Euro 2024 marks the seventeenth version of the match, with Germany and Spain traditionally essentially the most profitable groups, every having gained three titles.
Italy and France have gained twice, whereas Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Czechia, Greece and the Soviet Union have every lifted the trophy as soon as.
Italy, the reigning champions, gained the delayed 2020 European Championship in 2021, defeating England in a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium after a 1-1 attract common and additional time.
Only three nations have gained the European Championship on dwelling soil: Spain in 1964, Italy in 1968 and France in 1984.
Record-breaking Ronaldo
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo holds the file for many targets in European Championship historical past, with 14 targets throughout 5 tournaments (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020). Ronaldo, 39, can be the participant with essentially the most appearances within the match, having performed in 25 matches.
Other notable scorers embrace France’s Michel Platini (9 targets) and England’s Alan Shearer and France’s Antoine Griezmann (seven targets every).
Officials
Nineteen referees from 15 international locations will officiate the matches.
Countries similar to Germany, England, France and Italy will every have two referees, whereas different nations together with Türkiye, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Argentina will every have one consultant.
Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler will make his European Championship debut, supported by assistants Mustafa Emre Eyisoy and Kerem Ersoy, with Alper Ulusoy serving as Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Source: www.dailysabah.com